He reached out and pulled me into his office.
The same cheap cherry perfume assaulted my senses the moment I pressed against his body.
I saw the deep red hickeys through his slightly open collar.
A violent wave of nausea hit my stomach.
"What is wrong."
I looked up at him.
My eyes burned with heat.
"Franco. Do you have anything to say to me."
I suddenly felt that Franco was unspeakably dirty.
I felt like a scavenger picking through garbage.
He rejected the idea of explaining.
"I am sorry. I should have come back earlier. I already bought the lobster roll you wanted. Look."
The food was completely cold.
"Franco, would you ever betray me."
"Of course not. Am I that kind of person. I only have you in my heart."
"Is that so."
He raised his voice suddenly.
His guilt turned into defensive anger.
"What is wrong with you. You have been so paranoid lately. I told you we are getting married next month. What more do you want."
My tears could no longer be stopped.
"I am satisfied. Of course I am satisfied. I am very satisfied Franco."
I walked out of the office before he could chase after me.
I ran into Luna by the elevators.
She came to show off.
"Let me tell you the truth. Franco and I have been together for years. I only got into this club because of him."
"Oh. If Franco really loved you, he would never send you to work in a place like this."
"What do you know. Franco said he loves me."
"Really. Then let him try to marry you."
"You."
Luna stamped her foot in anger.
I walked out and got into a waiting car.
I drove past Luna.
She was still standing there grinding her teeth.
Franco came home late that night.
"Siena, the syndicate is opening a new smuggling route. I might need your help."
"What route is it. Is there something you cannot handle."
I asked the question on purpose.
"I just need you to show your face and give me a push."
"Okay."
Franco knew the other side would give face to the Moretti family if I stepped in.
Everyone in New York had to look at the Moretti family's face.
That route would land safely in his hands.
I knew exactly what Franco wanted.
He wanted the leverage of my family behind me.
Everyone knew the sheer power of the Moretti syndicate.
I had fought with my father over Franco.
But I was still the only daughter of the Moretti family.
My father loved me fiercely.
"Do not worry Franco. I will definitely help you when the time comes."
"Thank you Siena. I love you."
Franco leaned in to kiss me.
I shifted my body and dodged him perfectly.
"Franco, I am a bit tired today. I want to rest early."
Franco thought I was just acting out my usual petty temper.
He thought I felt neglected these past few days.
I lay in bed with my back to him.
Franco wrapped his arms around me from behind.
He rested his chin on my shoulder.
He kissed the back of my neck over and over again.
"I am sorry Siena. We will get married as soon as I finish this busy period. I will take a long vacation and we can travel the world."
I kept my back to him.
My eyes were wet.
I truly loved Franco.
But my disappointment was just as real now.
There was only one week left until our seven-year promise.
I would cross my bridge and he would cross his from now on.
We would never see each other again.
