Her head angled to the side, eyes narrowing with sharp, deliberate interest—as though she were dissecting my face piece by piece, searching for something she already suspected.
“I’ve wanted to mention this since the first time we crossed paths,” she said slowly, a lazy smirk curling her lips. “Has anyone ever told you how alike we look, little sister?”
The words struck like a gunshot.
My breath hitched, and before I could stop myself, my gaze slid to the mirrored wall beside us. The reflection was merciless. Dark hair. Similar eyes. Even the slope of her jaw echoed mine. At a glance, the resemblance was undeniable.
Shame surged hot and fast, tangled with fury. I had always known where I stood in Rocco’s life—never the chosen woman, only the one who filled the space temporarily. But this… this realization was something else entirely. I hadn’t just been a substitute. I’d been molded. Polished. Shaped to resemble the woman he truly wanted.
The understanding cut deeper than any insult ever could.
Under her satisfied stare, my composure finally cracked. The restraint I’d spent years perfecting shattered, replaced by a restless, bitter energy that crawled under my skin. I couldn’t stay there another second. Swallowing hard, I turned abruptly and walked away before she could say another word.
Back in the private dining room, the noise and warmth slowly thawed the chill gripping my veins. My colleagues’ laughter, their easy conversations, the way they treated me like nothing had changed—it grounded me. For a moment, I almost managed to forget her words.
Almost.
The door flew open with a violent slam.
Conversation died instantly.
Rocco stood at the entrance, his gaze sweeping the room until it landed on me. He froze for a heartbeat, something dark and volatile flickering across his face. Then his hands clenched, and he barked my name, sharp and commanding, ordering me out into the hallway.
Unease crawled up my spine, but I followed.
The corridor was dim and cold, the air tight with tension. I barely had time to register the shift before pain exploded across my cheek.
The sound echoed.
It was the first time he had ever laid a hand on me.
Shock rooted me in place. My face burned as I stared at him, waiting—hoping—for regret to surface. It never did. His expression was carved from anger alone.
“Why did you go after Antonella?” he demanded, voice low and coiled. “You knew she was injured. I told you I’d explain everything once we got back—but you couldn’t wait, could you?”
Each word cut almost as sharply as the slap.
Movement caught my attention. Antonella appeared at the far end of the corridor, limping deliberately, her clothes rumpled, a stain blooming across her blouse like part of a carefully staged performance. I opened my mouth to speak, but she stumbled suddenly, gasping loud enough to draw attention.
Rocco moved instantly.
He brushed past me and caught her, lifting her into his arms with practiced ease. The gentleness in his touch made my chest tighten painfully. His voice softened when he spoke to her, stripped of all the fury he’d aimed at me.
“I said I’d bring you over so she could apologize,” he murmured. “Why did you leave?”
Antonella shook her head, tears shimmering in her eyes, though her tone was carefully mild. “It’s nothing. She didn’t mean it. Please don’t be angry,” she said softly, playing the peacemaker.
Then her gaze flicked to me, false concern layered thick in her eyes. “If your fiancé hears about this, it could cause problems. It might even disrupt the alliance.”
At the mention of my brother—the one who had negotiated my marriage like a contract—Rocco’s jaw tightened. But the hesitation lasted only a moment.
“She’s under my authority,” he said coldly. “If she’s crossed a line, it’s my responsibility to correct her.”
A humorless laugh slipped from my throat. “Correct me?” I said bitterly. “Tell me—what crime have I committed? In this life, in business, judgment comes after evidence. And yet you sentenced me without a single fact. Is this how you run your empire?”
His fists curled tighter. “There are no cameras in that hallway,” he snapped. “You knew that. You thought you’d get away with it.”
I stared at him, stunned by his certainty. “No cameras?” I scoffed. “Then on what basis are you so sure it was me?”
His eyes flashed. “Because Antonella wouldn’t lie. She’s not that kind of woman.”
“And I am?” My voice shook despite myself.
Seven years. Seven years of loyalty, of standing beside him through bloodshed, negotiations, and nights meant only for us. And yet, the moment Antonella’s tears appeared, every one of those years was erased. One accusation outweighed everything I had given him.
I saw then that nothing I said would matter.
I turned away. “Believe whatever story you want,” I said flatly.
He shouted after me, ordering me to stop—but I didn’t turn back. My cheek still throbbed, the sting a brutal reminder of where I truly ranked in his world.
Going back to the table wasn’t an option. I wouldn’t poison the night for my colleagues, who had shown me nothing but kindness. Instead, I went to the front desk, settled the bill in full, and sent a short message to the group:
Something urgent came up. Enjoy the food and drinks—this one’s on me.
Then I left.
Each step felt heavy, the weight of the night pressing down on my shoulders, my heart burning with exhaustion—and a quiet, dangerous fury.
