At the charity gala, Mattia stood in the center of the crowd with his arm around Ginevra's waist. I lingered in the corner, holding their coats.
During a brief moment when he went to the bar for drinks, Mattia sidled up to me. "Catalina, it's all for show. You know you're the only one I love."
I said nothing.
He frowned, then returned to Ginevra's side and slipped back into his doting routine.
The auction began. As the host introduced the items, a familiar name caught my attention.
"Tears of the Deep" was a sapphire necklace.
It wasn't just jewelry. Three years ago, after Mattia barely survived a setup by his rivals, he'd made a promise from his hospital bed.
He'd pointed to a photo of this very necklace, his eyes red-rimmed, and sworn, "Catalina, once I take over the Vitale empire, I'll buy this and propose to you with it."
"Starting bid is five million." The moment the host finished speaking, Mattia raised his paddle.
"Five million 500 thousand."
"Six million."
He bid repeatedly without hesitation.
My heart pounded as I stood there. Maybe he still remembered that promise. Maybe he'd forgotten our anniversary yesterday because he was planning this surprise.
"15 million dollars, sold!" The host beamed.
"Congratulations, Mr. Vitale. Please come to the stage and present this precious gift to the most important person in your life."
I loosened my grip on the coats. Mattia walked onstage and accepted the necklace. He turned and walked straight toward Ginevra.
I watched him bend down and fasten the necklace around her throat.
Ginevra touched the sapphires and asked loudly enough for everyone to hear, "Matt, this necklace symbolizes 'one true love.' Are you sure it's appropriate to give this to me?"
Mattia spoke into the microphone with that warm smile of his. "Only you deserve something this unique."
Applause erupted. I stood frozen, with my throat tight and unable to breathe. Apparently, five years meant nothing more than a price tag.
During the intermission, Ginevra approached me with a champagne flute. She lifted her chin deliberately, letting the Tears of the Deep catch the light.
"Ms. Ricci, don't you think the necklace Matt gave me is beautiful?"
I stayed silent.
Mattia walked over and slipped his arm around Ginevra's waist. "Catalina, get us two glasses of champagne. And bring a shawl. Ms. Bellini is cold."
His tone was flat, like he was addressing a stranger on his payroll. I turned to get what he asked for.
When I returned with the champagne and shawl, Ginevra reached for the wrap. Her elbow suddenly knocked into the tray in my hands.
The sound of shattering glass rang out as ice-cold liquid soaked through my clothes. Ginevra let out a startled cry. "Oh! Ms. Ricci, why did you bump into me on purpose? You nearly ruined the dress Matt gave me."
Mattia spun around immediately, pulled Ginevra close, and examined her gown from top to bottom. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine, just startled." Ginevra's voice trembled.
Only after confirming she was unharmed did Mattia turn to look at me. His eyes were cold with impatience. "Catalina, what's wrong with you? You can't even handle something this simple."
I opened my mouth to explain that she was the one who bumped into me.
"Enough." His voice cut through the air. "Apologize to Ms. Bellini. Don't ruin her evening."
There was no concern in his eyes—only disdain and irritation.
"I didn't bump into her."
Mattia's expression darkened completely. "You're going to lie about it?"
"I told you, I didn't bump into her."
"Catalina!" He raised his voice. "What the hell is wrong with you tonight?"
I met his gaze head-on. "Mattia, I said I didn't bump into her. I won't apologize for something I didn't do."
He scowled. "Go change your clothes. You're embarrassing yourself."
I laughed, cold and sharp. "No need to kick me out. I wouldn't stay another second in this suffocating place anyway."
Outside the ballroom, my phone buzzed. A message from Papa appeared on the screen. "Everything's ready. In two days, the Vitale casino will be yours."
I stood in the hallway, staring at those words, and laughed. The laughter turned to tears.
Mattia, the game was finally over.
