I stared at him and smiled bitterly. "Thank you so much. I'll leave now."

I staggered out of the office watching as they all stared at me, pity evident in their eyes. The receptionist looked away. The armed man stationed by the door didn't.

I hailed a cab to head back to the compound. I had nowhere else to go and I needed to pack my things.

I had one goal now: get my passport. Cancel this identity. Erase "Liliana Russo" for good.

The house was quiet when I entered and I was grateful. However, after I grabbed my passport and started coming out, I heard voices in the sitting room.

Putting on a calm facade, I walked out and ignored them. Pietro and Giacomo were having dinner while Nadina was lying on Giacomo's legs. The table was set with Sunday silver. Wine poured. Candles lit.

They looked like a beautiful family. A perfect picture of a deceitful family.

I had barely taken three steps when Giacomo's voice rang out.

"Liliana!"

I didn't stop. However, I felt a painful grip on my arm. I turned to realize Pietro had grabbed me.

"Are you deaf? Can't you hear us calling?" Pietro snarled at me.

I ignored him and yanked my arm away from him. "I don't have time for whatever this is."

Pietro threw his head back and laughed coldly as he suddenly grabbed my bag.

"Kneel and apologize to Nadina for hurting her earlier and then maybe we'll let you leave," Pietro said.

I turned my sad eyes to Giacomo hoping that just maybe he might help me.

But instead, he agreed with Pietro.

"Yes, Liliana. The doctor said if we hadn't come in time Nadina would have bled and died. You almost killed her, so an apology is the least you can do."

I scoffed softly. "I almost killed her? She wanted me dead! I have been through hell for two days and no one asked me anything. Then—"

"It's fine, Giacomo. Let her be, Pietro, she doesn't have to apologize," Nadina interrupted me softly, acting like the victim once again. Her fingertips drifted to the hollow of her throat as she spoke, that delicate little gesture she wore like innocence.

Giacomo suddenly stood up, furious. "No, it's not okay, Nadina. She can't harm you and go scot-free. If you don't apologize this instant, I will punish you, Liliana!"

I shrugged. "I'm not apologizing for what I didn't do, Giacomo. Do your worst."

Giacomo dragged me roughly outside as he grabbed a bottle, smashed it against the stone courtyard.

Pietro shoved me forward.