I sat in the airport lounge, my passport and boarding pass tight in my hand, suitcase by my side. The terminal hummed with the anonymous noise of strangers who had no idea that the Don of the Castellano Family's wife was about to vanish. My phone buzzed. Of course, it was him. I took a breath and answered.
"Where are you, baby? Mateo said you weren't—"
"I wasn't feeling well," I said softly. "Bad headache. I went home to rest."
"I'll send Mateo over with some medicine."
"No need," I cut in, keeping my voice steady. "I'm done taking those. I just want to sleep." I let a small pause hang before adding, "But before you get home, there's a little present waiting for you in our room. Please open it."
I could picture it in my head. On the bedside table: the divorce papers, our wedding rings, and the USB with him and Serafina.
He let out a low chuckle. I heard a muffled sound on his end, a moan, and my blood ran cold.
"I will, sweetheart," he said, voice laced with something I already knew. "But I can't go home tonight. Got… important business."
And then I heard it. Serafina's laugh, right there, behind him.
"I'll be home tomorrow," he added like nothing was wrong.
I smiled faintly, my voice calm. "Yeah, sure."
"I love you, sweetheart."
"Mm. Sleep well," I whispered, then ended the call before he could say another word. My hand trembled, but my chest felt lighter than it had in years.
When the boarding gate opened, I stood, clutching my passport like it was the only thing keeping me alive. My phone lit up again with his name. I didn't hesitate. I powered it off.
Stepping onto the plane, I finally felt free. I whispered under my breath, "Goodbye, Marcello. I'm not yours anymore."
