I stepped forward, handing my father a gift, a rare luxury watch, the exact brand he loved. It hadn't even hit the market yet. I worked hard just to get it, hoping that after I left, he'd at least remember me when he saw it.
"Father. Happy birthday," I said softly. "Here's my gift."
They all looked at me like I had just appeared out of nowhere. My father nodded, not even glancing at the paper bag. He smoothed the front of his jacket with both hands and waved over one of the staff to take it and set it with the rest of the gifts like it was nothing special.
Elena beamed as she handed him hers. "Happy birthday, Daddy! I hope you like it!"
My father lit up as he opened her gift like a child unwrapping a treasure. It was just a cheap bottle of berry wine. Ordinary. But his smile made it look like gold.
"I love this, sweetheart! You know how much I adore berry wine!"
If you're the favorite daughter, everything you touch turns to gold, even the cheapest things. If you're not? You're just there.
They left me behind like they always did. Not even a glance back.
I walked to an empty table tucked in the corner, far away from everyone's curious and pitiful eyes. Two of Dante's soldiers stood along the wall nearby, scanning the room out of habit, not for me. As I sat, my father took the stage.
"Good evening, everyone. I'm so happy you're all here," he began, grinning wide. "I want my sweet daughter to come join me on stage."
Applause echoed. Elena stood, glowing in her deep red tulip dress, stealing the spotlight as if she was born for it. Her smile appeared a fraction before her eyes agreed with it, and every man in the room smiled back anyway.
"My sweetheart," Father said, voice full of pride, "thank you for coming into our lives. You're our light, our happiness."
The words stabbed into me like blades.
"Daddy," Elena sniffled, tears in her eyes. "You know how much I love you."
The crowd cooed. My father melted.
"I want everyone to know. Elena DeLuca will be the heir to our family's operations. Everything I have, every title, every territory, will belong to her."
The room went quiet.
Whispers broke out. Murmurs of confusion. I saw two old capos at a far table exchange a look. Traditionally, succession falls to the eldest. But there I was, getting nothing. Not even a single coin.
My hands trembled. My chest tightened. It felt like my simple dress was choking me.