When I got to the hospital, I walked fast. I was about to turn toward the morgue when I passed by a room and froze.

It was Dante's room.

The door was slightly open. I heard Elena crying.

"Mr. Moretti won't be able to race again," the doctor said. "He tore his anterior cruciate ligament."

Elena sobbed. "I'm sorry, honey… You love racing so much…"

The doctor left, and then I saw it. The smile on Dante's face. That look in his eyes, the kind of look he never gave me. The softness, the warmth… all for her.

He never looked at me like that. Not even once.

"It's okay, honey. Don't blame yourself. Stop crying… It hurts me seeing you like this," he said, full of affection.

Elena blushed. "That's why I love you so much."

"And I love you," Dante said. "I'd rather lose racing than lose you."

I felt like throwing up. My heart shattered all over again. Something deep inside me howled.

My hands shook as I turned around, forcing myself to walk toward the morgue.

Then I heard her voice.

"Serafina!"

I turned. Elena was walking toward me, all smiles. That smile arrived a fraction before her eyes agreed with it, and something in my chest went cold.

"Sis, you're here! Why didn't you drop by to visit Damiano?"

"I didn't know you were here," I lied.

"Well, I'm glad you're here anyway. Just wanted to tell you, our sixth wedding anniversary's in two weeks. I really hope you'll come. I don't want you to feel lonely."

Her voice was sweet, but her smile felt like poison.

The same day I planned to leave the Family for good.

"Don't worry. I didn't forget your anniversary," I said flatly.

She tilted her head, pretending to be concerned. "You sure? Maybe you've forgotten after losing your husband."

Something inside me growled, low and dangerous.

"I'll be expecting you," she added.

"I have important things to do," I said, brushing past her. Truth was, I couldn't stand being around her anymore. Or any of them.

After settling the hospital matter, I went back to the compound. My phone pinged while I was getting back to my duties.

It was a message from my father.

[How long are you going to ignore us? You're being stubborn and ungrateful! Just because you're married doesn't mean you can do whatever you want! You never think of your parents—that's why Dante died! Elena is better than you. Be at my birthday. I'll be expecting you.]

I replied: [Okay.]