I Died Before "I Do"

Early the next morning, Cesare barged into my room and kissed me good morning, slow and lingering.

"Noemi, I was gonna take you to pick out your diamond ring today, but the Family's got an important meeting later." He looked almost apologetic. "So I had Sotheby's send over all this year's limited editions. You pick whatever you want."

He paused, then added, "Oh—and that 8.21-carat One of a Kind from Harry Winston. I told 'em to hold it for you. See if you like it."

Like always, what Cesare gave me were one-of-a-kind treasures.

He said they stood for his one-of-a-kind love.

Except that love had already been split—and given to someone else.

After setting everything up, Cesare hurried out of the estate.

I stayed in bed. Quiet. Waiting.

I knew that unfamiliar number would send another update soon—

Just like the first time, when it exposed the hidden home he kept.

Less than half an hour later, a video popped up on my phone.

The Don who was supposed to be at a Family meeting stood in a kitchen, wearing a cute apron that looked ridiculous on a man like him, busy cooking.

The girl behind the camera lifted her hand, flashing the 8.21-carat diamond ring.

"So you wanted the One of a Kind diamond for your wedding ring? Sorry. I guess I got a little spoiled—he gave this world-exclusive diamond to me for carrying his baby."

Fiona Becchi, the college girl Cesare had been keeping for two years, lowered her voice, all fake innocence.

"So what if you're his Donna? I'm the one giving him a child. My baby's gonna be the Don's heir."

She smiled at the camera.

"Tell me—when this is all over, who do you think wins? You... or me?"

My whole body trembled. I forced myself to shut off the screen.

Then I opened the jewelry list Sotheby's had sent.

Just like I expected—the world's only One of a Kind was gone.

So even the gift meant for me wasn't the first choice anymore?

For the rest of the day, I did nothing.

Just sat there with my phone, replaying the photos and videos Fiona sent.

The two of them eating together. Walking side by side.

Cesare even going with her to prenatal classes at the hospital.

***

When Cesare came back, he found me curled up on the bed, clutching my phone with shaking hands.

He crossed the room and pulled me into his arms. His voice tightened. "What's wrong? Why your eyes so red?"

I shut off my phone and wiped my face. "Nothing. Just a bad dream."

His body eased. Guilt flickered across his face as he kissed my forehead. "My fault for leaving you here alone. If I'd known, I wouldn't have gone to that Family meeting... those damn old men."

He helped me get dressed himself, careful—like I might break.

"Ranato said you didn't come downstairs all day. That ain't good. Let's go get some French food. I booked your favorite place."

Ranato was the house manager.

Cesare took me out to a Michelin-starred French restaurant.

Before I even opened the menu, he spoke to the waiter like he'd done this a hundred times. "No cilantro. No oysters. Steak medium-well. Appetizer—pan-seared foie gras. No sweet sauce, black pepper instead. She doesn't like food too sweet."

His eyes skimmed the menu.

"For the main, sole with lemon butter sauce. Light on the salt. Her stomach's been acting up lately."

"And for dessert?" the waiter asked.

He paused for half a second, then answered easy. "Raspberry soufflé. No vanilla ice cream. She hates when it melts too fast."

It all came naturally.

Cesare always knew exactly what I liked—down to the smallest detail, even my stomach.

"Noemi, pick your wedding ring yet? Tomorrow the designer's matching your dress and hair to it. In all of Naples, you're gonna be the most dazzling bride."

Light burned in his eyes. Anticipation in his voice.

After a moment, I said hoarsely, "I picked one. I want the Harry Winston's 'One of a Kind.'"

Cesare froze.