The Don’s Secret Family

Leonardo’s expression shifted, and his breathing grew slightly uneven.

“Why do you suddenly want to buy a car again?

“Don’t you already have one?”

“Honey, that old clunker of mine was given to me by Papa back in college. It’s way past its prime and should’ve been replaced long ago. When I pulled into the parking lot today to see you, the guard wouldn’t even let me in when he saw my battered car.

“I had to roll down the window, and only after he recognized me did he let me through.

“A car is part of one’s image. You wouldn’t want me to lose face when I go out, would you?”

Leonardo looked at me, clearly troubled.

“We can put buying a car on the agenda, but it’s not urgent. We should take our time to choose one you truly like.

“Besides, the family is currently having several major transactions going through. The capital involved is no small sum, and the financial pressure is immense. Your car will have to wait.”

So buying me a car meant tight cash flow and financial pressure?

Yet when it came to buying Sienna a house, it was no big deal. Why wasn’t there any pressure then?

“Alright, fine. We’ll wait.”

After lunch, I deliberately returned to the headquarters after he left.

As I stepped out of the elevator, I slowed my steps and heard Sienna chatting with several colleagues nearby.

“Sienna, are wedding bells coming soon?”

“Your boyfriend treats you incredibly well. Luxury car, luxury house, and he even found you a rare cat breed. His devotion to you is truly out of this world.”

“Sienna, when will you introduce us to the handsome, wealthy boyfriend of yours? We’d love to meet him.”

“Soon. He said once he gets through this busy period, he’ll hold the grandest wedding with me.”

She responded to their teasing with a mix of pride and shyness. “Don’t worry. I’ll definitely let you all know when we get married. You must all come.”

Marriage?

I hadn’t even divorced? The legitimate wife is still around?

And he was already thinking about marrying someone else?

I’d be damned if I didn’t see how these two plan to pull this off.

Just then, Sienna spotted me and her face instantly drained of color.

“Donna,” she said as she stood in panic.

I nodded at her and walked over with a smile.

“I heard wedding bells mentioned?

“Who’s getting married? Is the date set?

“It’s been ages since our family had a celebration. What day is it?

“I must go with your Don to share the joy.”

Her face turned ghostly pale as she stammered, “N-No date yet…”

“Oh, not set yet? Well then, you must observe carefully. When choosing a husband, you must find someone of good character, someone who truly treats you well.

“How about I arrange for someone to test his character for you?

“You wouldn’t want to end up with a jerk, would you? That would mean entrusting your whole life to the wrong person.”

I spoke earnestly, meeting her eyes.

“T-That’s not necessary.

“Thank you, Donna.”

Sienna stammered.

I gave her a meaningful look and turned to step into the elevator.

As the doors closed, I caught a glimpse of something dark and unreadable flickering in her large eyes.

If that was how it was, then I wouldn’t mind letting them experience my methods.

Leonardo returned after midnight. The sharp scent of perfume hit me like a punch, nearly making me gag.

Noticing my gaze, he offered a vague excuse, “A few Dons insisted I drink with them.”

Watching him head into the bathroom, I grabbed his phone and saw numerous messages.

They were messages between him and Sienna.

[Darling, thank you for spending New Year’s Eve with me. Love you.

[Darling, our little Juno was so happy, too. It kept meowing, like it was calling for Papa and searching everything for you.]

Every sentence had a “darling.”

[Darling, I love you so much.]

Leonardo replied, [I’m happy, too. Tell our little Juno that tomorrow I’ll take you to buy a castle. Our kitty son deserves the most luxurious one to call home.

[Sweetheart, I’ll give you the best things in the world.

[I love you both!

[Rest early. I’ll pick you up tomorrow. Give me a kiss. ]

Reading their shamelessly saccharine messages, my nausea rose again.

It seemed, in their world, I had already been naturally blocked out.