The Shattered Hand

"Why are you still up?"

The hairs on my neck stood on end.

But when Vincent walked toward me, his eyes held a rare, calculated gentleness.

I kept my face a placid mask.

"Couldn't sleep."

He sat beside me, reaching out to pull me into his arms.

"I went too far tonight." Vincent kissed my forehead. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that in front of everyone."

"It's fine," I said, gently pushing him away. "I understand you have to protect the family's image."

"No," he insisted, taking my hand. "Isabella, you're important to me. More important than anyone."

More important than anyone?

Including Sophia?

"I got you something." Vincent pulled a velvet box from his pocket.

Inside was a diamond necklace that could buy a house.

"Vincent, this is too much..."

"Try it on." He fastened it around my neck himself. "My wife deserves the best."

In the mirror, the diamonds glittered, cold against my skin.

My heart was colder.

"I'm sorry, Isabella," he murmured against my hair. "I know how much those designs meant to you. But your hand… it's over. For the sake of peace in this family, just let them go."

There it was.

The real reason for this show of affection.

"Tonight is just for us," he said, leading me toward the bathroom. "I've neglected you."

"You've been busy. I understand." My body trembled with revulsion, but I let him lead me.

"No, it's my fault." Vincent turned to face me as steam filled the room. "Isabella, I love you. I want you to know that."

He said it with such sincerity, it would have made me weep if I didn't know the truth.

"I love you too," I managed, the words tasting like poison.

He turned on the shower, warm water cascading over us.

"Remember our first time in here?" he asked, his eyes soft with memory. "You were so nervous you could barely let go."

"I remember."

Back then, I thought I'd found my soulmate.

How naive I was.

"Isabella, no matter what happens, I will always protect you," he stroked my face. "You're my wife. No one can hurt you."

Except you, I thought, a silent, bitter laugh catching in my throat.

I fought back the bile and let him have his way with me one last time.

The next day was Don Antonio's 80th birthday party at the family estate.

All the core members of the family were there.

I wore the gown Vincent had chosen and played the part of the dutiful wife on his arm.

"Isabella, you look stunning," the old Don said, kissing my hand. "Vincent is a lucky man."

"Thank you, Godfather."

Halfway through the party, I excused myself.

As I passed the study, I heard Vincent's voice.

"Godfather, how is Sophia?"

"She's four months along, the baby is healthy," Don Antonio replied. "When are you planning to deal with the Isabella situation?"

My heart stopped.

"I'll make Isabella disappear after Sophia gives birth," Vincent said, his voice quiet but laced with deadly resolve. "Then I'll make Sophia the true Mrs. Torrino."

"And the other child?"

"Sophia's child will be my heir," Vincent said without a flicker of hesitation. "As for Isabella... she's served her purpose."

I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood.

This cold, ruthless man was the same one who had whispered lies of love to me just last night.

So that's all I was.

A placeholder.

A tool to be discarded.

And Sophia... pregnant with his child.

He didn’t know my own plan was already in motion.

Just two more days, I thought, a sliver of ice forming around my heart.

Just two more days.