The next morning, I woke up feeling as though a heavy weight had settled in my chest. The events of last night were still fresh in my mind—Louis leaving me to celebrate with Jane, and the photo of them together that haunted my thoughts. I had blocked Jane's number after that, desperate to put some distance between her smug face and my shattered heart, but the damage was done.

I tried to push the image of them out of my mind as I got ready for the day. Today was another mafia gathering, and my role as Louis’s wife meant I had to show up, look the part, and pretend like everything was fine.

I slid into a sleek black dress, the kind Louis liked, with heels that added a few inches to my height. My reflection in the mirror showed a woman composed, perfectly put together, but inside I was unraveling. I couldn’t let them see that, though—especially not Louis or Jane.

By the time I arrived at the gathering, the room was already buzzing with the usual mix of mafia business and socializing. I scanned the room, trying to spot Louis. Part of me hoped that he’d come to his senses, that he’d approach me with some kind of apology or explanation, but deep down I knew better.

And then I saw them.

Louis and Jane, standing together at the far end of the room. He had his arm casually draped around her shoulders, talking to one of the other members, completely ignoring me as if I didn’t exist. The sight of them together made my stomach churn, but I kept my composure, holding my head high as I walked deeper into the room.

I had to do something to distract myself, to push away the swirling storm of emotions inside me. I needed to feel something—anything—other than the pain of betrayal.

That’s when I saw him: Sebastian, Louis’s second-in-command. He stood off to the side, a drink in hand, watching the scene unfold with his usual cool detachment. He had always been a bit of a mystery to me—loyal to Louis but never too involved in the drama. He was attractive in a rugged way, with dark hair and piercing eyes that always seemed to be analyzing everything around him.

I didn’t think. I acted.

I approached Sebastian with a confidence I didn’t feel, putting on the mask I’d worn so many times before in this life. As I sidled up next to him, I felt his gaze shift to me.

“Sebastian,” I said smoothly, flashing him a smile, “How’s the business?”