Before she married someone else.

I couldn’t give Cat a gift…

Unless you counted her freedom from me.

I watched somberly as Isabella and Don Vicari made their way up the aisle.

To my left, I saw movement.

Niccolo was pointing at his face and forcing a toothy grin.

I got the message:

Smile.

I sent him a message of my own with my eyes:

Fuck off, asshole.

Then I turned back to Isabella and Don Vicari.

Everything in me felt heavy and depressed.

The woman in the white dress should’ve been Cat.

Today should have beenourwedding.

And the only reason it wasn’t…

Was because I’d fucked it all up.

110

Caterina

Isat in the confessional holding my breath.

I heard footsteps coming down the aisle.

I knew it was the bride and her father…

And my heart broke.

I wanted to cry, but I had to stay quiet, so I forced back my tears.

All I could think was,That should be ME.

That should be ME marrying him today…

Not a woman who doesn’t even love him.

111

Valentino

Don Vicari helped Isabella up the stairs, then took his place on the front pew next to his grandmother.

I noticed that Isabella lingered for a moment, her face towards Ludavica…