Page 60 of Victorious Vice

“I remember the nights spent in the hospital, staring at the ceiling, wondering if I would ever see another sunrise. Each day was a struggle, not just physically but emotionally and mentally. The treatments were brutal. There were days I couldn’t get out of bed, days I wanted to give up. But through it all, I found strength in the love and support of my family. They were my rock, my reason to keep fighting.”

She takes a deep breath, her eyes glistening with emotion.

“My brother Falcon was my greatest support. When the doctors said the traditional treatments for my type of leukemia had failed and that I needed a bone marrow transplant, he was the only match out of three brothers and a twin sister. Without a second thought, he stepped up and gave me the ultimate gift.”

Without a second thought? Raven’s need got him an early release from prison, though I understand why Raven isn’t mentioning that fact. Everyone here knows anyway.

“His bone marrow saved my life. His selfless act cured me, and I stand here today, cancer-free, because of him. Falcon, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Across the room, I see Falcon Bellamy stand up and nod at his sister. He looks good in a tux, but it’s so odd seeing him in anything other than ranch wear. Savannah is beaming next to him in a midnight-blue gown. Neither of them looks at me. They might not even have realized I’m here.

The audience applauds, some wiping away tears.

“But our journey didn’t end there,” she continues, her voice gaining strength. “Surviving cancer gave me a new purpose. I knew I had to give back, to help others facing the same battle. That’s why I founded the Raven’s Wings Foundation. Our mission is to fund research and provide treatment for blood cancers, to give hope to those who need it most.”

She pauses, looking around the room, her gaze firm and determined.

“I want to share a moment that changed my perspective during my treatment. The night after the transplant, I should have been ecstatic, but I was feeling particularly low. I was tired of the pain, the uncertainty. I felt like I was losing myself. My brother Falcon sat beside me, held my hand, and told me that it was okay to be scared, that it was okay to feel weak. He reminded me that being strong doesn’t mean never feeling fear or pain—it means pushing through despite those feelings. It was in that moment that I realized strength isn’t about never falling. It’s about getting back up every time you do.”

I can almost hear the words in Falcon’s voice. He was speaking about his time behind bars. Savannah has told me thathe learned that survival on the inside depended on internal as well as external strength.

The room is silent. I look around at the awed faces. Everyone seems captivated by Raven’s words.

“This foundation is not just about finding a cure. It’s about supporting patients and their families, about providing hope and strength to those in the darkest moments of their lives. Tonight, your generosity will help us continue this vital work. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can give hope to those who need it most.”

She steps back from the microphone and the room erupts in applause. As she makes her way down from the stage, she catches my eye and smiles.

As the applause dies down, I know two things for certain.

One—I’ve given up Raven Bellamy for her own good, but I’ll never love another. Not even the gorgeous woman, my blushing bride, who I brought to this event as my plus-one.

And two?—

I will kill a man tonight to protect her.

19

RAVEN

It’s not difficult to smile at Vinnie.

He’s Vinnie, after all. He may have left me, but I don’t for one minute believe he doesn’t love me. He may have a beautiful young woman on his arm—more beautiful than I could ever be—but I still believe he has feelings for me.

Why else would he be here tonight?

He certainly didn’t have to shell out the three thousand dollars per plate to get a last-minute ticket to the gala.

But he did.

He did it for me. To support my endeavor.

That’s what I choose to think, anyway.

When we talked, his date wasn’t with him. He didn’t mention her, and I didn’t mention her either.

None of my business, after all.

I did my best to paste on a smile and treat him like any other potential donor. I’m a better actress than I thought.

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