“CLEAR THAT PLACE SETTING! HE OBVIOUSLY DOESN’T CARE ENOUGH TO SHOW UP!” THE MAFIA BOSS’S FIANCÉE HUMILIATED HIS 27-YEAR-OLD MAID FOR SAVING A SEAT FOR HIS BEST FRIEND—BUT WHEN LUCA NOTICED THE MAN’S WIFE STANDING IN THE RESTAURANT DOORWAY WITH BLOOD ON HER BLOUSE, HE SLOWLY PUT DOWN HIS GLASS.
Chapter 2 – The Promise Anthony Refused to Break
Vanessa opened her mouth, but Caroline answered first.
“She asked Anthony to lie about your father.”
Luca didn’t move.
For a moment, the only sound…
THE RED DRESS HID TWO FAMILIES’ PAIN
Chapter 2 – THE NAME THAT SILENCED THE ROOM
“Robert Bellini?”
Teresa whispered the name as though she’d seen a ghost.
Margaret stood beside her, holding the little sewing pouch against her chest.
…
THE SUNDAY DINNER THEY TRIED TO STEAL
Chapter 2 – THE MAN IN ANTONIO’S STUDY
“It was Matteo.”
Teresa’s voice was barely audible.
But Luca heard every word.
He stood beside the warming station, one hand resting protectively against his…
THE WEDDING THAT ERASED HIS FATHER
Chapter 2 – The Promise His Father Believed
“Tell him exactly what you told him about our wedding.”
Luca Moretti’s voice was quiet.
That made it worse.
Vanessa Bellini stood beside the long dining…
THE MAFIA BOSS SAW HIS 78-YEAR-OLD MOTHER PLACE SIX CRUMPLED HUNDRED-DOLLAR BILLS BESIDE HIS CHAMPAGNE GLASS—THEN HIS FIANCÉE SAID, “SHE’S CONFUSED. SHE THINKS SHE HAS TO PAY FOR DINNER,” BEFORE LUCA EVEN ASKED WHY HIS MOTHER WAS TREMBLING.
Chapter 2 – THE SUITCASE BEHIND THE DOOR
“But she said you wouldn’t have to know until I was already gone.”
Those words seemed to take all the air out of the dining room.
Luca Moretti stood perfect…
THE WATCH HE TRIED TO RETURN
Chapter 2 – THE PROMISE SHE TRIED TO ERASE
“Answer me, Vanessa.”
Luca Moretti stood beside Ethan’s chair, one tattooed hand resting on the boy’s shoulder.
His fiancée looked around the dining room….
THE TWO HOURS HE COULDN’T GIVE
Chapter 2 – A QUESTION NO RING COULD ANSWER
Vanessa stared at Luca as though he’d slapped her.
“You’re asking me to defend our marriage in front of the help?”
“No,” Luca answered. “I’m asking you t…
THE PROMISE THAT STOLE HER HOME
Chapter 2 – THE MAN SHE NEVER CHOSE
“No, Mom.”
Luca Moretti’s answer came so quickly that Teresa barely had time to finish her question.
“I never promised another man you would go live with him.”
…
THE SIGNATURE THAT STOLE HER HOME
Chapter 2
“The photograph, Uncle Luca.”
Sophie’s voice was so small that I almost didn’t hear her.
Luca Moretti was still kneeling beside his twelve-year-old niece, one hand resting gently against …
THE MAFIA BOSS SAW HIS 78-YEAR-OLD MOTHER WALK INTO HIS ENGAGEMENT DINNER HOLDING A BROKEN ANSWERING MACHINE, WITH BLACK CASSETTE TAPE TANGLED AROUND HER FINGERS—THEN HIS FIANCÉE SAID, “SHE DESTROYED IT TRYING TO HEAR HER DEAD HUSBAND’S VOICE AGAIN,” BEFORE LUCA EVEN ASKED WHY HIS MOTHER WAS CRYING.
Chapter 2 – THE EMPTY CHAIR BESIDE HIM
Then Luca turned toward the twenty-eight guests sitting beneath the crystal chandeliers.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “Dinner is going to have to wait.”
Vane…