Blurb：
Five years ago, I caught my fiancé Nico Falcone cheating with my cousin Bianca Rossi. He humiliated me and exiled me from New York. Now, at the New York Families charity gala, Nico offers to make me his mistress—unaware I’m engaged to Don Lucas Moretti, the most powerful man in the city. When Sophia Rossi and her allies mock me, Nico intervenes, but his pity turns to shock as Lucas arrives, claiming me as his future wife. This is a story of revenge, power, and second chances, where Aurora Rossi rises from disgrace to become the queen of the New York mafia.
Content：
I caught my fianc, Nico Falcone, in bed with my own cousin, Bianca Rossi. Right before our wedding.
When I confronted him, he just called the whole thing off and ran me out of New York.
I didnt see him again for five years. Then came the charity gala for the New York Families.
There he was. Nico.
He pulled me aside, saying he felt bad for the state I was in. He offered to make me his mistress.
I told him to go to hell. He got ugly.
The whole room was laughing. Whispering how an outcast like me had no business showing my face in New York.
I clenched my fists, the sound of their mockery ringing in my ears.
Just then, the entire ballroom went dead silent.
Every head bowed in respect.
Don Lucas, the most feared man in New York, was walking slowly toward us.
He stopped right in front of me. With the whole room watching, he dropped to one knee. He took my handthe one Nico had squeezed redand kissed it.
His voice was dangerously low.
Who hurt my future wife?
Chapter 1
Five years. Thats how long it’s been since my ex, Nico Falcone, broke our engagement and my family kicked me out. The next time I see him, he’s married to my cousin, Bianca Rossi. He grabs my hand in secret, offering to keep me as his mistress. He has no idea Im about to marry the most powerful Don of all: Lucas Moretti.
Five years, and Im back at the New York mafias annual charity gala.
Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. The Rossi familys disgraced little artist?
The mocking voice cut through the ballroom’s chatter, sharp and clear.
I stopped and slowly turned.
The senator’s daughter, Sophia, stood behind me, a glass of expensive red wine in her hand. Her little circle of friends fanned out behind her, all of them wearing the same hungry look. The look of people ready for a show.
Five years, Aurora Rossi. Sophias voice was sickly sweet. You still have such unique taste. She paused for effect. Oh, wait. I forgot. Youre not a Rossi anymore, are you? Jilted. Disowned. Almost ended up in jail, didn’t you?
Her eyes raked over me, from head to toe.
My cargo pants were still dusted with plaster from the church walls. My sneakers were worn from hours spent on my knees, bringing angels back to life.
Id just come from St. Anthony’s in the Bronx. Three months of pro bono work.
But here, in a room drowning in Chanel and Armani, I was a ghost from another world.
Surprised? My voice was flat. The feelings mutual.
Oh, darling. She let out a little laugh, raising her voice on purpose. Were not the same. I belong here.
She took a step forward. Too close.
And you you look like youre here to beg.
Red wine flew from her glass in a perfect arc, hitting my white t-shirt. It soaked in instantly, a crimson stain blooming across my chest.
A collective gasp went through the crowd.
Oh my god! Sophia covered her mouth, but her eyes were shining with victory. Aurora, why did you bump into me? This is a 1982 Lafite!
She was a decent actress. Ill give her that.
I glanced down at the stain, then met her eyes again.
Sorry, I said, my voice dead calm. I didnt see you.
Whats that supposed to mean? Her voice turned shrill. You did it on purpose! Everyone saw you!
Heads around us nodded. Of course. No one would cross a senators daughter.
Ladies.
A deep male voice cut in from behind the crowd.
Everyone fell silent. A path cleared instantly.
Nico Falcone moved toward us. The custom suit fit his tall frame perfectly. Five years hadnt changed much. His jaw was sharper, but those deep brown eyes were the same.
So familiar it made my chest ache.
Sophia, he said, his voice dripping with authority. Go get a towel.
But, Mr. Falcone, she
Now.
Sophia shot me a hateful glare before scurrying off. The crowd took the hint and drifted away, giving us space.
Nico stood in front of me, looking down.
Five years, Aurora.
There was something unreadable in his voice.
Thats right, I said.
You look His eyes lingered on my face. Thinner.
I didnt answer.
Europe wasnt kind to you, was it? That classic Nico condescension, wrapped in fake concern. I hear restoring old paintings doesnt pay the bills.
Always assuming everyone was worse off without him.
Im doing just fine, I said.
Are you? He stepped closer. Then why are you here? You wouldn’t come to a Five Families gala unless you were desperate to get back in.
He was so sure of himself. So certain he had me figured out.
Maybe I just wanted a free glass of champagne.
He let out a short laugh.
Still got that fire. His fingers grazed my cheek. Aurora just say the word. Ill put you in a penthouse overlooking the park. Take care of everything.
My blood ran cold.
And the price?
No price. His voice turned soft, intimate. Just come back to me. You won’t have to worry about family politics. Youll just be my woman.
His woman.
Not his wife.
His mistress.
How generous. I took a step back. But no.
His face hardened.
Aurora. He shot forward, his hand clamping around my wrist. Stop playing games. You have nothing left. You think I don’t know?
His hand was warm, but all I felt was disgust.
Let go of me.
You think I havent been watching you? His voice was urgent, raw. I know everything. The charity work in crumbling churches, the shitty little apartments from Rome to Paris
Aurora!
A sweet voice cut through the air.
Nico and I both turned.
My cousin, Bianca Rossithe one who stole him from mewas walking toward us. She wore a deep navy gown, a river of diamonds sparkling at her throat. Five years of marriage had made her look more polished, but I recognized the flicker of alarm in her eyes.
She glided to Nicos side, linked her arm through his, and gave me a perfect, plastic smile.
Aurora. I cant believe youre here.
She paused, her eyes darting between us.
What were you and Nico talking about?
Chapter 2
Nico dropped my wrist like it was on fire.
He immediately turned, pulling Bianca into his side. The move was so smooth it looked rehearsed.
Baby, there you are. He kissed her temple. I was just catching up with Aurora about her travels.
Biancas smile widened.
Oh, thats wonderful! She pressed closer to Nico, a flash of triumph in her eyes as she looked at me. Aurora, you know Ive been so worried about you. Were cousins, after all.
The other guests started to drift back toward us.
Isnt that the Falcones? I hear you two are set to inherit the family business soon. A woman dripping in pearls approached them. Bianca, darling, your charity work is simply divine.
Thank you, Bianca said, dipping her head shyly. She played the part of the adoring wife perfectly.
More people joined the circle of flatterers.
Youre a lucky man, Nico.
That donation to the childrens hospital last month
You two are a perfect match.
I was the outsider at their little love fest.
And this is? The womans eyes slid over to me, her lip curling in distaste.
My cousin, Aurora Rossi, Bianca said before I could speak. She just got back from Europe.
The whispers started immediately.
Rossi isnt that the one
The scandal from five years ago
Heard she was thrown out
She certainly looks the part
Biancas face filled with faux concern.
Aurora, darling, it must have been so hard for you all these years. Her voice was thick with pity. I always wanted to help, but you left so suddenly
She paused, a sharp glint in her eye.
But now that youre back, I know just the thing! She clapped her hands together. Mr. Hoffman!
A fat man in his sixties waddled over. His bald head gleamed under the chandeliers, and his hands were covered in tacky gold rings.
I knew him. Charles Hoffman. A notorious loan shark with a filthy reputation.
Bianca, my dear. His voice was as greasy as he looked. What can I do for you?
Mr. Hoffman, Id love for you to meet my cousin. Biancas grip was like a vise on my arm. Aurora is quite the art expert. Im sure you two will find plenty to talk about.
Charless beady little eyes sized me up, and his gaze made my stomach turn.
An art expert? He licked his greasy lips. Im in the market for a new protge. Someone with an eye for the finer things.
The people around us chuckled knowingly.
Id had enough.
Bianca. I pulled my arm from her grasp, my voice dangerously calm. Why the rush to marry me off? Worried I came back for him?
Her smile froze.
What did you say?
You heard me. I looked around at the silent crowd. After all, just two minutes ago, your husband was offering to set me up in a penthouse apartment if Id just say yes.
Dead silence.
Every eye in the circle ricocheted between the three of us.
Nicos face turned to stone.
Aurora, what the hell are you talking about
A penthouse overlooking Central Park, I added calmly. His words, not mine.
Biancas eyes instantly welled up. Tears gathered on her lashes.
Nico Her voice trembled, full of hurt and disbelief. Is that is that true?
She looked so fragile, so innocent. A flower in a storm.
The perfect victim.
The crowd looked at her with pity, and at me with disgust.
That Rossi girl has no shame.
How could she say something so cruel?
In public, no less
Biancas tears finally fell. She clutched Nicos arm like a lifeline.
I I was only trying to help her she choked out. I never thought she would do this to me
The whole party was now focused on the drama. A charity gala turned into a gossip column.
I didnt care. I just looked away.
Enough.
Nicos voice was low and furious.
Chapter 3
Nico pulled Bianca tight against him, letting her bury her face in his chest.
Look at you, Aurora. His gaze cut into me like a knife. This is why I left you. Youve always been this vicious, jealous, and out of control.
Bianca sobbed quietly in his arms, the picture of a wounded bird.
You come back after five years, and youre still the same, he seethed. You think youre still the Rossi familys little princess? Wake up, Aurora. Youre not fit to shine Biancas shoes.
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.
Then he did something that made everyone gasp.
He grabbed Biancas face and kissed her. Hard. Right there in front of everyone.
It wasnt a polite, social kiss. It was possessive, raw, and meant to be a show.
Bianca looked surprised for a second, then melted into it, wrapping her arms around his neck. They kissed like they wanted the whole world to see how in love they were.
Applause and whistles broke out.
Now thats love!
So romantic!
I watched the performance, my face a blank mask.
No pain. No jealousy. Not even anger.
Just a deep, bone-weary exhaustion.
Thats funny, I said softly.
My voice wasn’t loud, but in the sudden quiet, it carried.
They broke apart. Nico looked at me, a smirk on his face, waiting for me to shatter.
I let a small, cold smile touch my lips. You know, Bianca? He kisses you the same way he used to kiss me. At the Hamptons lake house.
The color drained from Biancas face.
He even does that little thing with his thumb, I continued, my voice sweet as poison. Tracing your jawline. Just like that. Right, Nico?
Dead. Silence.
Everyone held their breath.
The Hamptons lake house. The Falcone familys private retreat. The place Nico and I went after we got engaged.
What was left of it, anyway.
You Biancas voice shook. Why would you bring that up?
Because it was our place, I said, my voice light, like I was talking about the weather. Every room. Every bed. Every corner. We slept in all of them.
Shut up! Nico exploded. You have no shame, Aurora!
No shame? I laughed, a short, bitter sound. Thats rich, coming from you.
The memory hit me like a tidal wave.
Five years ago. One week before our wedding.
I was standing in the dressing room of the Vera Wang boutique, wearing my custom gown. Ivory silk clung to my body, the long train pooling around me like a cloud.
Nicos going to love this, I thought, smiling at my reflection.
My phone rang.
Sweetheart, Im sorry. Nicos voice was tight, rushed. Something came up. An emergency meeting. I cant make it to the fitting.
But you promised
I know, but this is important. Ill make it up to you, okay?
He hung up before I could reply.
I was disappointed, but I understood. He was busy.
After changing, I was scrolling through my phone.
Bianca had posted a new story.
The photo was blurry, taken from a strange angle. A mans muscular back. A womans slender arm wrapped around him.
Both naked.
I tapped the screen to play the video.
And then I heard it. A mans voice, thick with lust. A voice I knew better than my own.
Bianca God, youre so fucking beautiful
It was Nico.
My hands started to shake.
I stared at the background of the photo.
It was the master bedroom of the Hamptons lake house.
Our bedroom.
The room where wed made love countless times.
I didnt even bother to change. I ran out of the boutique in the thousand-dollar fitting dress.
The driver stared at me.
Miss, you
The Hamptons! I screamed. Now! Go!
An hour later, I threw open the doors to the house. I could hear them. Disgusting, wet sounds.
I walked up the stairs, each step a knife in my heart.
The master bedroom door was ajar.
I saw it all.
Nico on top of Bianca. Tangled together.
In our bed.
In the bed where hed promised me forever.
Nico My voice was a broken whisper.
They flew apart.
Bianca scrambled for the sheets to cover herself.
Nicos face was white.
Aurora I can explain
Explain what? I stared at them. Explain why youre fucking my cousin in our bed?
Its not what it looks like
Not what it looks like? I laughed, a hysterical, tearing sound. What is it then? Role-play?
Aurora, calm down Nico got off the bed, tried to come toward me.
Dont touch me! I backed away. You were just inside her!
Just listen to me
Ive heard enough! I turned and ran.
Down the stairs, through the living room, out into the garden.
I just ran, the white dress trailing behind me.
But the shock was too much for my body.
A white-hot pain ripped through my stomach. My legs gave out.
I collapsed on the stone steps at the entrance to the house.
A river of red soaked the ivory silk of my dress.
My baby I cried, my voice raw with despair.
Nico ran out. He saw the blood and his face went even paler.
Call an ambulance! he screamed at Bianca.
But it was too late.
At the hospital, the doctor told me the baby was gone.
Im sorry, he said. Youve had a miscarriage.
I lay on the cold hospital bed, staring at nothing.
Two days later, the elders of both families held a meeting.
This cannot get out, the Falcone patriarch said. The alliance must proceed.
But I said, my voice weak.
No buts. Vincent Rossi, my father, looked at me without an ounce of sympathy. You will marry Nico. The families depend on it.
Chapter 4
I wont marry a traitor.
Then Bianca will marry him, the patriarch said calmly. Shes a Rossi daughter, too.
What? I couldnt believe what I was hearing.
Perhaps Bianca is a better fit for the Falcone family, my father said. Shes more docile. Obedient.
And, the old Don added, his voice like ice, Bianca is whole. She can give the Falcone family a healthy heir.
I sat bolt upright in the bed, rage burning through me.
Are you kidding me? She slept with my fianc!
So what? my father sneered. At least she has discretion. She didnt throw a tantrum and lose a child because of it.
So this is my fault?
It is what it is, the patriarch said, standing up. Nico has chosen Bianca. We will honor his choice.
I looked at Nico, waiting for him to say something. Anything.
He just sat there, silent, refusing to meet my eyes.
Nico I whispered his name one last time.
Aurora, he finally said, his voice flat and empty. Maybe this is for the best.
In that moment, my world ended.
Three days later, I was discharged.
I didnt go home. I went straight to the Hamptons.
I doused the entire house in gasoline.
Then I lit a match.
The flames shot into the sky, burning every memory to ash.
By the time the fire department arrived, the house was a ruin.
Two days after that, the family officially disowned me.
My bank accounts were frozen. My credit cards canceled.
The official story was that Nico and Bianca were the intended match all along.
And me? I was a ghost.
The day I left New York, I saw the headline on a newspaper.
Falcone Heir to Wed Rossi Heiress in Perfect Match of Power and Prestige.
The photo was of Nico and Bianca, smiling at each other.
Like I never existed.
The memory faded.
I was back in the ballroom, facing Nicos furious face.
You want me to apologize? I asked softly.
Now, he growled.
I looked at him, and all I felt was a dead, empty space where my heart used to be.
This man. He was my fianc once.
Now, he was nothing.
I turned my back on him and walked toward the most important table in the entire ballroom.
In the deepest part of the hall, there was one table set apart from the rest. Black tablecloth, silver settings, no flowers, no fuss.
But everyone knew what that table meant.
It was Lucas Morettis table.
The Don of New York. The most feared man in the city. The true ruler of the Five Families.
I walked straight for it.
Behind me, Biancas shrill laugh cut through the silence.
Aurora, darling! Her voice was pure venom. Have you lost your mind? Do you have any idea whose table that is?
I didnt stop.
Thats Don Morettis throne! she shrieked, making sure everyone could hear. Touching it is a death sentence!
A nervous murmur went through the crowd.
My god, shes lost her mind
What is she doing?
Thats suicide
I reached the table and looked at the empty chair. A high-backed throne of black leather, carved with an ancient family crest.
Then, I sat down.
The entire ballroom went completely silent.
Everyone stared at me like I was a madwoman.
Aurora! Nicos roar echoed through the hall. Are you insane?!
He stormed toward me, his face a mask of fury.
Do you have any idea what youve done? His voice was a raw mix of terror and rage. Youre going to get us all killed! The entire Rossi family!
I leaned back in the chair and looked at him calmly.
Get up! He reached for me. Get up right now!
Why? I asked.
Because you dont belong there! He grabbed my arm and yanked me out of the chair.
He used too much force.
I lost my balance and fell, hard. My knee cracked against the marble floor with a sickening thud.
Pain shot up my leg.
I heard a sharp intake of breath from the crowd.
But no one moved to help me.
Nico! Bianca cried out in fake shock. You were too rough!
But I saw the glint of satisfaction in her eyes.
I pushed myself up, my knee screaming in protest.
Enough. I brushed the dust from my pants and looked up at Nico.
This time, I was furious.
I met his terrified eyes, my voice like ice. You want to know why I can sit here?
I tilted my head. Because this is my table.
Nico froze.
I came with my fianc.
Fianc? Biancas laugh was a hysterical shriek. Oh, Aurora, youre delusional! Who would possibly want you
Then why dont you ask him? I cut her off.
I looked past Nico, to the tall figure moving slowly toward us from the entrance.
My fianc is here.
I looked back at Nico.
Dont believe me? I looked past him, a slow smile spreading across my face. Why dont you ask him yourself?
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