I was Alessandro Castellano's secret for three years—loved in private while he planned a wedding to someone else. I convinced myself stolen moments meant something.
I was wrong.
When I finally left, he didn't believe it. "You'll be back," he said, arrogant as ever.
Six months later, I'm thriving. New job, new confidence, new boyfriend who proudly claims me in public. His name? Dante Moretti—Alessandro's biggest rival.
I didn't plan that. But I'm not sorry.
Now Alessandro's at my door at 2 AM, saying his marriage was a mistake. That I'm the only real thing he's ever had. That he'll destroy everything—his empire, his reputation, his perfect life—for another chance.
The old me would've melted. But I'm not her anymore.
Watching him grovel shouldn't feel this good. Watching him realize what he lost shouldn't make my heart race. And I definitely shouldn't wonder if people can change.
Here's the problem: Dante's perfect on paper. Safe, devoted, everything Alessandro wasn't.
But when Alessandro looks at me like I'm his entire world? When he touches me like I'm the only thing that can save him? That's when I remember why I stayed three years.
Now I'm caught between the man who broke me and the man who rebuilt me. Between safe and dangerous. Between my head and my treacherous heart.
They both claim to love me. They're both lying about something.
I'm done being chosen second. This time, I choose myself first. Whoever wants me will prove they deserve me.
The best revenge isn't moving on—it's making him watch while you decide if he gets a second chance.
