Chapter 1

On our twelfth wedding anniversary, I heard my mafia husband tell his right-hand man exactly how my sister tasted.

He said it in Sicilian because he thought I couldn't understand.

I'd spent six months secretly learning the dialect so I could surprise Lorenzo by repeating our wedding vows in his mother tongue.

The vow card was hidden in my clutch. Beside it was the ultrasound photo I planned to show him after I told him I was pregnant.

"How does your new little canary taste?" Marco asked.

Lorenzo's hand remained warm against my waist as he lifted his champagne.

"Like honey. Young, soft, and perfectly sweet." Then he lowered his voice. "Just make sure my Donna never finds out about Bianca."

Bianca. My sister.

The vow card bent in my hand. I loosened my grip before it tore, but the room had already blurred around me. I kept my face still and stepped away from Lorenzo before he could feel me shaking.

Lorenzo turned his attention back to me, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Sienna, are you alright?" he asked.

He straightened the diamond at my throat. His knuckles grazed my skin, and my stomach turned. "You look a bit pale."

"I'm fine," I forced the words out. "Just a little warm."

A small group of older women from the allied families walked past us, offering me warm, admiring smiles.

They whispered just loud enough to be heard about how lucky I was, how Lorenzo treated me like an absolute queen, how devoted he remained after twelve years of marriage.

The irony was cruel. I'd spent six months learning his language to feel closer to him, only for it to reveal his betrayal.

"I need some air." I stepped away from him and went through the French doors without waiting for an answer. Cool night air hit my face as I crossed the terrace to the railing.

My hands shook as I pulled out my phone and opened my email.

Sitting right at the top was an invitation from Dr. Nathan Cole regarding an elite overseas medical reentry program.

I had given up a highly promising medical career twelve years ago to marry Lorenzo, choosing to be the loyal wife he required.

I had ignored Dr. Cole's email for three days, lacking the courage to walk away from a marriage I deeply cherished.

Now, I stared at the green button at the bottom of the message.

I pressed ACCEPT.

A system confirmation screen popped up immediately, logging my response and instructing me to report to the facility in exactly three days.

Three days to pack up twelve years of my life. I dialed Dr. Cole's number. He answered on the second ring.

"Sienna? I just saw the system notification. You're accepting the placement?"

"Yes, Dr. Cole," I said, keeping my voice low and steady. "I'll be there in three days."

"That is fantastic news," he replied, his tone professional but pleased. "I will finalize your enrollment."

"Please don't tell anyone about my decision yet." I ended the call.

"What decision aren't you supposed to tell me about?"