The Don and His Mafia Princess: Book Two of The Costanzo Series - Standalone

CHAPTER 26

I was wrong. So terribly, painfully wrong.

After Stefano took care of me that night, I dared to hope. I thought maybe, just maybe, we had finally bridged the gap between us. That his tenderness, his concern, had opened a door we could both walk through.

But I was a fool to think anything would change.

If anything, things have become worse. I haven't seen or spoken to Stefano since that night. It's like he's vanished into thin air, leaving nothing but silence and unanswered questions in his wake. Did taking care of me disgust him or what? Was showing a moment of vulnerability so terrible that he had to run and hide?

I'm so pissed off at him for his childish behavior; my anger is a living thing that burns in my chest. But I can't even confront him about it because he's avoiding me like the plague. It's maddening, infuriating, and it makes me want to scream.

I can't believe I left home for this. The excuse I used - traveling early for Aurora's birthday - feels hollow now, a lie I told myself as much as others. Santiago wasn't happy about it, but I promised to continue working while in Sicily. Now, I'm counting down the days until I can leave, planning my leave the moment Aurora's party is over.

As for Stefano? He can go fuck himself for all I care at this point. And I mean it this time. I'm done with the hot and cold, the push and pull that leaves me dizzy and heartbroken. He's not worth the pain, not worth the sleepless nights and the constant ache in my chest.

I thought I saw a glimpse of the real Stefano that night, the man behind the mask. But now I wonder if it was just another act, another way to keep me off balance and under his control. Well, I'm through playing his games. No more pining, no more waiting for a man who clearly doesn't give a damn about me or my feelings.

Stefano Costanzo can keep his brooding silence and his mixed signals. I deserve better than crumbs of affection followed by days of cold indifference. I'm done being a pawn in his twisted little game of hot and cold. Once I celebrate Aurora's birthday this weekend, I will be on my next flight back home. Fuck you, Stefano!

I snap out of my thoughts at the sound of footsteps entering the kitchen. Realizing I'd missed breakfast, I'd come down hoping to scrounge up something to eat. The kitchen is warm and smells faintly of fresh bread and coffee, a stark contrast to the turmoil in my mind.

"Hi, Aunt Kat," I greet, resting my chin on my hand, trying to muster a smile.

"How are you, dear?" she asks, reaching for a bottle of rosé and pouring herself a glass.

"I'm good, and you?" I reply, picking up my phone to answer some messages, but my heart isn't in it.

"I'm good, but I'm not so sure about you..." she says, and I pause mid-type, glancing up at her. Her eyes are sharp and observant.

"Why do you say that?" I ask, setting my phone down on the counter, suddenly feeling exposed.

"You look like something is troubling you," she says, sipping her drink. Her gaze is steady, almost maternal.

I sigh, my shoulders slumping. "Is it that obvious?"

"Not really, but I can tell."

"Sorry, I know he's your son, but Stefano... he's making me lose my mind."

Aunt Kat nods, a knowing look in her eye. "I can imagine."

I blink at her, surprised. "You're not shocked?"

She chuckles softly, the sound filling the kitchen with a brief warmth. "I'm married to his father. Believe me, I'm not."

I shake my head, still trying to wrap my mind around it. "But Uncle Enzo adores you. He treats you so well. Stefano, on the other hand..."