He blinked at me then, and what he said caused a physical reaction. “That my offer of marriage was to Vincenza, not you.”

My heart clenched and my face fell in time. I felt the blood rush out of my face as I took a small step back. “What?”

Ettore watched me step away and frowned. “She declined, obviously. Offered you up in her place.” Oh my God. It felt as though my heart split in two as he muttered an even, “You really didn’t know?”

My eyes began to sting as the lengths of her betrayal sank in. I blinked my tears back. All I could do was shake my head.

He took a single step forward but he seemed to know not to touch me. “Listen. For what it’s worth, I definitely got the better sister.”

Oh God. I know he thought it was a compliment, but, right then, was the wrong thing to say.

“Excuse me.” I turned, starting for the stairs.

I was already half way down when I heard him say, “Vittoria, wait. Baby…”

My heart was thumping in my chest when I stormed into the living area and spotted her sitting poised on the edge of the sofa. “Is it true?”

“Is what true?”

“That you sold me off.”

Ettore walked into the room and Vincenza glanced at him uncaringly. Como watched on from the opposite side of the couch. And, you really had to give Enza credit. She didn’t even deny it. She simply poured the coffee and said, “We would have killed each other.”

I stood there, stunned. She really did it. She sold me off like day-old bread.

My soul splintered. “What did I cost, huh?” She looked at me then, completely unashamed. And then I turned to my husband and asked, “What am I worth?” Nobody answered. My heart raced and I shouted, “What the fuck was I worth?”

Como stood with his hands out. “Vicky, please.”

But Enza finally broke her silence. “A seat at the high table.” She picked up her coffee cup and sipped at it. “You were never meant for this life. You’re too soft.” Too weak, she meant. “And so, I made use of you. My marrying anyone would have been a waste of my life. Papa raised me as a son. I was built to sit on that seat.” She placed her cup down with a gentle clink. “It’s my destiny. It always has been.”

I was right. Everyone had a bargaining chip. And, as it turned out, I was Vincenza’s.