The Don Worth Only One Dollar Chapter 04

The Don Worth Only One Dollar Chapter 04

By the time I finished work for the day, all my personal belongings had been fully sorted and dealt with.

As the elevator carried me downward, a soft, weightless sensation wrapped gently around my body.

Once, in an elevator just like this, he had pressed me against the mirror and kissed me, murmuring lost completely in the heat of the moment, “Bella, how much good fortune did I bank across my past life and this one to deserve marrying you.”

His eyes had been so bright back then.

So bright, in fact, that he might as well have actually believed the utter nonsense spilling from his lips.

I had arranged to meet a local friend to say my farewells.

I booked a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the Hudson River.

I had barely sat down when I saw Vincent saunter in with his arm slung around Lena’s waist. He tilted his head to listen to her, a lazy smile playing on his lips.

Vincent spotted me first.

His steps faltered for a heartbeat, then his smile deepened. Far from avoiding me, he walked straight over.

“You told me you had plans tonight, and this is what they are? Eating alone?”

He pulled out the chair across from me and sat down without so much as asking for permission.

“The filet mignon here is excellent, medium-rare is perfect.” Vincent picked up the wine bottle on my table, twirling it to glance at the label, “But the bottle you ordered is too light. I’ll have the waiter open an older vintage.”

The waiter brought the wine he requested.

Vincent poured two glasses himself, pushing one to me and handing the other to Lena. Lena was in poor physical condition, so she naturally declined the drink.

He asked me, “How does it taste?”

“It’s alright.”

“Just alright?” His smile curved higher, amused, “I remember you used to love this wine. You said it had… that bitter almond aroma that paired perfectly with medium-rare steak.”

“People’s tastes change.” I set down my glass, “The things I thought were wonderful back then? They’re nothing special to me now.”

Vincent’s gaze shuttered for a beat.

He could tell I was talking about him.

But he smiled again quickly, shifting to wrap an arm around Lena’s shoulders.

“Hear that?” He smiled down at her, his tone warm and doting, “Donna is teaching you a lesson. Don’t take men too seriously.”

Lena punched his chest playfully, her voice soft and coy, “What about you? Can I take you seriously?”

“Me?” Vincent lifted his eyes, his gaze landing directly on my face, though he was speaking to her, “Guys like me? You can mess around and have your fun, but don’t ever take me seriously.”

He said it frivolously, sharp with unspoken provocation, clearly expecting me to stand and leave coldly like I used to, to leave the two of them alone.

But I refused to take the bait.

I just picked up my wine glass and took another slow sip.

It was only when I received a message that my friend couldn’t make the appointment due to a last-minute emergency that I stood up.

“My friend is held up by something urgent.” I got to my feet, “Excuse me.”

I was just turning to leave when Lena spoke suddenly, “Sis, it’s Vincent’s birthday next week, we’re throwing a yacht party, you should come too?”

My steps paused.

“Please come?” Lena’s voice was sugary sweet, “Vince said the birthday gift he wants most is…”

She paused deliberately and looked up at Vincent.

He pinched her cheek lightly and laughed, feigning annoyance, “You talk too much.”

I nodded, “No, thanks. I’m not interested.”

I didn’t glance at them as I walked out of the restaurant. Their laughter was muffled by the floor-to-ceiling glass, fading further with every step I took until I could no longer hear it.

It was seven o’clock when I got back to the De Luca Family Estate. The housekeeper, Mrs. Brown, was simmering vegetable bisque in the kitchen.

“Donna, you’re back?”

“Don Vincent just called to say he’ll be late. Should I save some bisque for him?”

“No need.” I set down my bag, “He won’t be coming home.”

Mrs. Brown hesitated, her expression conflicted, before she spoke carefully, “Then… will you be sleeping at home tonight?”