Chapter 2
A text from the class president popped up on my phone, calling everyone to assemble.
I hurried back to the car for my graduation gown, but it was gone from my bag.
Nearby, under an ivy-covered wall, Valentina stood wearing my cap and gown, posing for pictures with Adrian De Luca.
They held hands tightly, leaning closer and closer.
Suddenly their mortarboards knocked together. They doubled over laughing.
That mortarboard was part of the matching set I’d made by hand three months earlier.
Valentina stopped laughing when she felt my stare.
Adrian frowned and stepped between us, shielding her.
“Valentina just wanted to experience what college graduation feels like.”
“It’s just a gown. I’ll have another one sent over immediately.”
Before I could even say no, Valentina, spotting the gathering crowd, fluttered over like a social butterfly.
Adrian followed right behind, playing the devoted protector.
Valentina leaned in and whispered something to the class president.
The next second, she climbed onto a chair and took the spot that was supposed to be mine.
I could already picture it, years from now, when my classmates pulled out this photo.
They’d point to where I should have been, and all they’d talk about was Valentina.
I’d leave no trace at all.
Donna Marisa had been watching Valentina fondly.
When she noticed my silence, the air turned cold.
“Elena.”
She stepped closer, her voice softening.
“I know you’ve always loved taking photos to mark important days.”
“We’ll all go with you tonight, okay? We’ll take ten whole sets.”
It sounded like a gift. But it was mostly a precaution.
They were afraid I’d snap like I used to, and fight Valentina tooth and nail.
But now, I had no fight left in me.
I’d never be stupid enough to challenge the Morettis’ true blood heir.
I shook my head slowly.
“No need.”
“I’m not a Moretti by blood.”
“No one will truly miss me when I’m gone.”
“There’s no point in taking photos.”
I paused, then added,
“Besides, it’s just a graduation photo. It doesn’t matter.”
Valentina had already stolen the entire show.
Donna Marisa froze. The smile faded from her face completely.
She looked down, her expression unreadable.
Valentina, having milked the graduation experience for all it was worth, walked over, beaming.
She carried the bouquets my classmates and friends had given her.
“Happy graduation, Elena.”
She plucked a single green leaf from one of the bouquets and handed it to me as my graduation gift.
Every eye in the family turned to me.
I took it obediently and said,
“Thank you.”
Valentina’s smile dimmed slightly.
She turned and threw herself into Don Lorenzo’s arms, pouting.
“Dad, didn’t you get Elena a graduation present?”
“Don’t be mean to her just because of me.”
An awkward silence fell over the group.
Before Valentina woke up, Don Lorenzo and Donna Marisa had actually prepared a graduation gift for me.
Ten percent of the Moretti family trust, plus a non-voting seat on the family council.
A share even larger than Luca’s, and he oversees the entire London branch overseas.
But no one had mentioned it since Valentina came out of her coma.
Don Lorenzo and Donna Marisa shifted uncomfortably, unable to speak.
I smiled first.
“I don’t deserve such an expensive gift.”
“Only Valentina does.”
As for Adrian. He’d planned to propose to me on graduation day.
The ring I’d dreamed of for over a decade now sat on Valentina’s ring finger.
I had nothing left to lose.
I’d given up my spot in a graduate program abroad to stay with the Morettis, and with Adrian.
It was time to get my life back on track.
