Seraphina's POV

Father didn't let me out of my room until it was finally time for my engagement ball, which was happening tonight. Elena, as scheming as she was, offered to help me with my makeup, and even though I refused, she didn't budge until I had no choice.

I had to admit, she did make me look really beautiful with my makeup and even the dress she had personally taken out for me. I knew she was up to something, but I just couldn't place my hands on it. And I couldn't accuse her falsely, so I let it go, wanting to do nothing but enjoy my engagement ball as much as I wanted.

We arrived at Matteo's apartment, and all members from the syndicate were present, everyone wanting to see the future queen get married to the heir of his own syndicate. It was bound to be a blissful union full of love, power, and authority.

When Matteo finally showed up with a smile, looking all handsome and powerful, my heart flipped multiple times in my stomach. Elena was too excited as she clapped multiple times with a giddy expression, and it got me even more confused.

“Before we get started,” Matteo started with a smile as his eyes landed on me, and I blushed. “I'd like to invite my bride up here with me.” He said, and I moved forward, walking over to his side with a smile.

“Viviana.” Matteo suddenly called, and my steps froze in confusion as I watched another lady walk into the arms of my fianceé.

I felt all the blood in my face drain away as Matteo held Viviana close to him with a smile on his face. I recognized her at first glance. She was the daughter of a senator who was an undercover mafia heir. She had everything I didn't. Beauty, brains, and power. More than I could ever offer.

I was bound to be the future queen of the syndicate. But she was already the queen of the Mafia world.

“What's going on?” I heard people whispering behind me, and I couldn't bring myself to move as I watched my fianceé choose another woman over me.

My father was standing by the side with a neutral expression, like he already knew this was going to happen. He didn't try to speak up for me, and when I turned to look at Elena, she was beaming with happiness.

No wonder she was so excited to dress me up. She wanted me to be beautiful enough for the betrayal I was about to receive.

“Matteo?” I called out softly as I forced my legs to move from my spot, taking slow but heavy steps towards him. “What's going on? We're engaged, remember? I'm your bride.” I said slowly, blinking away the tears that threatened to fall on my cheeks, and he stared at me with a blank expression, nothing like the way he used to smile at me.

Viviana clung to Matteo like a leech, her arms wrapped around him while he held her close to him, not caring that I was standing there, watching them.

“This,” Matteo pointed at Viviana as he spoke into the microphone. “Is my bride, Viviana. She's the one I'm getting married to. She will be the one who will sit beside me when I take over the throne.” He announced, and my heart shattered into pieces as a tear rolled down my cheek, causing me to wipe it off harshly.

“And what about me? What the fuck am I? Some kind of toy?” I questioned in anger, my voice breaking as I spoke, and Matteo scoffed in amusement before turning to look at me.

“Maybe?” He asked with a tilt of his head, and gasps filled the room as I stepped back in shock.

“Matteo, I still have the ring you gave me on my finger! How can you choose someone else over me?” I barked out in disbelief, and he raised his left hand to show me that he was now wearing a different one, one that matched the one on Viviana’s finger.

“Before anyone starts to judge me, we all know we build our connections with alliances of high status. Sera won't be the future queen of the syndicate if she weren't engaged to me.” He said calmly, and I stared at him, feeling dumbfounded after hearing the words that spewed from his lips.

“I don't need you to be the future queen. I love you, Matteo!” I cried out and he burst into laughter, a look of amusement evident on his face as he shook his head in disapproval.

“You think I didn't know of your plans to get rid of me after you've taken over the throne? You think I was so oblivious and stupid?” He questioned with a hardened gaze, and my brows furrowed as confusion washed over me.

“What the hell are you talking about? Plans to get rid of you?” I asked in sheer confusion, and he rolled his eyes in annoyance as he let go of Viviana before approaching me.

“I know about your plans to have the throne all to yourself. Everyone knows you killed your mother so that you could take her place quickly. Your father knows that you've been planning to take his life as well. We know your plans, Seraphina.” He explained with a cold tone, and I stepped back with shock etched all over my face as gasps echoed across the room again.

“No… That's impossible, I didn't— What are you talking about? How could I?” I stuttered in confusion, and Matteo towered over me with a look of hatred that had me recoiling in fear.

“You're a disgrace to the syndicate, Sera.” He spat, and I collapsed to the ground, my heart racing wildly in my chest as I thought of ways to defend myself. How could he accuse me so bluntly? I watched as he turned around to walk back to his stupid bride, and rage took over me instantly.

“Do you have evidence to prove your words?” I questioned as I swept a gun out of the hem of my socks and pointed it at him, causing him to chuckle softly.

“Isn't this enough evidence? What, are you gonna slam a bottle against my head too? Or are you gonna shoot me? You're gonna show everyone who you truly are, aren't you?” He mocked with a smirk on his face, and my hand trembled as I realized that I had fallen right into his trap.

“Seize her!” Someone from the crowd yelled, and guards tackled me to the ground instantly, kicking the gun out of my hand as I struggled against them.

“Believe me, please! I didn't do any of that! I'm innocent, please believe me.” I pleaded as tears rolled down my cheeks in torrents, but no one listened to me. They stared at me with contempt as the guard hauled me up and started to drag me out of the room.

I looked up in time to see Matteo kissing Viviana deeply while the whole room cheered, and my heart broke into a million pieces as they dragged me away like a lamb to slaughter.