Chapter 5 - Out of the Uniform
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By the next morning, my life had completely transformed.
I woke up in a massive, sunlit bedroom in the east wing of the mansion. A king-sized bed, Egyptian cotton sheets, and a private balcony overlooking the rose gardens. It was a stark contrast to the windowless basement quarters I had inhabited for two years.
On the armchair sat three large designer garment bags, sent up by Dominic’s head of staff.
Inside were elegant silk dresses, tailored trousers, and soft cashmere sweaters—all fitted precisely to my measurements. There was no white apron. No black maid’s dress.
I dressed in a dark blue sweater and black trousers, feeling like an imposter in my own skin. When I looked in the full-length mirror, the seven black stitches across my cheek stood out sharply against my pale skin.
A knock sounded at the door.
I opened it to find Dominic standing in the hallway, holding a tray with fresh coffee and warm pastries.
“Mr. Rossi!” I gasped, reaching to take the tray. “You don't have to carry that—”
“I told you yesterday, Skyler,” Dominic said, walking past me and placing the tray on the glass table near the balcony. “You don't serve this family anymore. You’re guest of honor here.”
He turned around and studied my outfit, his dark eyes lingering on the neat stitches on my cheek.
“How is the pain?” he asked gently.
“Better,” I admitted, taking a seat. “Dr. Mercer gave me antibiotics.”
Dominic sat across from me, pouring a cup of coffee.
“Vance Moretti pulled his shipping fleets from our harbors this morning,” Dominic revealed quietly. “He’s rallying the other families in the syndicate, telling them I’ve gone mad.”
Panic tightened my chest. “This is my fault. If I hadn't stepped in—”
“Stop,” Dominic commanded, placing his warm hand over mine. “You saved my mother’s life. Vance Moretti has been trying to usurp my family’s power for five years. Bianca was just histrojan horse inside my gates.”
He squeezed my hand gently, sending a shiver down my spine.
“You didn't start this war, Skyler,” Dominic murmured, his thumb lightly stroking the back of my hand. “You just gave me the excuse I needed to finish it.”
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Before I could process his words, Carmela stepped into the room, holding a velvet jewelry box.
“Skyler, darling,” Carmela smiled softly, her eyes clear and sharp. “I have something that belongs to you.”
