I took a pen and drew a heavy 'X' on the calendar.

When I turned around, I saw Lorenzo.

The man who said he was too busy this morning to help me collect my mother's belongings was now walking into a high-end Italian deli owned by his family, side-by-side with Isabella Ricci.

He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, his posture straight and his presence commanding.

She was in a red, custom-made silk dress, looking elegant, sophisticated, and gentle.

That dress was one Lorenzo had bought from a luxury boutique on the Magnificent Mile, the day before my birthday…

I glanced down at the silk scarf tied around my neck.

This was Lorenzo's birthday gift to me.

Isabella had hinted more than once that it was just a free gift that came with the dress. I didn't believe her. I trusted Lorenzo's character. Even if he didn't like me, he wouldn't stoop so low as to humiliate me like that.

It was one of the few gifts he had ever given me. Even if it couldn't compare to her dress, I treasured it.

But now…

I silently untied the scarf and casually handed it to my coworker.

When I looked up again, the two of them had entered the shop.

Lorenzo gallantly held the door for Isabella, and she thanked him like a lady.

Their eyes met, a picture of warmth and harmony.

But when they turned and their gazes fell on me, both of their faces stiffened for a moment.

Before, whenever this happened, I would quickly step aside to avoid the awkwardness, letting a coworker serve them.

But not today. I stood my ground, a professional smile on my lips as I greeted them.

"Welcome. What can I get for you two?"

Lorenzo's brow furrowed slightly.

He probably hadn't expected me to be so "brave" today. His eyes bored into me, searching for an answer.

I ignored him, my gaze landing directly on Isabella.

Isabella turned to Lorenzo, asking for his opinion.

"What do you think we should get for Lina's birthday?"

She spoke as if she were a wife asking her husband.

I wasn't the only one who thought so; the old-timers in the deli did too.

This was the main reason I never made my relationship with Lorenzo public.

Hearing Isabella's question, Lorenzo finally shifted his gaze to the counter.

"I promised her a limited-edition European doll…"

Isabella seemed pleased, and with a sly look in my direction, she said, "Miss, we'll take that one."

I turned, grabbed the doll, and placed it in front of them. "That'll be five hundred and fifty dollars."

Lorenzo, of course, paid.

As they were leaving, Lorenzo glanced back at me, his lips parting as if he wanted to say something.

I looked down and started tidying the counter, deliberately ignoring him.

He hesitated for a second, then left with Isabella.

My coworker sidled up to me, gossiping as she watched them walk away.

"They look so perfect together!"

I looked up at the couple walking shoulder to shoulder and smiled. "They do."

One was the most brilliant young heir in the mafia world, the other a charming and elegant socialite from a prestigious family.

You probably couldn't find a more perfect match in all of Chicago.

After my shift, I went to throw out the trash in the back alley.

Lorenzo was leaning against the wall, waiting. I had no idea for how long.