"Your application will be processed in thirteen days, ma'am. Please wait patiently."
I nodded and walked out. Behind me, I caught the sound of murmuring.
"Did I hear right? Mrs. Castellano applied for emigration?"
"She's leaving the country? But Don Castellano dotes on her more than anyone. What could've happened?"
"Remember that wedding seven years ago? Biggest event in the city. The cathedral, the five hundred guests, the old Don giving his blessing before he passed. Three years ago when she got into that car accident, Marcello gave her half his blood. Last year she went missing for an hour, and he turned the city upside down looking for her. Had every soldier in the Family on the streets. And now she's leaving him?"
I let out a quiet laugh, the kind that doesn't reach the eyes.
Yes. Everyone knew how much Marcello "doted" on me. To the outside world, I was the only woman he cared for. He was ruthless to everyone else, untouchable, feared even by his own men. Capos lowered their eyes when he entered a room. Associates crossed themselves when his name came up in conversation. But for me, he was all fireworks, diamonds, and sweet words.