Ten Years, One Abandonment

"The nights in Vicente were a coexistence of order and gunfire.Tonight was the wedding, ten years overdue, between Anthony Oliver, the don of the Oliver mafia family, and Mabel Samson, the woman who had stood beside him through bloodshed, betrayals, and underworld wars.A top-tier luxury hotel had been cleared by the family's soldati. Below them glittered a sea of city lights; above them bloomed fireworks commissioned for the future Donna alone.The man known for his ruthlessness knelt on one knee with a rare diamond ring, his eyes filled with rare tenderness."Mabel," he said, "you walked through hell at my side. Let me give you peace for the rest of your life."It seemed that all the sacrifices and patience had finally led somewhere.However, just as Mabel's fingers were about to touch the ring, a piercing scream came from above."Don't! Anthony! Save me!"That single cry drew all of Anthony's attention away.The girl was not unfamiliar to Mabel.Two years earlier, Anthony's twin brother had been tortured to death by a rival mafia family while covering his retreat. His body was never recovered.And Cheryl Reyes was the fiancée he had protected with his life.Mabel watched as the man she loved abandoned everything without hesitation and ran toward another woman.She stepped forward and tried to stop him."Don't go. The wedding isn't over."However, when their eyes met, the Don accused her coldly of being heartless and selfish.And in that moment, Mabel felt tired.Perhaps it was time, just once, to choose herself over the Family."