---- Chapter 1 I'd ruined my right hand saving my mafia husband, Vincent. For three years, I couldn't create. And I just found out it was all a trap-one he'd set for me, to protect his true love, Sophia. "The procedure was a success. Mrs. Torrino's nerve damage has almost fully healed." Leaning against the cool hallway wall outside my husband's study, I heard the voice of our private physician, Dr. Martinez. My heart hammered against my ribs. Three years. Could I finally create again? "What?" Vincent's voice was sharp, laced with shock. ---- "What do you mean, healed?" "Well, sir, I've been administering a saline placebo as you asked, no actual treatment. But her body seems to be healing on its own..." "You idiot!" Vincent hissed, his voice a low, furious snarl. "I told you to make sure she could never create again. What the hell did you do?" My blood ran cold. My hand... Vincent... he did this on purpose. "Boss, her nerve damage was treatable from the start. But Miss Sophia insisted..." "Enough!" Vincent cut him off. "Find a way to ruin her hand again, and do it now! I can't have Isabella threatening Sophia's place in the art world!" Dr. Martinez's voice trembled. "Boss, if we attempt another procedure, Mrs. Torrino might suffer permanent paralysis... or worse." ---- "T don't care what happens to her! Sophia saved my life. I will not let her down!" I clamped a hand over my mouth, choking back a sob. For three years, I believed it was a tragic accident. It was all a meticulously crafted lie. Sophia, the deadly assassin always at his side... After they left, I slipped back into the study. I knew the code to his safe-our wedding anniversary. The irony was a bitter pill. The moment the safe clicked open, the air left my lungs. On the top shelf sat a dozen photos of Sophia. Aclose-up of the serpent tattoo coiling on her back. Pictures of her posing with various weapons. A photo of her at an art gala, wearing a gown I designed, smiling for an interview.