One night...

That's all it took to change everything. Now my brother was locked up, my sister was dead inside, and I was left behind. Not a survivor or a shoulder to lean on. Just someone existing. Why shoot for the stars when disappointment was just around the corner?

My disappointment came in the form of Gio Mancini. Youngest son of the most powerful family in town.

Family had two meanings for me.

There was the one I was born into, and the one I'd been waiting my entire life to swear an oath to. My oldest brother was gone, my other brother was now next in line for the throne, and I was still waiting. The forgotten third son of boss.

Then the baby sister of my enemy walked into my school, and waiting wasn't an issue anymore. With one simple knock, Novalee Ford gave me my chance to take the oath and get revenge.

My name is Novalee Ford and I'm the torn petals blowing in the breeze.

My name is Giovanni Mancini and I'm the broken stem of a wilted flower.

Together we are the daffodil that stands strong in the shadows.