His spiteful words drew everyone's attention. They were all waiting to see me make a fool of myself.
Just then, Salvatore was quietly wheeled into the banquet hall, heading straight toward me.
I looked at his gaunt face and the legs that could barely leave the wheelchair anymore. My feelings grew complicated as I gazed at him.
My mind drifted back to three days ago, when I had privately gone to Uncle Michael and told him my decision.
I said I wouldn't be choosing Giovanni. I had already made up my mind. I would choose his sixth son, Salvatore.
Uncle Michael didn't question my choice. He simply told me to keep it quiet for now, and we'd announce it to the entire Velmont underworld when the time was right.
With that in mind, I held my tongue.
Salvatore said nothing. He gave me a brief glance, then signaled for his attendant to wheel him away.
On the way back, I shared a car with Eleanor.
She swung her wrist smugly, showing off the bracelet Giovanni had given her. Its gems sparkled under the light.
"So what if you become Giovanni's wife? He doesn't love you. I'm the one he's obsessed with. He told me himself—everything about me drives him crazy, and he'll love me forever."
To outsiders, Eleanor always seemed sweet and harmless. But when no one else was around, she never bothered to hide her malice.
Looking at her now brought back the memory of catching her in bed with Giovanni in my past life.
She trembled as she buried her face in his chest. Giovanni held her tightly, as if terrified I might snap in a jealous rage and hurt her.
What was never mine to begin with wasn't worth holding on to.
That was the promise I made to myself the moment I was reborn.
So in this life, I chose to step aside. I'd let her have Giovanni and see just how long his so-called forever would really last.
I gave a faint smile. "You're right. He does seem to love you. So grow up quickly and don't keep him waiting."
Eleanor was clearly agitated by my indifference. She let out a spiteful laugh. "Drop the act. I know you're dying of jealousy, but you'll never take Giovanni's love from me!"
…
Time passed, and soon, Christmas arrived.
As the eldest daughter of the Vinci family and a clear favourite of Uncle Michael, who would soon become my father-in-law, I was naturally the one chosen to deliver the holiday gifts.
But just as I stepped onto Carlo territory, I ran into Eleanor. She hadn't been home in days.
Dressed in an exclusive designer outfit and dripping in jewelry, she looked more like a socialite than I did.
Showing off, she said, "Pretty, isn't it? Giovanni got it all for me! He said I'm the most beautiful girl in the world, and I deserve the finest things. I told him it's too much, but he just wouldn't listen."
I tried to walk past her, but she blocked my way. "Come on, I'm just trying to share my happiness. Why the cold shoulder? I know you're jealous, but it's not my fault Giovanni loves me and not you."
Then, she put on a wounded look and began to cry as she dabbed at imaginary tears.
I reached out to move her aside, but she collapsed dramatically and started sobbing even louder.
"Estella, you hit me! Every time you're upset, you take it out on me!"
Her cries quickly drew Giovanni over.
He shoved me without even caring who was right or wrong. "Estella, you vicious woman! Eleanor is gentle and kind. She's always tolerated your temper, and yet you keep bullying her!"
I stared at them, then let out a bitter laugh. "Me? Bullying her? Giovanni, sleeping with that shameless woman over and over must've rotted your brain.
"And you, Eleanor. My parents raised you like their own and gave you everything. What a waste. You really are your mother's daughter. A child of a vixen and a junkie, already using such cheap tricks at your age…"
Before I could finish, a sharp slap landed on my right cheek.
Giovanni, a grown man, struck me with his full strength. The blow split the corner of my lips and left my ears ringing.
And still, he acted like I deserved it. "Enough, Estella! Apologize. I won't let you talk about Eleanor like that!"
