Chapter 2

Elena's POV

"Is that enough?" Lorenzo's tone was mocking. "The Bianchi family home only has two floors. No matter how your father jumped, it can't be that serious. Elena, don't be too greedy."

A chill ran through my heart. I was about to speak when I heard the respectful voice of a jewelry consultant on the other end.

"Mr. Moretti, this sapphire necklace, worth ten million dollars, is perfect for Ms. Ciampi."

Sofia refused, her tone rising slightly. "Lorenzo, I've told you I don't like such flashy things. I don't want to rush into a new relationship either. Love is too tiring. I want to live my own life."

Lorenzo laughed indulgently. "Then, consider this necklace my divorce gift to you."

He hung up on me without mercy.

The busy tone droned on as I wept until my tears ran dry.

The necklace Lorenzo casually gave to Sofia was worth ten million dollars, but my father's life was worth only one dollar.

I forced myself to go and get Dad's death certificate.

The doctor tried to comfort me. "Elena, Mr. Bianchi jumped from the tenth floor. He was determined to die. Even if we had performed surgery, there was a high chance he would have become a vegetable. Don't blame yourself too much."

My face went pale in an instant when I heard that.

Lorenzo had been wrong about one thing—I wasn't greedy for money. I had sold myself to the Moretti family only to keep my only family from taking his own life.

Now, with the money I had saved over the years, plus Dad's life insurance, it would be just enough to pay back what the Bianchi family owed the Moretti family.

After my three years of struggling, in the end, it was Dad's death that paid off the debt.

That was fine. This way, Lorenzo and I owed each other nothing. It was time to leave.

I booked a plane ticket for half a month later. I would go to a foreign country and live out the rest of my days in freedom.

…

Over the next three days, Lorenzo and Sofia kept showing up in the news.

On the first day, Lorenzo bought her a beachfront villa in Hanford.

Sofia posted a photo of her divorce papers with the caption, "From now on, I love only myself."

I forced myself to handle Dad's funeral arrangements and buried him next to my mother, who had died during childbirth.

On the second day, Lorenzo donated two art centers to Sofia's alma mater.

Sofia posted a photo of herself at a gallery opening with the caption, "So happy to support emerging artists. A woman should have her own career."

Meanwhile, I collapsed from exhaustion and grief and was rushed back into emergency care.

On the third day, Lorenzo bought Sofia a yacht.

Sofia posted a photo of herself reading on the yacht with the caption, "Wealth and love are external things. All I seek is the sunset on the sea."

I withdrew the insurance money and went to the Moretti residence. I handed a bank card to Lorenzo's mother, Fiora Greco, and explained my intentions.

Mrs. Moretti looked at me appraisingly. "Elena, you've been with Lorenzo for three years. Are you sure you want to leave?"

I nodded firmly. "Mrs. Moretti, Sofia has gotten divorced and returned home. Lorenzo still loves her. It's time for me to step aside."

Upon finding nothing unusual in my gaze, Mrs. Moretti could only sigh.

"Years ago, when I nearly drowned, your mother saved my life. That's why I helped the Bianchi family when they went bankrupt.

"I thought you and Lorenzo could have a good life together, but I didn't expect him to still refuse to give up on Sofia.

"That's alright, too. After all these years, you've never made him fall in love with you. If you want to leave, then go."

I thanked her and left the Moretti residence, taking a taxi back to our marital home.

However, as soon as I got out of the car, someone covered my mouth and nose and took me away.