Chapter 4

I returned to the estate.

The bedroom Ettore and I had once shared had already been completely redone to suit Viola's taste. On top of that, the room next door was being turned into a nursery, one Ettore was preparing for Viola's baby.

What Ettore did not know was that I was pregnant too.

I had once been overjoyed at the thought of sharing the news with him. Now, however, my child did not need a father like him.

I changed my clothes and got ready to meet Uncle Salvatore's assistant to finalize the plan to fake my death.

"Mirella, where are you going?" Ettore's voice came from behind me.

"I'm taking Mama's statue to get restored."

"I'll have the driver take you."

"No need." With that, I quickened my pace.

Viola timidly called after me, her fingertips stroking the sapphire necklace at her collarbone. "I'm sorry, Mirella. I shouldn't have been so selfish and asked Ettore to build a nursery for my unborn baby."

I deliberately kept my tone light. "Well, congratulations. Is the baby's father moving in too?"

Viola glanced at Ettore on instinct.

Ettore's face went stiff. "That wouldn't really work for the father."

He looked at me. "I know you've always wanted a child. If Viola passes someday, how about we raise the baby for her? It could make up for you never having a child of your own."

"Whatever you think is best," I said calmly.

Ettore let out a breath of relief at my answer. He came over and kissed my forehead.

"I love you, Mirella. Thank you for being so kind. Let me go with you to get your mother's statue restored."

I was about to refuse when Viola rubbed her stomach. "Don, my stomach doesn't feel right. Could you help me back to my room to rest?"

"Go be with her," I said tactfully. "A pregnant woman needs you more, after all."

Ettore was torn.

Before he could answer, I hurried out and soon arrived at a law firm under Uncle Salvatore's name. His assistant handed me a new passport along with the documents I needed to leave the country.

I opened the passport. My photo was on it, but the name was no longer Mirella Santoro. It was Serafina Greco.

The lawyer explained, "This is your new identity. Once you reach Garrow City, the Greco family will protect you."

Having a new identity did not make me let my guard down. I knew full well that Ettore would not be easy to fool.

"The shooting has to look completely real," I reminded him. "That's the only way Ettore will believe I'm dead."

"Our people will leave your blood and belongings at the scene and stage everything carefully. There won't be a single slip."

I nodded and put the passport away.

Until the plan succeeded, I had to keep playing the understanding wife and give Ettore no reason to suspect anything. Otherwise, with his power, Ettore would lock down all of Saverra, and I would never escape.

On my way back to the estate, I received a message from Ettore: [I'm sorry, Mirella. Can we push our anniversary back a day? Viola isn't feeling well. I promise it's only one day. I'll make it up to you with an even bigger celebration the day after.]

I replied calmly: [Okay. I can't wait to give you a big surprise.]

…

Soon, our anniversary arrived, and I received a video Viola had sent from Ettore's phone.

Nearly the entire Morandi family was there. Ettore's parents hovered around Viola with concern. She wore the Morandi family badge, one hand holding Ettore's and the other happily stroking her stomach.

[Mirella, all of this is mine!]

I did not care.

I stood on the yacht and started the countdown.

"Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six—"

Ettore suddenly called. "Mirella, things wrapped up early. I'm heading back now to get ready for our anniversary."

Bang!

Ettore's voice went tense. "Was that a gunshot? Where are you?"

"I'm on the yacht."

Bang!

The gunshot ripped through the line.

"Mirella!"