Anniversary Ambush: The Don and His Ex

When I woke up on the hospital bed five hours later, there was no one else in the ward besides me. It seemed Marco Lombardi still hadn't come by.I struggled to sit up, wanting to reach for the glass to take a drink, when I saw the nurse walk in carrying replacement IV fluids."Here, let me help you, Ms. Esposito," the nurse said, bringing the glass to my lips. "The doctor said if the bullet had struck just half an inch to the side, you would've lost the entire arm. You'll need to take it easy for a while, so don't take any chances."I swallowed the water and said, "Alright, thank you."The nurse removed the empty IV bottle and hung up the new one she had brought in."Ms. Esposito, I haven't seen anyone here keeping you company. Why isn't your husband here taking care of you?""He's busy, and I can take care of myself," I replied with a weak smile.When the nurse turned around, I saw Marco walk in. He sauntered over to the couch and sat down with an indifferent air."What have

When I actually said the word "divorce" out loud, it didn't hurt as much as I'd imagined.But Marco just sneered coldly, as if he'd heard some kind of joke. "Chiara, what did you just say?"I looked at him steadily and repeated, "I want a divorce. My lawyer, Davide Moretti, will deliver the divorce papers to you."Marco sauntered up to me with open disdain and made a move to embrace me, but I slipped out of reach. My evasion only added to the annoyance written all over his face."Can you just stop this already? I've been dealing with family matters and looking after Lucia these past few days, so I'm exhausted and don't have the energy to comfort you."I interrupted Marco immediately, not willing to spare him even a shred of dignity. "Once we're divorced, you can look after Lucia without having to hide it."Marco's expression instantly darkened. "Chiara Esposito, what are you throwing a fit about this time? Lucia is already having a hard time as it is, so why must you compete with

I didn't just change my dressing style, but also my hairstyle.Before, Marco liked me to dress more demurely, with long hair to match.Others said I was intentionally crafting a soft, demure image, and I actually felt that way too. But Marco liked it, so I had no choice.Now, I'd switched to a suit, paired with neat short hair. Although the outfit was simple, it exuded a strong, capable, and energetic vibe.Even the family's Underboss, Sergio Gallo, said with a smile when he saw me, "This style suits you very well."I didn't really know if it suited me, but I did know it felt very comfortable.…After I left, Marco seemed somewhat lost.He assumed I was just being petulant, which was why he'd thrown those cutting words at me as I was walking out the door. He believed I'd eventually return on my own, just like I always had before.However, even after an hour had passed, I still hadn't returned.Marco went back to the bedroom and saw that my things were no longer there. Even th

I turned to look out the window at the blue sky and the planes endlessly taking off and landing. After a while, I felt my mood lighten considerably.Then, I let it all out in one breath."The things I can't bear to part with are the things I believe are worth my devotion. But once I decide something has no value anymore, I'd never turn back. Marco, I think you know better than I do why you chose to pursue me back then."I figured it out the moment I first laid eyes on Lucia. But who doesn't have a past? I gave you time to move past yours, but you never did. I could accept you caring for her and looking out for her in the name of friendship. After all, I have friends of my own too."But don't you feel that your care for her has already gone far beyond what a friend would do? Did you really think I didn't know she was the reason we lost our baby? The truth is, I knew everything. I was waiting for you to come clean, but you didn't."I was happily preparing for our third wedding anniv