Chapter 1

It was the day after Alessio Albini drove me out of Albini Manor. In my weak state, I found Alessio in a bridal boutique.

Camelia Germani was standing in front of a huge full-length mirror. Dressed in a pristine white wedding gown, she was smiling as she tried on a wedding veil.

Alessio was obviously stunned for a moment when he caught sight of me. I walked right up to him and handed him a stack of medical records.

I said, "Alessio, I swear I wasn't lying. Here are the medical test results. I also have the attending physician's number, so if you don't believe me, you can call him to verify."

Alessio took the medical records. When he read the detailed diagnosis, his expression shifted a little. He immediately took out his phone and said, "Give me his number."

I felt tears welling up in my eyes. Once the call was made, the truth would finally be out in the open.

But just then, a hesitant voice rang out near us. "The doctor Estella mentioned… Is he the same doctor I saw last time?"

With a conflicted look on her face, Camelia continued, "I went for a checkup at the hospital yesterday, and I was in the parking lot when I saw Estella slipping a large envelope to a doctor…"

She acted as if she had said something wrong, and she waved her hands in a panic. "I might be mistaken, though. I was a distance away from them, so I didn't hear what they were saying."

My face instantly turned pale. The attending physician had indeed accepted an envelope from me, but all it contained was some money I had given as thanks.

After all, he had helped me arrange a consultation with a specialist from overseas. It was nothing like what Camelia was hinting at.

I was about to explain myself when Camelia lowered her head, looking like a startled little kitten. "It was probably just a coincidence. I must be overthinking it. He can't be the doctor who wrote Estella's medical report.

"Alessio, don't take this the wrong way. I don't think she'd go that far to stop the wedding."

Alessio slowly lowered his phone, the emotion on his face gradually fading away.

My heart sank. "That's not true. The envelope was just—"

"Enough. When are you going to stop?" Alessio interrupted me. He didn't raise his voice, but it was heavy with disappointment.

I frantically waved my hands, trying to explain, "Alessio, I wasn't lying. If you don't believe me, you can call the doctor right now."

I reached for his phone, but he took a step backward and dodged me. "Estella, I know you don't want me to get married, but I've told you time and again that Camelia is pregnant, and I have to take responsibility.

"I can understand if you're just angry or upset, or even if you hate me. But you shouldn't fake an illness, bribe a doctor, or even use death to pressure me into changing my mind."

Alessio looked at me. His gaze was full of disappointment. "Estella, you weren't like this before."

Those words hit me like a knife to the chest, and I couldn't catch my breath.

Alessio continued, "Just go home. The wedding will not be called off. When the child is born, I'll make the necessary arrangements. You will still be Donna, so stop causing trouble, okay?"

He didn't spare me another glance. He carefully supported Camelia as they made their way out.

When they walked past me, Camelia glanced back at me with a smug, victorious look.

I stood where I was, watching the two gradually disappear from view.

Suddenly, I recalled what happened many years ago.

Back then, Alessio wasn't the Don's heir yet. He held my hand as he said earnestly to me, "When I inherit the family, I promise I'll marry you."

But now, he was indeed getting married, but the bride wasn't me.

I looked down at the medical records in my hands. A single teardrop slid down my cheek.

I thought, "Alessio, you said you'd come back and marry me after you'd gotten things settled with Camelia, but sadly, I won't ever live to see that day.

"My cancer has already spread, and the doctor said I only have about seven days left. In seven days, I will be leaving you forever."