Chapter 1

I had just stepped out of the study of my father, Don Salvatore. I bumped into Gabriel right in the hallway.

He was with a few heirs from allied families we had grown up with.

Seeing me, they exchanged knowing snickers and made dirty jokes as they stepped aside.

Before turning around, they even shot me a wolf whistle.

"Is Kiara coming to fawn over Gabriel again? A proud mafia princess throwing away her pride just to chase a man. You chase him so hard that our Gabriel is stuck with you for life."

Gabriel looked me up and down slowly. Beneath his gentle look lay an obvious arrogance.

"Kiara, did you just see the Don? Were you pressuring him to finalize our marriage again?"

He sighed, his tone sweet but helpless. "I have told you this countless times. You are the only one I love. There is no need for you to throw yourself at me. Aren't you afraid the guys will laugh?"

"But relax. Since you love me so much, I will agree to this marriage. After all, we have been together for years. I couldn't bear to break your heart."

The arrogance in his eyes was exactly the same as always, impossible to hide.

Exactly the same as before I died.

He always felt entitled to my love and sacrifices.

I took a deep breath and spoke calmly. "Is that any of your business? My father summoned me. Tomorrow night, he will personally host my twentieth birthday banquet."

When I finished speaking, the guys nearby all froze.

"The Don is personally organizing a banquet for you!"

I knew why they looked shocked. Given his status, my father rarely made public appearances.

When a lion like him made a personal appearance, it was about much more than just cutting a cake.

My father had once publicly declared that on my twentieth birthday, I could pick a husband from the heirs of the allied families.

That man would rule the family's territories and businesses right alongside me.

"Congratulations, Gabriel. Don't forget to take care of your boys in the future."

"With the power of Kiara's family backing him up, Gabriel can finally make a real name for himself in the underworld."

Gabriel shot me a smug glance and took my hand with fake affection. "Congratulations to you too, Kiara. After chasing me for years, you finally got what you wanted."

"You must be thrilled right now."

He leaned in close, his warm breath brushing against my ear. "But to avoid our past mistakes, I need to lay down a few rules. After we marry, you just need to be a quiet, good wife. Stay out of the family business."

"Also, don't check up on me. You have no right to interfere with my private life. We can both live our own separate lives."

"I will only marry you if you behave."

My heart sank. I never expected him to boldly make such absurd demands.

Especially his mention of avoiding our past mistakes.

I looked at him with suspicion. Could he have returned to the past as well?

Before I could figure it out, a soft, pitiful voice drifted over from behind.

"Sister."

My younger sister, Mila, wearing a tight silk slip dress, approached me with a timid look, panting slightly.

Gabriel dropped my hand instantly and rushed over to her. "Why did you come out when you are sick?"

Mila looked down, pretending to feel deeply wronged.

"Dad asked me to come with Kiara. He was worried she would be lonely."

Gabriel gently held her arm and looked at me helplessly.

"Kiara, why do you get more spoiled as you grow up? You even need someone to walk with you just to step outside. Mila is so weak. As her older sister, you should be more considerate."

After saying that, he held Mila close and walked away.

Before disappearing around the corner, he stopped and looked back. "Kiara, if you keep being so unreasonable, I might have to reconsider this marriage."

I laughed.

I was the one who wanted nothing to do with this marriage!