Chapter 3

I spend the night in a hotel. My phone buzzes nonstop with texts from Camilla.

The Don has so much energy.

Lilian, this mattress really is soft. I love it.

He said I’m better in bed than you. Lilian, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll step aside.

The taunts flash on my screen, and for a second, I picture them together in the bed we once shared. A sharp pain twists in my gut, and I feel sick.

But it’s only for a moment. I push it down.

The next morning, I go back to the estate to pack.

I push open the master bedroom door. The air is thick with the smell of booze and perfume. My eyes scan the floor, littered with Camilla’s clothes. Her black lace bra is a glaring stain on the carpet.

Expressionless, I walk to the closet and pull out a suitcase.

I only pack a few sets of my own clothes and my important medical notes. The expensive designer dresses and jewelry Marcello bought me, I don’t touch a single piece.

As I pull my suitcase into the grand hall, I stop.

Marcello is standing at the bottom of the stairs. His eyes are bloodshot; he looks like he had a rough night.

When his gaze lands on my suitcase, his eyes widen in panic.

Darling, why are you packing? Are you really leaving me?

I was wrong. I shouldn’t have brought Camilla to the banquet. I just wanted to make you jealous.

I spent the whole night drinking in the study! I didn’t even touch that woman! Don’t look at me like that. Please, don’t go!

He’s roaring in his head, begging.

But what comes out of his mouth is a cold, vicious sneer. “What? Finally dropping the act? You think packing a few rags is going to work on me?”

He stalks toward me, his eyes dark. “Lilian, the Valence family has never had a shortage of women. What do you think you are? You’re nothing without me!”

I grip the handle of my suitcase and look him straight in his bloodshot eyes.

“In that case, I hope you and Camilla have a wonderful life together. Don’t bother me again.” My voice is calm.

That calmness enrages him.

“A wonderful life?” Marcello grabs my wrist. “How noble of you, Lilian! Just handing your husband over to someone else?”

He leans in close, his voice a venomous whisper. “Then again, you can’t even produce an heir. Why should a barren woman hold the title of the Don’s wife? Camilla is young and healthy. She’ll have no problem giving me the heir this family needs!”

My breath catches.

An invisible hand squeezes my heart.

Years ago, he was ambushed by a rival family. I was the one who jumped in front of him, taking the bullet meant for him.

The bullet tore through my womb. The doctors said it would be nearly impossible for me to conceive. It’s the deepest pain of my life, the price I paid for loving him.

Now, he’s ripping that scar open himself, using it as a weapon against me.

My eyes burn, and tears well up against my will.

“You’re disgusting, Marcello,” I say, my voice trembling. “You make me sick.”

Seeing my tears, the madness in his eyes flickers. The hand on my wrist loosens slightly.

I’m sorry… I’m so sorry, Lilian! I didn’t mean to bring that up! I’m just so scared you’ll leave… Don’t cry, please don’t cry!

He reaches out to touch my face.

Just then, Camilla appears from behind him, linking her arm through his. “But Don, the Madam is just stating a fact, isn’t she?” she purrs.

“It has been six years, and there’s been no news from your belly.”

“Any other man would have kicked you to the curb by now, but the Don has put up with you for six long years!”

“He hasn’t said a word, but you’re the one demanding a divorce and trying to move out. That’s a bit selfish, don’t you think? You should be more considerate of his feelings.”

Marcello freezes.

The panic in his eyes is replaced by a cold indifference.

He agrees with her. He thinks I’m being selfish.

“Lilian, it seems I’ve been too good to you.”

His gaze drops to my neck.

I’m wearing a deep blue sapphire necklace. It’s the only thing I have left from my grandmother.

“You want to leave? Fine,” Marcello says coldly.

He lunges forward and rips the necklace from my neck. With a sharp snap, the sturdy silver clasp breaks.

My face goes pale. I instinctively reach for it. “Give it back! That was my grandmother’s!”

Marcello looks down at me like I’m a beggar on the street.

He reminds me coolly, “Your grandmother’s? Lilian, have you forgotten? Your deadbeat uncle pawned it off years ago.”

“It was me who paid ten million dollars to buy it back for you at auction.”