Chapter 2

I laughed at Cristian's words.

Back in school, Tatiana noticed that I was smart but broke, so she bullied me constantly with the other students. Cristian, the son of a wealthy businessman, appeared before me like a savior and protected me.

So I fell for my rescuer. He told me over and over how much he disliked Tatiana and how spoiled and unreasonable she was.

When Tatiana's bullying pushed me to the edge and I almost dropped out of school, Cristian said he would stand up for me and confront her. Instead, he ended up in her bed that very night.

Betrayed, I dropped out, ended things with him, and cut everyone off. I'd already given up on Cristian then and lost all hope in him.

Later, when I met and married Vincenzo, I finally understood what real love and respect looked like. Why would I ever stalk some scumbag like Cristian to win him back?

Cristian misread my silence. He shook off Tatiana's arm and stepped closer, whispering so only I could hear, "Don't deny it so fast, Aria. Honestly, I feel the same way. I miss you. Your lips, your smile—everything about us.

"Tatiana's just a hookup. We were never really dating. If you come back to me, I'll cut things off with her. So don't misunderstand—"

"You're the one who's misunderstanding." I cut him off coldly. "I have a husband. We're very much in love. Have some respect."

"Husband?"

Cristian froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. I ignored his shock and turned to leave, but Tatiana blocked my path, her face twisted with jealousy.

"Don't go. You're a dancer, aren't you? Today's my birthday party, so it's perfect. You can dance for me!"

Before I could react, she dragged me roughly into their private room. "Come on, dance and strip while you're at it. Let's see how you seduce your clients!"

The others snickered behind their hands. Cristian watched coldly, a disdainful smirk playing on his lips.

I forced down my anger. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm not a dancer. Your party has nothing to do with me. Keep causing trouble, and I'll have the manager throw you all out."

"How long are you going to keep this act up? You're a stripper—a prostitute—and you think you can get the manager to kick us out? Who do you think you are, a god?"

Tatiana burst into mocking laughter.

As the Don of the Rossi family, Vincenzo wielded incredible power. In this city, he practically was a god.

I frowned and pulled out my phone to contact the manager, but Michela snatched it away with a shrill laugh.

"You're still as stupid and pathetic as ever. Looks like we need to teach you a lesson! Cristian and Tatiana are the most honored guests in this club.

"Tatiana's doing you a favor by asking you to dance for them. Without them, a dirty whore like you wouldn't even be able to get into a high-end room like this or taste such expensive liquor!"

She grabbed a glass from the table and threw its contents in my face. "If you ask me, you should be kneeling on the ground like a slave, serving us, doing whatever we say. Maybe if Cristian and Tatiana are pleased, they'll even tip you."

Tatiana looked down at me, drenched and disheveled, and kicked off one of her heels with disgust. "The drink they just threw on you got the bottom of my shoe wet. It's lambskin. It can't get wet!

"You couldn't afford these if you worked your whole life. Crawl over here and lick them clean. I'll be merciful and let you skip the striptease."

The moment Tatiana finished speaking, jeers erupted around me.

"Tatiana's so generous. If it was me, I'd make her strip!"

"Yeah, strip first, then crawl over and lick her shoes!"

Some of them rushed forward, pinning me to the ground and tearing at my clothes, forcing me to my knees.

"The customer is always right. Whatever we tell you to do, you do it!"

I clutched my flimsy dress desperately, fury coursing through me. "Let go of me! You're all insane! Do you have any idea who I am? My husband is—"

Cristian laughed coldly. He leaned back casually on the couch, pulling Tatiana into his arms. "They're right. I'm the one you should be serving."

He spread his legs and smirked down at me with contempt. "Now. Kneel between my legs, bow your head, and lick Tatiana's shoes clean. I want to see where this husband who loves you so much is while you're humiliating yourself serving me."