Chapter 1

Silence stretched for a couple of seconds on the other end of the line before a muted voice asked, "Do you need us to send a car for you?"

"No," I responded calmly.

I had only one request: Ettore's body couldn't remain with the Rossi famiglia. I wanted him buried in the Clemente famiglia's cemetery.

After hanging up, I silently stared at the wet amusement park ticket on the table.

Footsteps sounded from the foyer. My husband, Gabriele Rossi, who hadn't shown his face for three days, had returned.

The moment he crossed the threshold, he called out, "Ettore!"

No one answered him.

He stood at the foot of the stairs and frowned. "It's late. Has he gone to bed?"

I took him in.

Raindrops still clung to his shoulders, mingling with the smell of disinfectant. It was apparent he had just returned from the hospital.

"I know I bailed on Ettore on his birthday. I promised him, but I didn't follow through. Bella was injured and passed out that day. I couldn't just leave her alone at the hospital. I'll take him out to have fun next time, I promise!"

I didn't say a single word.

Gabriele turned on his heel and went upstairs, then pushed open the door to Ettore's room. Descending the stairs, he rambled, "He's not in his room. Is he out playing again? Well, a boy should be energetic. I'll talk to him when I get back next time."

He stood beside me for a moment before adding, "Bella just had surgery, and she's still frail. I need to head back to the hospital. Her parents died for the famiglia, so I have to take extra care of her."

He bent down, and just as his lips were about to touch my forehead, I dodged him. He didn't seem to mind, though.

Gabriele took my hand and lowered his head to kiss the ring on my finger. "You'll always be the Donna of the Rossi famiglia."

Right after saying that, he picked up his phone, which had lit up. After taking a look at the screen, he immediately grabbed his jacket.

Before stepping out the door, he looked back at me. "Get some rest tonight."

I took off my ring and placed it on top of the divorce agreement I had already signed.

I hadn't contacted him during the three days he was away. I had gone to the hospital and the funeral home on my own. He had no idea what had taken place in his own home.

Early the next morning, I stood outside the funeral home and watched as Ettore's body was transferred to the Clemente famiglia's cemetery.

Just then, I received a phone call from Gabriele. "Adele!" he chirped. "Our famiglia's banquet is tonight. I'm going to officially name Ettore as my heir in front of everyone! So, bring him with you."

My grip tightened on the death certificate in my hand. "Alright," I said. "I'll make sure he shows up on the dot."