Chapter 3

Serena's POV

My phone buzzed. A message had arrived from Vittoria. It read, "The divorce has been finalized. Tullio will remain with the family as its heir. You'll receive 30 million dollars in compensation. Leave as soon as possible."

I replied with a simple, "Okay."

Then I smiled and took the camera from the butler. "I never said no. Here, I'll take the picture for you. Go on, get into position."

In truth, earlier that morning, I'd signed the divorce papers Vittoria had prepared long before. I'd decided to give up on the marriage that had caused me so much pain, along with the son who no longer loved me.

The only reason I'd stayed until now was that I'd wanted to spend a little more time with Tullio on his birthday. After all, I probably wouldn't be there to celebrate any of his future birthdays.

But now it seemed even that gesture had been unnecessary.

Niccolo gave me a surprised glance before nodding.

With Niccolo and Marta holding Tullio between them, my son beamed happily at the camera. I pressed the shutter, capturing their happy moment together.

The moment Tullio was set down, he immediately clung to Marta again. "Marta, I have one more little wish. Will you say yes?"

He stood on tiptoe and leaned close to whisper in her ear. "I really wish I could live with you and Dad forever. Marta, can I call you Mom from now on? I'll only do it when no one's around. I promise I won't let my mom give you a hard time."

Marta covered her mouth in excitement, her eyes instantly filling with tears. She nodded eagerly. But despite their efforts to keep the conversation private, I'd heard every word.

I smiled bitterly. I no longer had the right, or even the energy, to make things difficult for Marta. Tullio could do whatever he wanted now.

Niccolo gave me a long, searching look. "What's gotten into you today? You're awfully quiet."

He reached for the soup and ladled some into a bowl for me, looking noticeably pleased. He even volunteered his plans for the rest of the evening. "Marta and I still have some work to take care of at the office. Get some rest. Don't wait up for me.

"Serena, I wish you could be this calm and reasonable every day."

I looked down at the seafood soup he'd placed in front of me. It was Marta's favorite, but for me, even a small amount could trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Still, I smiled and nodded.

After dinner, Marta carried Tullio upstairs and tucked him into bed before getting ready to leave with Niccolo.

Before heading out, she made a point of thanking me. "Serena, I really appreciate you not getting upset today. Thanks to you, Tullio's birthday turned out perfectly."

He was my own flesh and blood, yet here was an outsider thanking me on his behalf, as though I were the guest and she were his mother.

I said nothing. Instead, I picked up my wineglass and drained it in one go.

Only when I heard the front door close did I finally get up. I went upstairs and packed my belongings.

Before leaving, I stood outside Tullio's bedroom for a long time, hesitating. In the end, I couldn't bring myself to turn the doorknob. I simply turned and walked away.

I left my wedding ring and the divorce papers together in Niccolo's study, then headed straight to the airport.

As the plane took off, a sense of calm gradually settled over me. An overwhelming wave of exhaustion washed over me, and I closed my eyes.

For the first time in a year, I slept soundly. By the time I woke up, the plane had already reached its destination.

I casually switched off airplane mode. Instantly, my phone began vibrating nonstop as more than 100 messages flooded the screen.