LOGINVictor shook so violently I could feel it through both of us. His tears burned where they fell into the hollow of my neck, one drop after another. His scent wrapped around me, familiar enough to make my heart stutter.In my previous life, I waited until the day I died and never once received an embrace like this from him.But in this life, I did not need his arms, his love, or his regret.I had fought too hard for this new, freer life. He should never have appeared before me again.The moment I came back to myself, I shoved him away without hesitation. "Mr. Rossi. Have some respect."The distance in my voice cut into him like a blade. His eyes were red.More tears spilled as he forced out each word. "Lydia… I remember. I remember everything now. I'm sorry. How could I say those things to you? How could I betray you? How could I fall in love with someone else…"He must have remembered every time he hurt me after losing his memory. I could see it in his face. It looked as if someo
Victor went completely still. "When did she get married?"Gino blinked in surprise. "Victor, you didn't know? Seven days ago. Lydia married Mr. Matteo Alessandro of the Billston Alessandro family. Once her health improves, they'll hold the wedding ceremony."Gino kept talking, but Victor could not hear a word. His mind went blank as a sharp ringing filled his ears.Seven days ago? That was the second day after he left for Adaelo.In that instant, every strange feeling he had tried to ignore snapped into place. Lydia had sent him away first to ensure nothing would go wrong.Something hot and jagged lodged in his throat, and the pain left him unable to speak. His chest felt hollow, as if he had lost something he could never replace."Victor?""How could she do that? She's the Donna of the Lombardi family. How could she rush into a marriage like that? And hadn't she already turned that man down countless times?"Before anyone could stop him, Victor bolted out the door. He needed a
After returning to the fishing village, Victor tried to live the life he had once planned. He went out with the fishermen at sunrise and came back at sundown, then tended the crops in the yard.But life proved far less peaceful than he had imagined. From the day they returned, Demira found fault with everything. Every complaint led back to the same demand. She wanted to move into the city.Victor had saved a considerable amount of money during his years with the Lombardi family. He could easily afford a townhouse in New Hampston.However, he did not want to go back. After years of bloodshed and violence, he wanted a quiet life.Demira could not accept that. After days of pressing him without success, she resorted to tantrums, clutching her stomach and crying without end.Victor had no choice but to give in for the time being.He had always known Demira could be spoiled. In the past, he had been willing to indulge her. Now, for reasons he could not explain, everything felt off. Hi
Victor's heart jolted. "Where did she go?"Luca looked at him without expression. "What does that have to do with you?""How does it not? We…" Victor cut himself off and went rigid. All at once, he realized he had no right to ask about me anymore.Luca let out a cold scoff, his patience already gone. "You said it yourself that you wanted out of the Lombardi family. Your time is up, so pack your things and leave. Let me remind you of something. Next time we meet, I won't show mercy to you or that bitch."Victor clenched his fists. When he spoke, his voice was rough. "I'll leave today. But before I go, I want to know where Lydia is. Did she go to Billston?"The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt, though he could not explain why.He did not love her. He was about to be free. The only person he was supposed to care about was Demira.Luca's eyes turned cold. "That's none of your business."Then he remembered what Lydia had told him before she left. After a brief silen
That same night, Victor packed and prepared to leave.Demira grabbed his hand, panic all over her face. "Victor, you can't go. This has to be a trap. A vicious woman like Lydia would never just let us off that easily. Why don't we sneak away instead?"A while ago, Victor might have agreed with her. But after what happened at the cemetery, he could tell I truly meant to let them go.Hearing her talk like that stirred a strange flash of irritation in him, though he still kept his tone patient. "If she really wanted revenge, she wouldn't go through this much trouble. Relax. Stay here, take care of yourself, and focus on the baby. I'll be back soon."Demira did not want to accept that, but in the end, she nodded with reddened eyes as she leaned into his arms. "You have to come back as fast as you can. I'm scared here by myself."Victor kissed her forehead. "When I get back, we'll leave this place for good. We'll go back to the fishing village, get married, and live out the rest of our
"Luca!" I stopped him just in time. Clutching my bleeding arm, I looked at Victor without expression. "Victor, this is the last time. From this moment on, whatever care I owed you, whatever debt I owed you, we're even. From now on, I won't go easy on you again."Victor had not expected things to end like this. His expression tightened, tangled and unreadable. He looked as though he wanted to speak, but no words came."Lydia—""Go back."I was already injured and weak. Demira's bullet had struck bone. I forced out those last words, then blacked out on the spot.-Victor's pupils shook. Almost on instinct, he scrambled to his feet and rushed toward Lydia. "Lydia!""Victor, if Lydia hadn't gone soft, I would've made sure you and that bitch died right here today!" Luca looked ready to kill him, but there was no time. He kicked Victor aside, scooped Lydia up, and carried her to the car. "Hospital. Now!"Demira clung to him, crying and complaining at once. "Victor, I'm going to be ok







