Chapter 2

Simone said, "It's not easy being my assistant. He got woken up by me in the middle of the night to deliver a gift, only to be kicked out by my tesoro."

Chuckling softly, he ruffled my hair. "You're getting more temperamental, Zoe. Looks like I'll have to come and persuade you myself."

Simone then brushed my hair aside, reaching to fasten the necklace around my neck.

He was close enough for me to clearly notice the red marks on his neck. I could also catch a whiff of the sweet, unfamiliar perfume lingering on him.

My stomach twisted in an instant. I slapped Simone's hand away, my tone icy when I said, "Stop pretending, Simone. I saw you proposing to her at the airport yesterday."

His hand froze, as a flicker of restraint crossed his eyes. However, he quickly masked it with calm. "You've misunderstood, Zoe. Jasmina was forced into an arranged marriage by her family, so she asked me to help put on an act.

"She's been my friend for years. I can't let her marry someone she doesn't love. You're a woman too. You should understand her predicament."

I scoffed. Of course, I'd understand. After all, I'd be marrying a man I didn't love three days from now.

Seeing how I was silent, Simone assumed I was understanding enough. He continued to fasten the necklace around me. "To make it look more convincing, I'll have her move in in a few days.

"You should stay at the villa in the suburbs for now. I'll bring you back once her parents give up completely."

I let out a cold laugh and turned to him. "Does that mean I'll never come back if her parents never give up?"

Simone hesitated for a moment, then brushed past the topic. "Alright, the restaurant's reservation is almost up. Let's go."

I brushed his hand away, refusing to go.

Simone's expression darkened at my continuous rejection. He slammed the door shut.

As soon as the door closed, I yanked the necklace off my neck and tossed it straight into the trash.

I remembered the day when Papa sent his men to drag me back for an arranged marriage. I was willing to go against him for Simone, even giving up my title as the mafia's Principessa.

Back then, I confidently told Papa that Simone would make me happy.

But now, I looked at myself in the mirror. My chest was rising and falling violently, my eyes were bloodshot, and a deep red mark wrapped around my neck.

I was nowhere close to happiness. Instead, I looked like a complete wreck.

However, it was still not too late to turn back.

I let out a deep breath, straightened my posture, and gathered my thoughts. Then, I began packing.

As the mafia's Principessa, I would not be easily confined by one man alone.

My belongings weren't too many after tossing out everything Simone gave me. As such, packing went by quickly.

Five long years, reduced to a single 24-inch suitcase.

I gave myself a self-deprecating smile before heading to the office. Then, I placed my resignation letter on Simone's desk.

Just as I stepped out, Mr. Bianchi came rushing after me with my letter. "Why are you quitting suddenly, Zoe? Mr. Pozzi will never agree to this!"

"Joining required his approval, but leaving does not," I replied.

Mr. Bianchi was surprised by my indifference. He was about to reply, but was interrupted by Simone's call.

He said, "Help me book the wedding venue and make sure it's in a fairytale theme. But remember, no roses—Jasmina is allergic. No need to worry about the wedding dress. I'll personally take her to the fitting.

"Why aren't you saying anything?"

Mr. Bianchi shot me a nervous glance and replied with a trembling voice, "Alright, Mr. Pozzi."

He tried to explain after ending the call, but I cut him off. "Put the resignation letter back on his desk, Mr. Bianchi. Do your job, and don't meddle."

After that, I returned to the office to sort through handover documents, only to hear surprised gasps from my colleagues.

"Oh my! Why is the company suddenly transferring us money?"

"I got it too! The note says it's a wedding bonus. Is Mr. Pozzi getting married soon?"

Everyone exchanged glances, eyes wide in shock.

"How could you not tell us about something so big, Zoe?"

"That's right! You're so close to Mr. Pozzi, I bet your gift is the biggest!"

Excited, they crowded around me, only to find a completely blank transaction record.