Chapter 1

After the banquet ended, Madre found me standing alone in a corner, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Vera, I know you're a good girl."

I didn't answer. Instead, I remembered how, in the final moments of my previous life, Madre had received the news of my condition and still couldn't be bothered to come see me one last time.

My gaze fell on my younger sister, Arianna Valenti, as she walked over with Dario Lancieri.

"I'm sorry, Vera," she said. "This is all my fault…"

When I was born, our family had been ambushed. My parents had grabbed Arianna and fled, leaving me forgotten in the car.

The rival faction had found me and taken me away, but they soon decided I was more trouble than I was worth and abandoned me by the roadside.

A kind civilian had taken me in and raised me as her own. It wasn't until a few years ago that my family finally found me.

If our family's power hadn't been declining and they hadn't needed a marriage alliance to secure their position, my parents probably would've forgotten they had another daughter at all.

Arianna's hand flew to her mouth as she began to cry. Dario immediately pulled her into his arms.

"Don't cry, tesoro," Dario said, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "This is what she deserves."

Then he turned toward me, undisguised disgust evident in his eyes. "You agreed to this yourself, so don't go back on your word."

Madre wiped away her tears, picked up a champagne glass, and walked over.

"This is certainly something worth celebrating," she said. "Arianna is finally getting what she's always wanted."

Papa turned to Dario and started discussing the wedding date. Then he glanced at me, who had remained silent the entire time, and smiled.

"Since Arianna's wedding is happening this month, why don't we have Vera's wedding on the same day?"

The satisfaction on Madre's face told me exactly how much she liked the idea.

Still, with all the guests watching, she put on a show of concern.

"But wouldn't that be a little unfair to Vera?"

Papa laughed.

"Vera's future husband is the Bellini family's elderly Don," he said. "A man of that wealth and status? The sooner she marries him, the better. He'll give Vera a life other people can only dream of.

"Vera, I couldn't be happier for you!"

He said it with such enthusiasm, proudly proclaiming his love for his daughter. Seeing this, several guests nearby raised their glasses and came over to offer their congratulations.

I heard the older members of the family and guests from the various factions whispering among themselves.

"The Bellini family's elderly Don? He's a brutal man. Absolutely ruthless."

"I heard he's nearly 60. Poor Vera," a guest muttered. "She only just came back to the family, and now she's being sacrificed for a marriage alliance."

In my previous life, I would've slipped away to my room and cried where no one could see me.

This time, I simply picked up another glass of champagne and took a slow sip.

When the banquet ended, Dario and Arianna walked ahead while Papa and Madre walked beside them, discussing the wedding details.

No one noticed me trailing behind.

I watched Dario open the car door, crouch to straighten Arianna's dress, and help her get in.

She lowered her head with a sweet smile and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Arianna, seeing how much Dario loves you makes us so happy for you," Papa said, patting Madre's hand as he leaned over to whisper something to Arianna.

Just like in their previous life, they didn't notice the daughter who was always walking a few steps behind them.

I looked down at my dress. The hem was far too long because it was Arianna's dress.

Madre had told me that it would take time for a tailor to alter a dress, so for now, I could only borrow Arianna's gown.

Everyone kept praising Arianna for being kind enough to lend me her dress, yet no one once asked whether I wanted to wear something meant for her.

Dario was about to close the car door when he noticed me.

"Vera," he said, walking over with a frown. "I know Don Bellini's much older than you, but his wealth and status are enough to give you a life most people could only dream of."

He lowered his voice and continued, "Once it's all over, I'll make sure you have a way out."

"Got it," I simply replied.

He looked up at me, clearly surprised by my response. After all, the Vera he remembered would've argued with him until her voice was hoarse.

After a long silence, Dario turned and walked away.

Papa helped Madre into the car. Once they drove off, my phone buzzed with a message.

"We forgot you weren't in the car. Get yourself a ride home."

I'd grown used to being forgotten like this in my previous life.

The moment I stepped through the front door, Arianna came rushing toward me, practically glowing with excitement. A sparkling diamond ring gleamed on her finger.

"Vera! Dario just proposed to me," she squealed. "He said he was so grateful to God for bringing me into his life."

She threw her arms around me. "Thank you for giving him to me, Vera!"

I smiled at her, then returned to my room.

Once the door closed behind me, I slowly shut my eyes.

This time, I'd give them exactly what they wanted. I'd put everything back the way it was supposed to be.