Chapter 1

"What? Did you say you're willing to marry the ruthless mafia Don who kills without qualms in your sister's place?"

My parents' eyes widened as they stared at me in disbelief.

I answered calmly, "Yes."

My sister, Jovina Valenti, frowned suspiciously. "Why are you suddenly willing to sacrifice yourself? You're planning to run away at the last minute, aren't you?"

I sneered, "Then I won't marry him. You can do it yourself. That way, Papa and Mama won't have to worry either."

Only then did my parents seem to fully process what I had said. They came over to me, wearing righteous expressions and claiming that this was all for my own good.

I couldn't help but find it absurd. In both lifetimes, the only instances when my parents treated me with so much warmth were when they were pushing me into a hellish pit.

In my previous life, the mafia Don, Carlo Laguardia, specifically stated that the woman he wanted to marry was Jovina. However, she was determined to pursue a love that was hers and wouldn't go through with the marriage no matter the circumstances.

To save and protect their beloved daughter, my parents drugged me and married me off to Carlo even when they knew how unwilling I was.

My mama, Giorgio Natale, had choked back sobs as she said, "Carlo has overwhelming power and influence in the country. We can't escape him. If we don't go through with this marriage, none of us will survive!"

My papa, Luigi Valenti, had chimed in callously, "Nerissa, you and Jovina are twins. You look almost identical. You have to marry Carlo in Jovina's place this time. If you refuse, you'll spend the rest of your life locked in the basement while Carlo and his men come and lay waste to our family."

Left with no choice, I was forced to marry Carlo. Because of that, I never warmed up to him or gave him the time of day.

We were so indifferent to each other that our relationship was even more distant than that of strangers.

I thought I would spend the rest of my life like that forever. However, Jovina suddenly returned to the country. Because of her false claims, what minuscule trust Carlo had in me vanished completely. I ended up freezing to death in the ice house.

When I opened my eyes again, I realized I had gone back in time to the very moment Jovina refused the marriage. This time, I would not let history repeat itself! I had to win Carlo's heart no matter what!

"I'll marry Carlo in Jovina's place," I repeated firmly.

Upon receiving my assurance again, Mama was overjoyed. "That's wonderful! Jovi, go pack right now. We'll send you abroad overnight. Carlo's men won't be able to follow you there."

Papa visibly relaxed too, but his eyes didn't show the slightest trace of pity for me. "It's settled, then. I'll go talk to Carlo's men, and they'll take you away."

"Wait!" Jovina interrupted with a calculating expression on her face.

She went on, "What if we're found out? Why don't we hold a funeral and say Nerissa accidentally fell into the sea and died? Then, she can take my identity and marry him. That way, no one will suspect a thing."

Papa agreed immediately, "I'll make the arrangements and spread the news that you fell into the sea. We'll hold the funeral tomorrow morning. In the afternoon, the Laguardia family will come to take you."

Once everything was decided, my parents dressed me in Jovina's clothes. Late the next night, they secretly sent Jovina out of the city while I got into the car Carlo had sent.

…

In my previous life, I was extremely fearful of Carlo after marrying him. So, I was resistant and guarded toward him. As a result, our eight years of marriage were filled with nothing but icy distance and resentment.

Now that I had gotten a second chance at life, I cast aside my past prejudice and looked once more at the man sitting in the study.

Carlo held a cigar between his fingers. His tall, handsome figure was draped in a tailored suit. His hair was slicked back, leaving his blue-gray eyes that were deep and unfathomable on full display. To my surprise, they seemed to carry a hint of gentleness.

Setting aside his ruthless reputation as the Don, he had a naturally intimidating presence due to his calm and reserved disposition.

He possessed immense power, yet he showed warmth and protectiveness toward his own family.

To be honest, I was lucky to have the opportunity to stay by his side.

The first thing Carlo said upon seeing me was, "You don't need to do anything when you're by my side. Just behave yourself." His tone was composed and firm.

Instead of the indifference I constantly showed in my previous life, I took the initiative to hook my arm through his this time. In a soft and gentle voice, I said, "I understand, caro mio. I promise I won't cause you any trouble in the future."