Chapter 4

My mother stood at the entrance of the ballroom, her head held high in smug arrogance.

Instant toxic memories rushed back into my mind, completely out of my control.

At seven, she locked me in the dark tower, leaving me with lifelong claustrophobia.

At twelve, I saved every penny I could to buy a tiny pendant. She confiscated all my savings and used it to buy my sister a whole fine jewelry set instead.

At eighteen, I worked myself to the bone to get into a top-tier university. That day, I swore deep down that I would break free from that leeching family, no matter what it took.

"Who invited her?" My voice trembled, shaking with rage.

Ricardo answered, completely unbothered. "Ella suggested it. She said it was only right to bring your mother to your engagement party. She thought it might help heal the rift between the two of you. Ella was only doing it for your own good."

I was on the brink of a total breakdown, my knuckles turning white as I clutched my gown.

"How many times have I told you how hard I fought just to escape that house?! She is the last person on earth I ever want to see!"

Ricardo’s tone remained dismissive. "It’s been so many years. I really think it’s time you let it go."

Before I could argue further, the master of ceremonies hurried over with a clipboard in hand. "Don Ricardo, the ceremony is about to start. We need you on stage."

I bit my lip hard, forcing the rest of my words back down my throat.

The hall was packed with key famiglia allies and high-society guests. The event had been in the making for months, and hundreds of eyes were pinned on us. Now was not the time to cause a scene.

The attendant ushered me to the waiting area below the platform. "Signorina Newton, please wait here. Don Ricardo will come down to escort you up personally."

Ricardo stepped up onto the high stage.

A large screen slowly lit up, projecting photos of our years together, moments he had taken himself.

"Emma and I first met years ago at an international gala..." his voice echoed softly through the speakers as he recounted our past.

As his speech concluded, the announcer raised his voice into the microphone. "Now, let us welcome Don Ricardo as he personally escorts Signorina Newton to the stage!"

The main hall lights cut out, leaving a single, blinding spotlight trained directly on Ricardo.

He walked down the stairs, making his way past the guests straight toward the main table. And right under everyone's gaze, he leaned over and took Ella by the hand.

The entire room fell silent.

Ella’s face flushed bright red as she desperately mouthed warnings to him.

The announcer, completely oblivious to the chaos, kept calling out my name over the speakers. "Let us welcome Don Ricardo’s fiancée, Signorina Emma Newton!"

I was standing right beside Ella, draped in cheap accessories like a cruel punchline. Without uttering another word, I turned around and walked straight out of the banquet hall.

"Emma!" A familiar, sharp voice quickly chased after me from behind.

My mother caught up, her eyes dripping with sarcasm. "Did climbing your way up to the Tucci famiglia make you forget who you are? You haven't sent back a single cent for household expenses or your sister’s wardrobe!

"And look at your man. How good can he really be if he gets his own fiancée wrong on a night like this?"

A malicious smirk pulled at her lips. "Did you really think you could escape us? With your background, you were never fit to be Donna, anyway!"

Suffocation seized my chest as the lingering terror of my childhood flooded back.

I didn't bother arguing. I just turned and ran like hell.

My heel caught on a step, my ankle twisted, and a sharp, blinding pain shot straight up to my calf. Without stopping, I bent down, kicked off both heels, and pressed my bare feet onto the cold floor.

The train of my heavy gown was holding me back, so I grabbed the fabric and ripped off a massive chunk of the hem.

I kept my head down and ran, leaving the voices further and further behind. Only when the world around me grew quiet did I finally stop.

The night swallowed me whole, and tears spilled uncontrollably down my face.

My phone vibrated in my hand with a call from my overseas partner. "Miss Newton, the project has officially launched. When are you leaving?"

I looked down at my ruined dress, my bare feet, and the utter humiliation of my situation.

A wave of bitter absurdity washed over me.

What was I still holding on for? What was I even waiting for?

I gripped the phone tightly and took a deep breath. "I can leave right now."

"Great. There's a private flight leaving tonight. I'll send you the flight details immediately."

"Thank you."

After hanging up, I returned to the estate and quietly began packing my belongings.

Ricardo’s notifications popped up one after another on my screen.

[Emma, today was my fault. Don't be mad.]

[I promise I won't get it wrong at the wedding.]

Because of his prosopagnosia excuse, I had heard that exact apology countless times before. And every time, I'd forgiven him.

This time, though, I was done.

I blocked Ricardo and Ella's contacts and snapped my suitcase shut.

…

Third-Person POV

Back at the ballroom, the chaotic farce had finally wound down.

Ella sat in the car, looking nervous. "Ricardo, do you think Emma is really mad this time?"

Ricardo gripped the steering wheel tightly. A flash of panic hit his chest, but he quickly forced it down. "She'll be fine. A little coaxing will fix it. It’s always worked before."

He dropped Ella off at her residence, then drove straight to a luxury jeweler to pick out a high-end piece as an apology gift.

In the blink of an eye, the wedding day arrived.

Ricardo stood in the center of the lavishly decorated grand hall, his heart beating with anticipation as he waited for Emma to walk out in her diamond piece and bridal gown.

Suddenly, the doors swung open as a subordinate rushed in, his face pale with panic.

"Don Ricardo! Something's wrong. Signorina Newton is gone!"