My Legal Husband Took a Bride

Two days later, in the evening, I returned home, hauling a pile of art supplies and a newly bought suitcase.When I opened the door, a clear, unfamiliar female laugh rang out. A woman was standing next to Vittore.Vittore came over and took the heavy things from my hands. "You're back. Perfect timing. Let me introduce the two of you."Vittore rested a hand on my shoulder as he introduced, "This is Francesca Delle."Then he turned to me. "Francesca, this is Chiara Romano. I mentioned her before. Her place isn't the safest right now, so she'll be staying here for a few days.""Oh, alright. Has the staff prepared the guest room?""The guest room faces north, so it's a bit chilly," Vittore said thoughtfully. "Chiara isn't in the best health. She needs sunlight, so—""Then I'll move to the guest room," I interrupted. "The master bedroom faces the sun. Ms. Romano can rest there."Since I had very few things, it didn't take me long to pack them.In the end, the only thing left in the

The smell of disinfectant and the monotone ticking of machines woke me. I opened my eyes to find my neck wrapped in thick gauze.The nurse told me that a passerby had saved me. The blade had barely missed my carotid artery by only a fraction of an inch, and I had been unconscious for two days from blood loss.There was no one else in my room. Clinging to the last shred of hope, I asked softly, "Has Vittore Ferri been here?"The nurse's gaze softened with sympathy. "The Ferri family's butler took care of your medical bills. As for Mr. Ferri… he hasn't been by."I should have expected it. With Chiara constantly causing drama, there was no way Vittore would come.Vittore… Whatever his reasons, I would no longer forgive him. I reached for my phone and noticed a message from my friend."Your flight's booked! It's tomorrow at 3:00 pm, a direct flight from Kegrun Airport to Gavelle Airport. The flight number is AF009. You can pack light since Gavelle has everything! I'll be waiting for

Vittore froze completely, the hand holding the ring stiffening as color drained from his face in an instant. "What… What did you say?""We go to the same college. He studies architecture," I continued, still in that calm, factual tone. "Before every date, he checks restaurant menus and appraisals for me. He remembers what I don't like to eat."When I stay up late rushing paintings, he brews coffee and leaves it outside my door without saying anything. He doesn't make me wait or lie to me."And he never forces me to choose between my wellbeing and the famiglia."I paused, met his gaze, and finally said the words I'd been carrying inside me. "I feel safe when I'm with him. But in the six years I spent with you, Vittore, I never went a single day without worrying about what I might lose next."Vittore opened his mouth, but no words came out. The platinum ring slipped from his trembling fingers and hit the ground with a sharp clink.Lifting my umbrella, I held it over his head, shiel

After Vittore left, I returned to my apartment and opened the small wooden box Papa had left me.There was no jewelry inside, just a yellowed slip of paper.Papa's handwriting was still clear. "My dearest Francesca, true love is a harbor, not a storm. It won't leave you anxious day and night, questioning whether you are worthy."If you ever find yourself caught in a storm, strive to reach the shore. Don't cling to it."Papa had passed away early when I was just a child. This note was one of the few things he left behind.As a child, I couldn't understand these words. While I was with Vittore, I thought love was supposed to be passionate and tumultuous, full of waiting, guessing, and repeated acts of forgiveness and compromise.It wasn't until I nearly died in that alley in Newirm City, and until I met Louis in Gavelle, that I truly understood what a "harbor" meant.…A month later, I heard that Vittore and Chiara's divorce had been finalized. Another week passed, and Vittore ca