Chapter 1

I practically snatched the two documents out, spreading them side by side on the desk. Taking a deep breath, I began comparing every detail.

The names, the dates… There were three differences. The first was the woman's name. My name, Francesca Delle, was on one, and Chiara Romano's was on the other.

The second was the date. The date on my document was two weeks ago, while the one with Chiara's name was four weeks ago.

I fixed my gaze on the lower-right corner of the documents. The last thing that was different was the official seal.

Although they looked almost identical, they were undeniably different.

The lines on mine looked indistinct, and the gold embossing was patchy. Moreover, under the sunlight, it looked flimsy and cheap.

The seal on Chiara's, on the other hand, looked so sharp. As for the ink on the paper, it caught the sunlight and reflected a brilliant, unquestionable sheen.

In that instant, it became clear to me that the marriage certificate bearing Vittore's name and mine was fake.

My knees buckled as all my strength left my body, and I slumped to the ground.

Six years… I had been with Vittore for six years. That was more than two thousand days and nights together.

Two weeks ago, he had invited a man to our home, claiming that he was an official from City Hall who could handle our marriage registration on-site. I was thrilled out of my mind.

Nervously, I followed the official's instructions, handed over all relevant documents needed, and watched as he stamped the marriage certificate with an official seal.

I thought that moment marked the beginning of Vittore's and my happily ever after. I never imagined it was the start of his lie.

All of a sudden, Vittore's voice drifted in from outside the half-open door, along with the sound of another pair of footsteps.

"Send the dress to Ms. Romano's place. Don't forget the pink diamond ring I bought at the auction last month."

"Yes, Mr. Ferri. Ms. Romano seems a bit upset. She asked whether you could see her tonight—"

Vittore cut him off impatiently, "Let Chiara know that I'll come by later. The world doesn't revolve around her, so tell her to stop acting up and focus on what really matters."

"Understood."

As I heard the other person walk away, I sat stiffly on the chair. Then, I heard Vittore walking toward the study.

Just before the door was fully pushed open, I shoved both documents back into the safe as fast as I could, smoothed my hair, and stood.

When Vittore came in, he looked slightly surprised to see me. "Francesca? What are you doing here? I thought you were in the studio."

"I was looking for an old sketchbook," I said calmly. "I remember seeing it on the top shelf last time."

"Have a maid find it for you. The shelves are dusty."

He walked over and casually reached to hold my waist. However, I avoided his touch, pretending to check another shelf.

As his hand hung in midair, his gaze darkened slightly. "What's wrong? Are you in a bad mood?"

As I skimmed the shelf, I feigned nonchalance, saying, "I heard you giving instructions just now… Who's Chiara? I don't recall you ever mentioning her."

The air went still for a moment.

I braced myself against the shelf, appearing calm while silently begging him to give me a good reason for their marriage.

"She's the daughter of a deceased member of the famiglia," Vittore said from behind me, his tone untroubled. "Her father was once my father's Consigliere. He used to control two docks, and he passed away a few years ago.

"Now my father wants those docks, so he asked me to look after her for a while and see if there's an opportunity to secure them."

"Is that all?" I pressed.

"That's all." He closed the distance between us and ruffled my hair. "Don't overthink it. Once my father is done with the matters at hand, she'll be sent away. Taking care of her is only temporary."

He was temporarily taking care of the daughter of a deceased member of the famiglia… Was that the reason why he married her?

A powerful wave of nausea hit me. I said nothing more. He gave my waist an affectionate squeeze. "I won't be home for dinner tonight. The dock situation is tricky."

Struggling to keep my voice from quivering, I murmured, "Okay."

Watching him leave, I stood frozen in place.

After a long while, I took out my phone and called a close college friend, Sofia Madden. "Before, you asked whether I wanted to further my studies abroad. Is it still possible?"

"Of course it is! I showed your work to a professor. He's very interested in your work and would welcome you anytime!"

"Okay. So when do I leave?"

"In ten days."

As I shut my eyes, the two marriage certificates and the clear official seal crossed my mind.

When I opened my eyes again, I had made my decision. "Okay. I'll start preparing."

After hanging up, I looked out the window at Newirm City's gray, overcast sky.

Vittore Ferri, in ten days, I was going to end this six-year-long farce.