INICIAR SESIÓNIn the months that followed, the Salvatore family’s nightmare descended slowly and irreversibly.First, their territory in Palermo’s old town was carved up by three rival families in a single night.Next came the eastern ports. The Russo family choked off every shipping route controlled by the Salvores. Within weeks, the bleeding numbers on their ledgers formed a blood-red gash.Then came their allies.The families that had once sworn brotherhood with the Salvores began to quietly distance themselves.First, they delayed meetings. Then they stopped answering calls. Finally, even the olive oil and wine they used to exchange during the holidays stopped appearing on the Salvores' front porch.No one was willing to cross the Russos for the sake of the Salvores.This was the iron rule of Sicily: To make an enemy of the strong is to make an enemy of yourself.The Salvatore estate grew emptier by the day.Servants, bodyguards, and butlers handed in their resignations one after another.Only t
(Elena’s POV)After landing, I returned to the estate I hadn’t visited in years.The May sun had already baked the limestone cliffs scorching hot. The sea breeze, carrying the sweet scent of lemon blossoms, rolled in from the Ionian Sea, swept through the estate’s colonnades, and poured into my room.I stood in front of the full-length mirror my mother had used when she was alive.Back then, I had stayed in that city for my mother’s heirlooms and for Leonardo.My fingers instinctively brushed over my lower belly.This little life was innocent. I was going to keep it, and I would give it the best care possible.My father, Don Alessandro, sat at the head of the long table."So, you've finally decided to go home and take up your role as the heir?"Having not seen my father for a few years, I noticed his hair had turned even whiter.My nose stung, and the grievance I had just suppressed welled up once again. "Dad..." I threw myself into his broad embrace.He didn't say a word, gently stro
The massive projection screen hanging in the church suddenly flared to life.I whipped my head around.On the screen, Liliana was sitting in a private clinic’s exam room, facing a mirror with a makeup brush in her hand.“Start with a light layer of foundation, then add a bit of grey-toned contour right under the eyes...”She mumbled to herself, sweeping the brush across her cheeks.In the mirror, a healthy young woman slowly transformed into a frail, sickly one.The next clip.Liliana was in the same exam room as a doctor handed her a medical report.Her voice was crystal clear: “Mild anemia? No, that won’t do. I need something... more severe. You know what I mean.”An envelope was slid across the desk.The next clip.Liliana was taking a selfie with her front-facing camera, beaming brightly.“That stupid woman actually thinks Leonardo is in love with her. Once I’m cured, the position of the Salvatore matriarch will be mine.”The video kept playing.Clip after clip.Liliana on the pho
(Leonardo’s POV)The wedding venue was decked out in absolute opulence.White roses lined the path from the church doors all the way to the altar. Beneath the crystal chandeliers, the heads of the major families sat stiffly in their pews, exchanging hushed whispers.The lingering notes of the pipe organ still echoed under the vaulted ceiling. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, bathing the altar in a kaleidoscope of gold and crimson.The weather was exceptionally clear today. Everything was absolutely perfect.I stood at the altar in my custom black suit.But the space beside me was empty. The bride still hadn’t shown up.I gripped the ring box so hard my knuckles turned white.I’d ordered this diamond ring three months ago in Rome. Cushion-cut, six carats, with our initials engraved inside the band—L.S. & E.R.After the farewell banquet last night, I’d called Elena seventeen times.No one answered.She was probably still throwing a tantrum.It was fine. Today, at the
“Donna Elena, could you confirm today’s event itinerary one more time?”My subordinate handed me the tablet, their tone hesitant.The engagement photo wall that used to be mine had been replaced with pictures of Leonardo and Liliana.The host introduced Leonardo as “the man who walked her through the final chapter of her life.”As for me, I was only introduced as “the organizer of this banquet.”In the center of the stage, Liliana wore an altered wedding dress, my tiara resting on her head.Leonardo was personally adjusting her train.The moment he saw me, he walked straight over.“After the banquet, I’ll take you back to the old villa and apologize to your mother in person.”“No need.”My gaze fell on the ring on Liliana’s finger. My voice was completely flat.“My mother wanted her belongings to be respected, not for you to wait until they’ve been ruined before apologizing to her portrait.”Guests from all the major families and high society had arrived.Whispers broke out among the c
I returned to my family villa alone, planning to pack up some of my mother’s belongings.But the locks had been changed, and strangers were wandering in and out of the house.“This house was left to me by my mother. Who gave you permission to be here?”The door opened from the inside.Leonardo stood in the doorway, holding a ring of new keys.There was one last item on Liliana's bucket list: filming a farewell video in a warm home.Leonardo didn't dare to meet my eyes as he explained.“She’s only staying for two days to take some photos. Once it’s over, I’ll restore it to how it was.”Liliana walked out of the living room holding my mother’s photo album."Elena, please don't be angry. I just heard that your mother founded an orphanage before she passed away. I thought she was a kind-hearted woman, so I wanted to film here.""I figured she wouldn't mind."I reached out to take the album, but she let go before I could touch it.Though her words were about her respect for my mother, her e







