Chapter 11

Rosa didn’t say a word.

It was known across the world that Luciano Mancini was rumored to be the Italian Don—but there was never any proof, nor was it ever made official. He owned countless legitimate businesses, charity organizations for noble causes, schools, and hospitals that served people for free, all carefully crafted to keep his image spotless. No one had ever been able to touch him.

But she couldn’t hide it anymore that Luciano Mancini—the billionaire tycoon, the wealthiest man in the country—was her ex-husband.

The way he had dragged her away with him the previous night, after threatening Dr. DeLuca, had already answered everything the doctor needed to know about the nature of their relationship.

Her silence stretched between them.

Dr. DeLuca let out a slow breath, shook his head, and stood up. He walked around the desk and stopped in front of her, studying her face as if trying to make sense of a puzzle.

“He’s rich and powerful,” he said carefully. “Then why… why can’t he provide child support? Why can’t he cover Renzo’s treatment?”

Rosa’s eyes widened in panic.

She couldn’t tell him the truth.

She couldn’t let anyone connect Renzo to Luciano.

She couldn’t let anyone know the real reason she had lived in poverty, why she had hidden her son, why she had to leave five years ago. She just couldn't risk her son's life.

Dr. DeLuca watched her closely, confusion deepening. If Luciano Mancini truly was her ex-husband—and Renzo was his son—then why had they lived like this? Why had she struggled like someone with no one behind her, no home… no money? Nothing about it made sense to him.

Rosa swallowed hard, forcing her voice to steady as she prepared another lie.

Yes. Another lie—because she had already told thousands of them, each one necessary to keep Luciano from discovering the truth through anyone. She had to be careful.

“He didn’t want Renzo, and he’s getting married again soon,” she said. And for once, nothing she said was a lie.

Doctor Deluca’s forehead creased with annoyance.

What kind of man was that Italian Don?

What was the point of all that wealth and limitless power if he couldn’t even support his own son?

He exhaled heavily at the thought, shaking his head subtly before he spoke again.

“By the way… the charity board reviewed your request and agreed to consider Renzo’s treatment,” he said, choosing his words with care.

“But they want to meet you in person.”

He didn’t mention the truth—that he had quietly pulled every string behind the scenes to make this meeting happen faster than anyone expected.

Rosa blinked, a breath of relief slipping out at the good news—

but the second half of his sentence hit her, and the relief tightened sharply into a knot of nerves.

“M-meet me? Why?” she whispered.

“It’s standard procedure,” he reassured her gently. “They want to understand your situation directly—from you.”

He paused, choosing his words with care.

“They usually approve treatment funding for families who… can’t manage the expenses.”

He hesitated, deliberately avoiding the word poor out of respect for her dignity.

“This is your chance, Rosa,” he said softly. “Explain Renzo’s condition. Help them understand why he can’t wait.”

Rosa’s eyes gleamed with gratitude, and in that moment, Dr. DeLuca looked almost godlike to her.

“Thank you, doctor… I can’t explain what this means to me. I can never repay your kindness,” her voice broke, heavy with emotion.

Dr. DeLuca stepped closer and looked into Rosa’s eyes as he offered her a gentle smile.

“It’s nothing, Rosa. I’m glad if I can help even a little.”

Rosa pressed her lips together, her eyes glistening at his words.

Did such selfless men still exist in this world?

She wasn’t sure anymore. All she had ever seen was cruelty… and the most evil man in her life was the one she had once loved with everything in her.

“I’ve texted you the address. Just don’t be late,” he added, hesitating for a moment. “I’m sorry—I would have come with you, but I have a surgery scheduled.”

Rosa nodded with a soft smile.

“It’s fine, doctor. You’ve already done so much for us. I can manage the meeting. I’ll convince them to help my Renzo.”

“Yes, that’s my girl—” Dr. DeLuca blurted out with a bright grin before he could stop himself.

Rosa’s eyes widened.

Realizing what he’d just said, Dr. DeLuca’s face flushed with embarrassment. He quickly looked away and cleared his throat, as if trying to gather himself.

“I—I just said it on impulse. You know… just a general expression,” he stammered, trying to justify his words and smooth over the sudden awkwardness between them. But from the way his voice wavered, even he knew it sounded like an excuse.

Rosa didn’t dwell on it either; she was just as flustered in that moment.

She thanked him again and quietly slipped out of his chamber.

The meeting with the charity board directors was scheduled for the evening, so Rosa left early. She took public transport—saving every euro she could, terrified of risking even a small dent in the money she needed for Renzo’s treatment. After getting off the bus, she walked the rest of the way, clutching her worn bag tightly.

She arrived at the charity board office, and a clerk guided her to the meeting room. But the moment she pushed the door open, she froze.

Her breath caught.

Then—under her breath—she cursed her fate.

Her ex-husband was sitting there.

Luciano Mancini.

God… why? she thought, her pulse spiking.

How can my fate be this cruel? Everywhere I go… he’s there.