Chapter 1

In my past life, I chose Simone Conti, who eventually betrayed me. In this life, I chose Aldo Conti, the most ruthless executioner in the Conti Famiglia.

I hadn't anticipated Simone's return. I had only just come out of the study of Carmelo Conti, the Don of the Conti Famiglia, and was making my way through the Famiglia's underground range when I spotted Simone at the shooting station. He was surrounded by several Made Men of the Conti Famiglia.

I expressionlessly walked behind them, heading straight for the exit.

Upon seeing that I had no intention of paying any attention to him, Simone felt slightly unsettled, causing his grip to falter while practicing shooting. His pistol slipped from his grip, hit the ground with a muffled thud, and rolled exactly to my feet.

"Pick it up for me, Eva."

Those around stopped what they were doing, waiting for the drama to unfold. They all assumed I would bend down humbly and obey blindly, just like I used to.

I didn't budge. I kicked the gun sharply in the next instant, sending it straight into the drainage grate nearby. I asked coldly, "Have your hands gone useless?"

Simone's arrogance instantly faded away as he stared at me with complete disbelief.

It was then that one of the Made Men asked, "Is this a new trick of yours, Eva Moretti? You're about to choose your husband soon, so now you're trying to play hard to get to get Simone's attention, huh?"

I was just about to retort when the sound of gentle footsteps approached.

Clodia Moretti came through the side door, dressed in a scarlet haute couture dress. Simone had given me that exact dress for my birthday a year earlier.

I had been thrilled about that present for a long time back then, so much so that I never dared to wear it and kept it safely preserved in my closet. I still recalled Simone complimenting me at the time, telling me I was the most beautiful woman in the world.

Clodia, however, was the one wearing that dress at that moment.

Clodia walked over to Simone and deliberately leaned against his arm. She spoke in a feigned, coy tone, saying, "Simone said I look prettier in this dress than you ever did, Eva. You're not upset, are you?"

She spoke while deliberately exposing several fresh hickeys on her neck, looking at me provocatively.

Simone didn't push Clodia away. He allowed her to lean against him while keeping his gaze fixed on me, looking for any indication that I was going crazy with jealousy.

"I know you'll hand over the ring to me at the formal betrothal announcement ceremony tonight. What's the point of playing hard-to-get with me now, Eva?"

He was completely certain of himself. "You just left Papa's study, didn't you? Did you use the fact that your mother once saved Papa's life to force him into ordering me to become your husband, Eva?"

He scoffed after saying that. "It's pathetic, really. Your mind is completely consumed with manipulating me into marriage. I'll agree to marry you, but after the vows, you'll dutifully play your part as the Donna and never interfere with my relationship with Clodia. Otherwise…"

He looked me straight in the eyes, a triumphant smile playing on his lips. "I'll leave you behind, Eva. You wouldn't want to end up dead in a car crash just because you have no one left to guard you, would you?"

I shuddered and looked at him with surprise, realizing in that exact moment that he had also been reborn with his past-life memories intact.

Upon noticing my stunned expression, Simone assumed that he had me cornered. He gave a proud, dismissive laugh, took Clodia by the hand, and strode out of the range, leaving me standing motionless.

Those Made Men nearby started muttering to one another, and jeering laughter broke out all around.

"Ms. Moretti didn't even dare to retort this time."

"Ms. Moretti is deeply in love with Mr. Conti, after all. She can put up with whatever women Mr. Conti keeps around him."

I looked after the departing Simone and scoffed, slowly releasing the grip of my hands. I thought the whole thing worked out perfectly well, as I had no intention of choosing him as my husband regardless.