Chapter 2

I regained consciousness afterward, only to find myself in a quiet hospital ward. I stared at the ceiling for a long time to get my bearings, barely managing to push myself up into a sitting position. I was still dizzy from the excessive blood draw, so even the slightest movement sent waves of darkness across my vision.

I noticed that my hospital ward was empty. There was no Mamma and Papa, no Cristiano, and not even a single caregiver to look after me.

Still, I couldn't help but notice how lively the neighboring hospital ward was. I could clearly see everything happening inside since the door hadn't been shut completely.

Papa was holding a bowl of hot chicken noodle soup, blowing on each spoonful to cool it down, while Mamma was peeling some fruit by the bedside. Nina leaned against the headboard, her complexion pale, becoming the center of everyone's attention.

Cristiano was sitting there as well, patiently listening to Nina act spoiled, occasionally responding in a low voice.

Those stumbling across the scene would have assumed that the young woman lying in that bed was the real fiancee of the Don of the Gallo Famiglia, while I was nothing more than an insignificant bystander.

I withdrew my gaze and got out of bed, completely unfazed by the situation. I noticed there was no hot water in the hospital ward, so I picked up a cup and slowly walked toward the water dispenser.

I was weak from losing too much blood, so my footing was unsteady. I had just finished filling up the cup when my wrist suddenly went limp.

Just as the glass cup was about to smash onto the floor, someone reached out in time and caught it steadily. "You're all grown up, and you're still trying to act tough."

I suddenly heard a familiar voice coming from right above me. Cristiano had walked into the hospital ward without me noticing, and even went as far as to pour me a cup of warm water.

I kept my head lowered as I took the cup from him, remaining completely silent.

"You've just had blood drawn, so you should have asked for help. You could have allowed the staff to handle these tasks for you, Patrizia," Cristiano said, obviously not realizing that I had been completely alone in the hospital ward ever since I came to.

He just pulled out a chair and sat, adding, "I've already taken care of the wedding arrangements—the church is booked, and the wedding dress, jewelry, and guest list are being finalized. You and I will get married in three days, Patrizia."

I looked up in surprise, causing Cristiano to chuckle softly. "What's the matter? Did you think I'd go back on my promise, Patrizia?"

He reached out to brush away a few stray strands of my hair, his movement practiced and natural. "I always keep my promises, Patrizia. The title of Donna of the Gallo Famiglia has always belonged to you."

He had said the same thing in my past life, but his promises had been compromised time and again for Nina's sake.

I stared at him in silence without contradicting him. I didn't bother telling him that in three days, I wouldn't be showing up at the wedding.

It was then that the door to the hospital ward pushed open, and Nina appeared at the entrance in a hospital gown, her face pale and her eyes bloodshot.

Cristiano immediately stood and walked toward her.

Nina said through her tears, "I just had a nightmare. I dreamed that I was being rushed to the ER again. I'm so scared, Cristiano…"

Cristiano looked at Nina with a brief pang of sympathy. He pulled her into his embrace and said softly, "You have nothing to be afraid of, Nina; after all, the doctor said you're perfectly fine now."

Nina's body trembled slightly, the picture of wounded innocence. "I'm still scared… I don't want to stay in the hospital anymore…"

Mamma and Papa hurried over as well. They were instantly filled with distress after seeing Nina's teary eyes.

Once the entire Famiglia gathered around to comfort her, Nina murmured, "I want to go outside for some fresh air. The doctor said it's crucial for me to stay in good spirits."

Papa immediately chimed in, exclaiming, "It's a wonderful idea! I mean, going on a trip beats being stuck in the hospital any day. You should have Cristiano accompany you, Nina. He has tons of connections, so you can go anywhere you like."

Mamma agreed as well, saying, "It's a good idea to let Cristiano accompany you out for a trip. You've been through so much lately, so you definitely deserve to unwind, Nina."

Cristiano hesitated for a moment. He still remembered his promise to marry me in just three days.

Upon seeing his hesitation, Nina immediately broke into tears. "I'm so sorry… I was being too selfish. I shouldn't have made such a request. Patrizia is definitely going to be upset again…"

Mamma and Papa turned to look at me right away, their eyes full of reproach and disappointment.

It was always like this. Whenever Nina broke down in tears, everyone assumed I was at fault, no matter what really happened. In my past life, I had spent my entire life fighting for their affection, but in this life, I had no intention of doing so.

I replied indifferently, "You can go if you want. I don't really mind."

"You shouldn't act out—hold on. You actually agree with it, Patrizia?" Papa asked in disbelief, assuming that he had misheard my response.

Cristiano furrowed his brows and said, "You shouldn't say things you don't mean just because you're upset, Patrizia."

I stated calmly, "I'm not upset or anything. Nina clearly needs you more, so you should accompany her instead."

Upon realizing that I meant what I said, Cristiano's frown gradually faded, replaced with a pleased smile. "You've finally grown up and become sensible, Patrizia. You can rest assured that I'll only be away with Nina for three days. I'll definitely be back on the day of the wedding ceremony, so don't worry about a thing."

"Got it," I said, nodding calmly. I would be gone for good three days from now, so whether he returned or not no longer had anything to do with me.