Chapter 1

I had just opened my eyes when I was informed by the nurse that I had been in a coma for 12 days. I, however, knew that I had lived for 12 years in my dreams. I went from being a pampered Principessa to being Marcello Gallo's most lethal weapon during that period.

I pleaded with Papa, Vincenzo Sabato, to start a blood war to eliminate the opposing famiglia in a single night when Marcello wanted the underground casino in Veridia.

I even remembered that the opposing famiglia's successor was Stefano Lombardi. I had staged a car accident that left him paralyzed for the rest of his life.

I found it utterly ridiculous when I didn't even hesitate to sign the consent form when Viviana Sabato, the real Principessa of the Sabato famiglia, suffered kidney failure.

Marcello held me and said, "I'm in your debt in this lifetime, Valentina."

I merely smiled and told him he didn't owe me anything.

It was three months later, at our wedding, that Marcello publicly took Viviana's hand and, before the guests, God, and the priest, stated coldly, "I never loved you, Valentina. I felt disgusted every single day we were together."

He went on to detail my "crimes" point by point—the very things I had done for his sake were now used as proof of my guilt.

It rained heavily that day. Marcello's bodyguards threw me out of the church, and my wedding dress grew heavy and cold as it soaked through. I walked three blocks before collapsing at the mouth of an alley, where I froze to death on what should have been my wedding day.

It was then that the chauffeur, Luca Russo, spoke up and dragged me back to the present. "You don't look so well, Ms. Sabato. Do you want to go back to the hospital to get checked again?"

I shook my head and turned my gaze to the streets rushing past the car window. I was aware that nothing had happened yet—Marcello's hatred hadn't taken root yet, and Stefano was still unharmed. I also hadn't yet started my descent into ruin.

"Is Marcello coming over today, Luca?"

Luca looked at me through the rearview mirror and replied hesitatingly, "Don Sadato and Madre Sadato didn't mention it, but Mr. Gallo has visited every day lately. He will probably come today, too."

I realized then that today was the day. I recalled Marcello bringing Viviana over today in my dream. I had caused a scene and embarrassed them publicly, cementing my reputation as a malicious woman in his eyes. I wasn't going to let that happen this time.

I then instructed Luca, "I need you to hurry up, Luca. I want to see my parents before Marcello shows up."

It was already 4:00 pm when the car pulled into Sabato Estate, just as the afternoon sunlight fell perfectly across the grounds. Mamma, Rosa Moretti, with her eyes swollen from crying, came out to meet me.

I knew then that they had already located Viviana, their biological daughter.

Mamma hugged me and asked, "Why didn't you have us pick you up from the hospital, Valentina?"

"I'm fine, Mamma," I replied as I returned her embrace, the familiar smell of her perfume making my eyes well up with tears. I then asked, "Where's Papa?"

Mamma took my hand and led me into the house. "Vincenzo is currently in the study. There's something I need to tell you, Valentina. I—"

I softly cut her off, saying, "I know you've found your biological daughter, Mamma."

Mamma was stunned.

I opted for the most straightforward explanation, saying, "I had some dreams while I was in a coma, and in them, I made a lot of mistakes and hurt a lot of people. I want to get some things out in the open right now, Mamma."

Papa sat behind his mahogany desk in the study, where a document lay open right in front of him.

I called out to him as he caught sight of me and removed his glasses. I then walked up to the desk, took out the document I had prepared at the hospital from my bag, and handed it to Papa, saying, "I've made my decision, Papa."

Papa took the document, but his expression shifted instantly upon reading it. He looked up at me, looking visibly upset. "What do you mean you want to relinquish all claims to the inheritance? What's the meaning of this, Valentina?"

I replied calmly, "It means exactly what it says. All of the Sabato famiglia's assets should have been your biological daughter's, Mamma and Papa. It's about time for me to step back since I've taken her place for 22 years."

Papa stood up and slammed his hand on the desk, making it rattle. "Who said you've taken her place? Your Mamma and I have raised you for 22 years! You are our daughter in every way that matters, Valentina!"

I looked at Mamma and Papa and stated deliberately, "It's because of that that I can't be selfish. It wouldn't be fair to your biological daughter if I held on to the famiglia inheritance."

Mamma placed her hand over her mouth as tears started streaming down her face.

Papa gazed at me for a long while and then sank back into his chair, looking weary. He then asked, "Is it because of Marcello? Do you fear Viviana's return will impact your engagement with him?"

I laughed, and tears began to well up as I did. I then whispered, "Do you think you'd believe me if I told you that I never wanted that engagement with Marcello, Papa?"

Mamma and Papa were at a loss for words. After all, they thought that I was madly in love with Marcello. I had also announced before everyone in the famiglia on my 22nd birthday that I wouldn't marry anyone but Marcello.

Yet, at this moment, I was saying I no longer wanted the engagement.

"H-Have you found something out, Valentina?" Mamma came over and held my hand. She knew all along that Marcello wasn't a good match for me, but she had been unable to persuade me otherwise back then.

I replied, "I know Marcello will come today, and I also know he'll be bringing Viviana along with him."

I had just said that when the doorbell suddenly rang, and the household staff suddenly spoke up through the intercom. "Mr. Gallo has arrived, Don Sadato, Madre Sadato. He is accompanied by a young woman."

I knew Marcello and Viviana had arrived. I took a deep breath and adjusted my hospital gown. I hadn't changed on purpose, wanting Marcello to clearly see the condition I was in.

Papa told the household staff to let them in before he turned to me and asked grimly, "Have you really made up your mind, Valentina?"

I replied firmly, "I'm sure of it. Also, Papa, no matter what happens next—what I say or what I do—please don't try to hold me back."

Papa studied me deeply before finally nodding in agreement.