Chapter 2

I took a seat on the couch with Mamma's help, while Marcello and Viviana walked hand-in-hand.

Marcello's eyes lit up at the sight of me. "You've already been discharged, Valentina? Didn't the doctor say they wanted to keep you for another two days for observation?"

He sounded rushed, as if he were deeply concerned. "Why do you look so pale? Do you feel unwell again?"

He extended his hand, intending to touch my face, but I drew back, leaving his hand awkwardly suspended midair.

I said calmly, "I'm glad you're here today, Mr. Gallo, since I have an announcement to make."

Marcello was taken aback, looking confused and hurt. He hadn't become the cold-blooded Marcello of the future yet; he likely still loved me now.

That didn't matter to me anymore, though, as I had already witnessed his cruelty—crossing his fingers while making our vows before the priest and leaving me to die in the freezing rain on our wedding day.

Marcello furrowed his brow, his voice trembling slightly as he asked, "What's the matter, Valentina? Are you upset with me? I didn't visit you in the hospital over the past few days because—"

"You were occupied with the long-lost Principessa of the Sabato famiglia, right?" I cut Marcello off before I turned to Viviana and said, "You must be Viviana."

Viviana trembled and bowed her head further.

"You have nothing to be afraid of, Viviana," Marcello said, instinctively putting her behind his back to shield her.

That gesture came naturally to him, so naturally that he didn't even notice it himself. Papa and I noticed it, though.

Papa asked gravely, "Do you not plan on introducing that young lady to us, Marcello?"

Marcello snapped back to reality and replied hurriedly, "I'd like you to meet Viviana Sabato. Don Sabato, Madre Sabato. I've finally found your long-lost daughter."

Mamma rose to her feet, her eyes tracing every detail of Viviana's face. She was trembling with emotion as she reached out toward her, though she was afraid to make contact.

"S-She truly resembles…"

Viviana finally raised her head, though she ultimately remained silent when she tried to speak.

In that instant, the wonder of blood kinship was on full display—despite being apart for 22 years, the natural affinity was immediately apparent.

I observed the scene in silence as I recalled what I had done in my dreams. I had charged forward to shove Viviana aside, screaming that she was a fraud and demanding the security guards kick her out.

I was completely unmoved at this moment, though. Instead, I was consumed by the events that were yet to happen.

Marcello held my hand while we stood before the priest, making our vows. He smiled gently after the priest asked if he would love and honor me in sickness and in health for the rest of his life and replied resolutely, "I do."

However, his left hand was concealed behind his back, with his fingers crossed—an unmistakable gesture signaling a lie.

I had noticed it back then, yet I convinced myself that it was a mistake. I wouldn't make that mistake a second time.

I approached Viviana and offered my hand, saying, "Welcome home, Viviana."

Viviana stared at me, looking completely terrified and unsettled. She wouldn't reach for my hand, choosing to look at Marcello in desperation instead.

Marcello looked at me, his brow slightly furrowed. "Valentina—"

I cut him off, retracted my hand, and turned to Mamma and Papa. "I have some things I need to clarify since Viviana has returned."

I held up the document regarding my inheritance rights and stated flatly, "I am giving up my claim to the Sabato famiglia—the estate, the business shares, and the famiglia's power should be handed over to Viviana instead."

I turned to Marcello and said clearly, "I'd also like to call off my engagement to Mr. Gallo."

Marcello's expression immediately shifted, his voice trembling as he asked, "What are you talking about, Valentina?"

I replied indifferently, "I'm saying that the engagement is off. Mr. Gallo and I are nothing to each other from this point forward."