Reborn: The Great Disappearing Act

"Viola, don't think I'll ever love you just because our parents arranged this marriage. I'm telling you now—it will never happen," Lucio Ferrari said arrogantly.

His words were like a blade, slicing straight through me.

I looked up at Don Lucio Ferrari. Though barely in his 20s, he carried himself with the air of power and charm, but his eyes held nothing but ruthless contempt.

I hadn't died. Somehow, I was back before our wedding.

My chest tightened with bitter pain as I forced the words out. "You've always loved Bella Bianchi, haven't you?"

Lucio frowned, staring at me with a gaze that pierced straight through me. "How do you know? I warn you. Stay away from her, or—"

"You can leave the rest unsaid," I interrupted him. "Soon, you'll be with her as you should. She will be your true wife."

Lucio studied me as if weighing the truth in my words. After a moment, he sneered. "Is this another little stunt of yours? I won't be tricked. Sign it. The print shop is waiting. Don't waste time."

He tossed a paper in front of me and turned away.

I stared at the wedding invitation. His name sprawled across it with the same effortless, cutting elegance that defined him.

As his footsteps faded, a sting pierced my heart like countless tiny needles.

In my past life, I had loved him to the point of losing myself. Just because he risked his life to save me, I had convinced myself he loved me.

I remembered how his men had cheered, saying I was unlike anyone else and that Lucio's attention showed how much he truly valued me.

Only after the wedding did I realize how foolish I had been. I remembered returning from a mission one night and hearing him slur, "The biggest regret of my life is listening to my parents and marrying Viola when Bella needed me most. I regret it more than anything…"

However, that wasn't the worst of it. The cruelest blow came from his last words before he died, telling me to never bother him again. They left me utterly broken.

Finally, I realized that my so-called love had held him captive for ten long years.

Thankfully, fate had granted me a second chance.

This time, I would stay far away from him. I would never cause his death again. From now on, I would never entangle myself in his life.

I picked up the wedding invitation and signed Bella Bianchi's name in the bride's section.

Just as I was about to head downstairs and get in the car, I heard Lucio talking on the phone.

"Redirect this month's special tonic to Bella. Viola's stronger. She won't need it for a while."

I froze. My heart felt as if an invisible hand had squeezed it.

The special tonic he mentioned was reserved for me by the famiglia. After missions that left me gravely injured, I had developed chronic anemia and relied on it just to stay alive. And yet, Lucio chose to give it to Bella, despite knowing my condition.

"There's nothing to worry about. Bella needs it more right now. Viola will understand," Lucio said into the phone. "Give Viola the next batch when it arrives."

A quiet laugh escaped me, carrying a hollow, bitter feeling that churned in my chest.

The last time I missed my medication, I was dizzy, and my heart was racing so badly that I could barely get out of bed. And yet, here he was, handing my tonic to Bella as if it meant nothing.

As I was lost in thoughts, Lucio had already finished the call.

Surprise flickered in Lucio's eyes as he glanced at me. "You heard that just now?"

I forced a bitter smile. Just as I opened my mouth, he cut me off, "Viola, you're about to become Madre. Keep the bigger picture in mind. Bella's health is even more fragile than yours. Be more considerate of her. Got it?"