Chapter 3

Dominic forced my chin up until we were nearly nose to nose.

"I can cure your erectile dysfunction," I said.

Upon hearing that, Dominic's expression grew menacing before he wrapped his hand around my throat.

I could tell what he was thinking. He wasn't interested in a cure he didn't believe in. He only wanted to make sure I never spoke of his secret again.

I could abruptly feel the increasing pressure on my throat. I held onto his wrist firmly, struggling as I choked out a few words. "Y-You'll see the result in three days! Y-You can deal with me then if it doesn't work!"

Dominic finally loosened his grip.

For a split second, I had truly thought I was going to die. I had only dared to speak because of my absolute confidence.

Julian proved to be a far more formidable adversary than Dominic in my past life. I only remained with him for as long as I did because I still held value.

I had studied medicine at university, which proved to be very useful in my past life. Due to Mom and Dad's order, I had to be mindful of Vivienne's feelings and ensure that I never overshadowed her. Because of that, my true medical proficiency remained a secret.

It was common knowledge that I treated Julian's leg injury for a year and aided in his recovery, but no one knew he also struggled with erectile dysfunction. I had spent more than a month treating him before I finally conceived.

I took a few deep breaths at the thought, then escorted Dominic to the hospital for a quick check-up. It was treatable; the medical data was virtually identical to Julian's in my past life.

"How did you know I suffer from this?" Dominic asked, his eyes flickering with suspicion as he gripped my hand.

I smiled faintly and lied through my teeth. "I naturally had to do some research on my future husband before the wedding."

In my past life, Dominic's erectile dysfunction had been a matter of public record. Vivienne had tried every trick to get his attention without success, so she eventually resorted to sedating him and hiring a private doctor, whose diagnosis confirmed the condition.

Dominic had flown into a rage upon waking. He had covered up all news of the incident and had Vivienne committed to a mental institution.

Dominic's eyes narrowed slightly after hearing what I said.

I could tell what was on his mind. He was probably wondering why I still chose him over Julian despite knowing all of this.

It turned out that Dominic was more rational than I anticipated. I provided him with a prescription, and should the medication prove effective, the agreed-upon cost was his attendance at a visit to Mom and Dad's home in three days.

…

It was finally the day for the customary post-wedding visit. I waited outside for Dominic, but he was nowhere to be seen. After thinking it over for a moment, I eventually got into the car myself and returned home.

I had barely stepped through the door when Vivienne, pointing at the room piled with gifts, said in a sweet voice, "Julian and I picked out this watch for you, Dad, and this sapphire necklace is for Mom."

Mom and Dad were pleased with Vivienne's attentiveness. They kept smiling and saying, "You're so thoughtful, Vivienne—unlike Isabella!"

Noticing that I had arrived empty-handed, Vivienne asked sharply, "Did your husband make you come alone, Isabella?"

I smiled faintly and retorted, "Your husband isn't with you, either, Vivienne."

Vivienne pouted and showed off her huge diamond ring. "Julian serves as the famiglia's second-in-command and is understandably occupied. Dominic, on the other hand, merely holds minority shares without any executive authority.

"Julian will become the future Don once I give birth to the Romano famiglia's first grandson. You're going to end up with nothing, Isabella!"

As Vivienne lifted her hand, I caught sight of a purple bruise showing beneath her sleeve.

Julian had always been very concerned with his reputation. In my past life, he was handicapped and possessed a moody, peculiar temperament. He beat me viciously every single night with whatever was at hand.

I had tolerated his abuse for a long time, and it was only after his leg injury got better did the abuse stopped.

Watching Vivienne's delight as she envisioned her future, I knew she wouldn't listen to a word of reason. I didn't bother saying anything; I just walked by her and went to the bathroom.

Vivienne, noting my continued indifference, followed me hastily. "Your husband is impotent. You'll never get pregnant, Isabella! Julian might be crippled now, but he'll be walking within a year, and I'll be the one having a baby. You'll be nothing compared to me!"

"You should moderate your expectations regarding Julian," I said. "You should also get away from him while you still can. Otherwise, you'd end up dead, Vivienne."

Vivienne's expression turned grim after noticing that I didn't praise her or pay attention to her boasting. I had even tried to advise her.

She tossed the red wine toward me, but her high heels made her lose her balance, and she tumbled to the ground instead.

She cried out in pain, which drew Mom and Dad's attention. Instantly, she feigned being the victim, as always, and blamed me for everything.

"Isabella tried to hurt me, Dad! She said she wanted to make me barren so that I'd never be able to bear the first grandson for the Romano famiglia! She's out to get me, Mom!"

I was prepared to defend myself.

Dad glared furiously at me after hearing Vivienne's accusations and raised his hand to hit me. "You didn't even bring your husband over or a single gift, and now you even dare to bully Vivienne! You're so selfish and thoughtless—"

He didn't even get to finish his threat as someone stepped forward to shield me. "Who says I didn't show up?"