Chapter 1

When Carlo Carlione came back, Christmas was already three days behind us.

In the past, I would always wait at the manor gate for him, wearing my best dress and carefully applied makeup, even if the winter wind turned my lips blue. This time, I did nothing of the sort.

Carlo texted, "Where are you?"

I was eating lunch. I casually replied, "I'm at home, having lunch."

Just as I set down my fork, Carlo stepped through the door. Travel had worn him down, and snow clung to the hem of his coat.

Carlo said, "I haven't eaten yet. Make me the pasta I like."

In the past, I would have dropped everything to fry a steak or cook pasta, spending ten minutes just on the plating. But now, I simply answered, "We have a chef at home. Ask them to make it."

Carlo frowned but held his temper. "I know you're still upset about Christmas, but don't take it out on me. I haven't slept in three days."

I dried my hands and said, "I'm not angry."

He gave me a skeptical look. "Lucia is alone in that city. I had to see her, no matter what."

I nodded. "I understand."

He stared into my eyes, as if trying to see right through me.

When I stayed calm and unmoved, the tension in his face finally gave way to exhaustion. "You're really wearing me down. Can you just stop?"

I held his gaze evenly. "Carlo, I'm not upset. You don't need to explain."

After a long silence, he reached into his coat and produced a small velvet box, setting it in front of me. "Christmas gift."

The box was scuffed and worn, as though it had been carelessly stuffed into a pocket. It stood in stark contrast to the flawless wrapping and velvet bow Lucia had flaunted online.

I didn't open it. I just said, "Thank you."

A flicker of annoyance crossed his eyes. "That's all?"

I nodded. "Yes."

His expression darkened. He held out his hand. "What about mine?"

I hesitated, then said apologetically, "I forgot. I'll write you a check. You can buy it yourself."

I pulled a checkbook from my bag and scribbled a number casually.

Carlo's pupils narrowed slightly. He was the Don of the Carlione family and far from short on money, but he hadn't expected me to actually forget. Every Christmas, we exchanged gifts without fail, and I had never skipped it. Even if he sometimes forgot, I would always prepare his gift in advance.

An uneasy quiet settled between us.

I grabbed the coat from the couch and headed for the door.

"Where are you going?" Carlo called after me.

"To a friend's party," I said, closing the door behind me without looking back.

Since being with Carlo, I had stopped attending parties altogether, just because he once said he hoped I would remain pure, loyal, and gentle.

My friends noticed I had changed, and before long, they stopped inviting me to parties. They all knew I obeyed my boyfriend, the Don of the Carlione family. Now, I could finally go to a party with friends again.