Chapter 2

As the night was coming to a close, a friend tapped me on the shoulder. "I thought you'd forget about us once you got a boyfriend. Don't let that happen again."

I chuckled and nodded. "No way. Just tell me when the next get-together is, and I'll be there."

Over the years with Carlo, my life had revolved entirely around him. I handled his business, his family, and even his daily meals. My own friends and social circle had slowly faded away. In hindsight, it all seemed almost foolish.

I walked in around 2:00 am. As I switched on the light, I froze. Carlo was sitting on the couch, and for a brief second, I wondered if I was imagining him.

He looked at me, taking in my drunken state, but made no move to help.

His expression was full of contempt. "Anna, can you try to act sensibly? If you're jealous, just say it. You're only making me look down on you by drinking like this."

Feeling lightheaded, I clutched the dining table for support and eased myself into a seat.

Carlo sniffed the air and frowned deeply. "I told you I don't like it when you drink. Lucia and I aren't what you think—we're just old friends. There's no reason for you to get yourself like this over her."

I rubbed my temples and murmured through a haze, "You're imagining things. I'm drunk because I'm happy."

Carlo snapped, "Enough! I'm giving you a way out. Take it, and don't test my patience. I'm busy. I can't always accommodate you."

I lifted my head, feeling the alcohol twist in my stomach. I forced a smile. "Accommodate me? Carlo, when have you ever done that?"

My voice was light, roughened by alcohol. "You said you didn't like bright dresses, so I wore only black, white, and gray. You said I shouldn't see male friends, so I cut them off. You wanted me at home taking care of you, so I skipped countless parties. Is that your idea of accommodating me?"

Carlo's face darkened with every word. He stood abruptly, looming over me with a pressure that made my chest tighten. "I'm doing this for your own good! A woman of the Carlione family must follow the Carlione family rules!"

I scoffed. "Rules?"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I choked out, "Do your rules include a clause that says a boyfriend can ditch his girlfriend on Christmas to watch fireworks with another woman? Or one that lets an ex flaunt herself on social media while the current girlfriend is stuck at home, picking at a cold turkey?"

"Enough!" Carlo roared.

He reached for me, but I instinctively dodged.

My head throbbed. I didn't want to fight. I rubbed my temples and said, "Calm down. I'm going to bed."

Carlo exhaled sharply, struggling to rein in his anger as he stood. I staggered toward the guest room and locked the door behind me, ignoring his knocks. That night, I slept more soundly than I had in months.

In the morning, Carlo sat in the living room, silently drinking coffee. His face was dark with fury, but I didn't bother trying to calm him. After washing up, I left the house without a word.