Chapter 4

"I know," Leopoldo said, his face full of concern.

Those hands that had decided life and death so many times were trembling now as he wiped away her tears. "No one can force you. Leave everything to me."

As he spoke, he lifted Elena into his arms and turned to leave. He didn't even notice me coming down the stairs.

"She did it on purpose—" I tried to explain, but Leopoldo, frantic with worry for the woman in his arms, slammed into me without a second thought.

The back of my head cracked against the stairs, and the wound split open again.

He was already consumed by the woman he was holding. How could he possibly see me?

Blood seeped steadily from the wound. I struggled to my feet, clutching my head as I went to call the driver to take me to the hospital—only to stop at the door.

By the car, the two of them were locked in an embrace.

Leopoldo held Elena gently, his voice low and soothing. "Don't be afraid. I've already found another donor for Raffaello. You won't have to give up your kidney anymore."

Elena hesitated. "But Signora Conti said—"

His expression hardened instantly. "Ignore her. If she dares pressure you again, I'll make her pay."

She cried even harder, tears splashing onto his hand. "But I'm still scared. If I'm no longer the donor, what reason do I have to stay by your side?"

Leopoldo chuckled softly and pinched her nose with indulgent affection. "So that's what you're worried about. Silly girl, I can bring you into the Vece family and make you my personal assistant."

As he spoke, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead, his voice filled with quiet certainty. "That way, you'll have every reason to stay with me."

I stood there, frozen, as a bone-deep chill swept through my body.

So he had already planned everything for her. He had already made room for her in his future—the place that once belonged to me.

Fine.

Then my future would no longer include him.

I laughed out loud, even as tears slid from the corners of my eyes.

Over the next few days, I finished packing, and my wounds scabbed over once more.

The villa was left with nothing but the silent Soldati standing guard—and me.

I stood by the window, watching the leaves fall one by one, just like my love, which had withered away completely.

At last, the month was up.

Marianna arrived at the villa in person. "The divorce is finalized. This is the compensation we agreed on."

She tossed a card onto the table, a satisfied smile lifting her chin. "You can leave now."

I took the divorce papers and the card, feeling unexpectedly light.

I nodded solemnly. "You don't need to worry. Once I leave, I'll never appear by his side again."

With that, I lifted my suitcase and walked out the front door.

Fine snow drifted down from the sky, just like the day we first met ten years ago.

As I stepped into the boarding area, my phone vibrated.

It was a message from Leopoldo.

"Elena's injured and isn't fit for surgery. But it's fine. I've already found a new donor for Raffaello. Are you at the villa? I'll send a driver to take you to the hospital so we can discuss the procedure."

I raised my hand and deleted the message. Then I blocked Leopoldo as well.

"Goodbye," I murmured, "my mistake of a love."