Chapter 2

The next morning, I printed out a divorce agreement. I signed my name without hesitation.

I carefully placed it in an elegant velvet box and tied it with a beautiful bow.

Pretending I had just returned from my arms dealing business in Milan, I dragged my suitcase into the manor's main hall.

Alexander was standing there. The family's personal tailor was measuring him for a new custom suit.

When he saw me, his face lit up with surprise. He rushed over and pulled me into his arms.

"Sophia, baby, you're finally back." He held me tightly around the waist. His chin rested in the curve of my neck. His voice was low and carried a hint of complaint like a spoiled child. "You were gone for an entire week dealing arms this time. Without you here, even the air in Sicily felt stifling. Do you know you missed our anniversary yesterday? How should I punish you?"

I stood rigid in his embrace. I could smell perfume on him.

It wasn't a brand I wore.

"Some complications delayed me," I said calmly.

"Come, help me choose a tie." He took my hand and led me toward the tailor. "You always have excellent taste."

The tailor respectfully unbuttoned Alexander's shirt collar to replace it with a properly sized tie.

A slender pearl earring slipped from his collar and dropped onto the Persian carpet.

It was the same style Isabella had worn yesterday. I remembered it clearly.

The air froze for a moment. The tailor held his breath. The bodyguards around us lowered their heads.

Alexander's expression didn't change. He bent down to pick up the earring and casually tossed it to a nearby bodyguard. "Some maid must have dropped it while ironing. Deal with it later."

He wrapped his arm around my waist. His warm breath tickled my ear. "Later I'll take you shopping on Fifth Avenue. We'll make up for a perfect wedding anniversary."

I looked at his handsome, affectionate face. A dull ache spread through my chest.

"Don, your new suit will be delivered soon," the tailor said. He packed up his tools and bowed respectfully before leaving.

Alexander noticed my lack of enthusiasm. He touched my cheek with concern. "Darling, you look uncomfortable. Was the arms dealing too exhausting this time?"

"Just a little tired," I replied dismissively.

"Then don't go next time." He held me with what seemed like genuine care. "I'll handle all the family business. You just need to stay home and keep me company. As long as you're by my side, I'm satisfied."

I smiled coldly in his arms. Stay peacefully at home while watching him enjoy himself with his secretary in the office?

"There won't be a next time," I whispered back. Really, there truly wouldn't be a next time.

I calmly handed him the box containing the divorce agreement. "This is for you."

Alexander's eyes sparkled with delight. "Is this an anniversary gift? My Sophia is always so thoughtful."

I smiled and nodded.

He eagerly reached to untie the bow. I pressed my hand over his. "Don't open it here, Alexander. Promise me you'll wait four days before opening it."

He raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Why? What kind of treasure needs to wait four days?"

I looked directly into his eyes. "This is blessed by God; opening it prematurely would bring bad luck."

Alexander looked puzzled but smiled indulgently. He kissed my forehead. His voice was gentle. "Alright, since it's the Donna's command, I'll obey."

The next morning, Alexander canceled all family business and personally drove me to the shopping center.

He acted like the perfect husband. In the car, he was attentive to my every need. He even peeled chocolate for me by hand.

Just then, my phone vibrated.

A text message came from Isabella's number.

It contained photos of them making love in the office yesterday. The caption read: "Dear Donna, this is the Don's third anniversary gift for you. Do you like it?"

In that moment, my fingertips felt as cold as ice.

"What's wrong? Sophia, you look terrible." Alexander noticed my reaction. He controlled the steering wheel with one hand while reaching out to touch my forehead with concern.

I instinctively turned my head away from his touch.

"It's nothing." I closed the screen expressionlessly and turned to look out the window. "I just didn't sleep well last night."

He cursed softly under his breath. He seemed to blame himself for not taking better care of me. Then he started chattering about which designer bags we should buy later.

I looked at the fake, affectionate man in the rearview mirror. My heart felt like a wasteland.

It didn't matter. Only three days left anyway.