Chapter 4

The next morning, a group of servants carried various haute couture dress boxes into our bedroom.

"Sophia, come choose a gown for tonight's cruise ship party." Alexander said excitedly. "I had them specially delivered."

I opened the boxes. Inside were all conservative long dresses with high necklines that covered everything up to the neck, even covering the arms completely.

"I love how dignified and elegant you look." Alexander gazed at me with deep affection, his eyes full of possessiveness. "I don't like other men seeing your body."

He pulled out a velvet jewelry box from his pocket. "And this, for my most beautiful wife."

Inside lay a priceless sapphire necklace, each stone as large as a pigeon egg. He gently fastened the necklace around my neck and kissed my throat softly. "Only this is worthy of you."

Just then, my Instagram sent me a notification.

Isabella had posted nine photos, all of extremely sexy dresses: deep V-necks, backless designs, slits up to the thighs, silk fabrics thin as cicada wings.

The caption read: "So torn, which one should I choose? My husband says dignified and elegant is too boring. He told me that tonight, being sexy is enough."

I looked at my phone screen, then at these nun-like conservative dresses in front of me.

How ironic.

That evening, the cruise ship party officially began. The massive cruise ship sailed away from Sicily's coast.

Alexander held my hand as we opened the evening with a graceful waltz. His hand remained protectively at my waist throughout.

Whenever other family leaders approached to toast me, he intercepted for me. "My Donna doesn't like to drink. I'll drink for her."

All the guests raised their champagne glasses, offering flattering compliments.

"The Don's devotion to the Donna is truly unwavering after all these years."

"To have Don's such devoted love, Donna is truly Sicily's darling."

Alexander wrapped his arm around my waist, gazing at me affectionately in front of everyone. "Sophia is the only woman in my life."

Halfway through the ball, a bodyguard leaned in and whispered to Alexander.

Alexander turned to me. "Darling, some urgent business needs my attention in the private study upstairs. I'll be back soon."

"Go ahead." I smiled and nodded.

Twenty minutes later, I excused myself from the crowd, claiming I felt a bit seasick and needed fresh air.

Before I could reach the railing to enjoy the sea breeze, a familiar, breathless moan drifted from the shadows beneath the bridge.

It was Alexander, who was supposed to be in the study.

Alexander had Isabella pressed hard against the metal railing. Her dress was hiked up to her waist, her legs wrapped tightly around him.

"God, Alexander... right here? On the deck?" Isabella panted, her head thrown back. "The guests are just inside... what if someone comes out for a smoke?"

"They wouldn't dare," Alexander growled, his thrusts savage and rhythmic. "I told the guards to keep the doors shut. No one comes out unless they want to die. Look at the sea, you little slut... scream as loud as you want, the waves will cover it."

"Am I tighter than Donna?" Isabella gasped.

"Shut up about my wife," Alexander growled, but his movements became even more violent. "This is just fucking. Don't get confused."

I stood at the deck for a full hour, watching those disgusting images. My heart had gone completely numb.

I forced myself to turn away and walked back toward the ballroom.

Just as I reached the entrance, a drunk guest stumbled out.

He didn't notice me standing in the shadows. He staggered straight toward the "show."

Three seconds later.

"GET LOST!" Alexander burst out thunderous roar.

The drunk guest scrambled back instantly, his face pale.

Alexander stormed out from the shadows, buttoning his shirt.

"If my wife hears a single word about what you saw tonight," Alexander hissed, "your entire family will disappear from Sicily by sunrise! Do you understand?"

"Yes! Yes, Don! I saw nothing! I swear!" The guest trembled violently.

The guest scrambled back into the ballroom. But he froze as he looked at the entrance.

I was standing near the entrance, looking calm and graceful.

Horror filled his eyes. He realized I must have been there. He knew that I knew.

The guest looked at me, terrified that I would speak.

I simply gave him a faint, knowing smile.

Before Alexander came back, I turned and returned to the luxury suite on deck.

Just as I reached the balcony, my phone rang.

"Miss Sophia, everything is arranged." A raspy voice came through the phone.

"Good, see you tomorrow." I replied softly.

Just as I hung up, Alexander pushed through the door. He seemed to have heard something.

"Sophia, what was that about 'see you tomorrow'? Where are you going?" He asked with confusion.