Chapter 3

I was locked in confinement. Aside from Cesare Esposito, the staff who brought my meals each day, I had no contact with anyone.

Still, I had to get out of this room before I could plan my escape.

I asked Cesare to relay messages, but he always said Fiorenzo was not at the manor.

I knew Gianna was behind this. I decided to take a gamble.

One rainy night, I confirmed that Fiorenzo's Rolls-Royce Cullinan had not left the grounds. Cesare delivered my dinner through the small window in the door right on schedule.

Just as he was about to leave, I called out softly, "Cesare!"

He seemed to know what I was going to say and answered without hesitation.

"Signorina Diamante, Don Ricci is not at the manor today."

"It seems Gianna has given you plenty of incentive, but if I die, do you think Fiorenzo won't take his anger out on you?"

Then I broke the porcelain plate and slashed at my wrist. Blood poured out, dripping onto the expensive handwoven wool carpet.

I smiled at Cesare through the blood, a smile that said I would get what I wanted.

Through my fading consciousness, I heard Fiorenzo's anxious voice. He had nearly lost all the composure and elegance befitting a Don.

"Listen, I don't care how hard it's raining right now. The blood I need must arrive immediately.

"String up Cesare and hang him in the basement.

"If anything happens to my Principessa, everyone will pay a terrible price!"

When I opened my eyes again, I heard him say tiredly, "You're awake. Looks like I'll have to replace all your dishes with plastic ones."

"No, Papa. I've come to my senses." I lowered my eyes, showing just the right amount of vulnerability.

Fiorenzo studied me, weighing my words.

"If I disappoint you, you can confine me anytime."

In the end, he gave in.

For the first time since the wedding, he kissed my forehead. His tone was as helpless and indulgent as always.

"Clarissa, you know I can never say no to you."

After regaining my freedom, I learned to hide my time. Fiorenzo took the doctor's advice and allowed me to walk in the manor gardens to clear my mind.

I walked alone in the garden, thinking of ways to escape, when a familiar figure entered my line of sight.

It was my piano instructor from two years ago, the one I had left without saying goodbye.

"Signor Lombardi, it's been a while." I greeted him.

"Signorina Diamante."

Luigi Lombardi's awkward movements drew my attention to the fact that he was now missing several fingers.

"What happened to your hand?" I walked over, concerned.

"It's nothing. This is the price of gambling debts. Now Don Ricci has me working here as a gardener." He moved his hands behind his back.

My instincts told me there might be more to this story.

"Out for a walk?" He changed the subject.

"Yes, but it's just as boring. If only I could leave this place forever." I shrugged with disappointment.

"Perhaps I can help you." Luigi looked at me with certainty.

I had not expected an opportunity to come this quickly.

"That's wonderful. How?" I said quietly, my voice excited.

"We can use the delivery truck to get out. The driver is from my hometown. Today is his last delivery here. I'll go talk to him."

Luigi's blue eyes lit up as he ran toward the truck unloading flowers.

"Clarissa, you're flirting again! I'm going to tell Fiorenzo and see how your Papa punishes you!"

Damn it! Gianna appeared out of nowhere.

She thought she had caught me red-handed, but as she brushed past me, she accidentally pushed me into a mud puddle.

At that moment, Fiorenzo's voice also carried over from the distance. "Have you seen Clarissa?"

"Tell him I'm not here. I'll go clean myself up!" I said in a low but stern voice.

Not wanting to anger Fiorenzo, Gianna hurried past and intercepted him behind a row of small pine trees. I breathed a sigh of relief.

Luigi helped me onto the truck. I said to him, "We need to hurry."

Everything went so smoothly that it felt suspicious. Though I did not want to think too much. I just wanted to get away from Fiorenzo's land as quickly as possible.

Luigi and I pawned my jewelry and bought a secondhand yacht. Finally, we sailed toward the shores of freedom.