Chapter 1

Carlo La Rosa was the Don of the La Rosa famiglia of Neopolis.

And I, Lydia Luciani, was sent to him as a plaything to settle a debt.

There was a hideous scar on the back of his hand. Whenever he brushed his hand against my skin, it left a sensation that was both itchy and painful.

For three whole years, Carlo treated me as nothing more than an outlet for his needs.

There was no foreplay, and he didn't even bother turning off the lights. He forced me to look at the mirror, to watch how I was slowly and mercilessly consumed by him.

"Look carefully and remember who it is that owns you right now," Carlo had said.

His actions were rough and unrestrained, as though he wanted to crush me under him.

I begged for him to be gentler, only for him to go on treating me even harsher, until I finally passed out.

When I woke up, there was a black bank card and a box of birth control pills by the bedside.

There was no warmth or affection. Everything was only a transaction.

After all, the Lucianis owed Carlo 300 million dollars. It was only natural for a daughter to pay back her father's debt.

I obediently swallowed the pills with cold water, my throat dry and aching.

…

I still ended up pregnant a month later. It turned out the birth control pills had expired.

My hands were sweaty as I clenched the test report, feeling fearful yet tinged with anticipation.

I wondered if this child could ease the tense relationship between us.

I dialled Carlo's number, but no one picked up.

Ten minutes later, a news alert popped up on my phone, accompanied by a blurry video.

The caption read, "Carlo La Rosa, the Don of the La Rosa Famiglia, Stabbed Three Times While Saving Top Actress Serena Sergio. His Condition Remains Critical."

In the video, Carlo, who was usually cold and ruthless, stepped in front of Serena without hesitation. He didn't even flinch when the knife plunged into his abdomen, shielding her with unwavering resolve.

She was crying uncontrollably, tightly clutching at his sleeve.

I stared at the screen, my blood gradually turning cold.

It turned out that I was nothing more than a tool for Carlo's needs, not even worthy of being a substitute.

The one he loved and cherished was Serena, his untouchable first love.

I rested my hand on my stomach, still flat and barely showing. Suddenly, I felt an overwhelming sense of irony.

If Carlo's life belonged to Serena, what did my child amount to? A burden standing between the two of them?

I pulled out the divorce agreement I had long since prepared from the drawer and signed my name without hesitation.

The black bank card that symbolized the price of my dignity was snapped in half and tossed onto the table.

The front door was violently pushed open as I was packing my belongings.

Carlo was back.

He was still dressed in a bloodstained shirt. His face was pale, yet the dangerous glint on him was unmistakable.

Two bodyguards trailed behind him, as if afraid I might escape.

"Where are you going?" Carlo's voice was hoarse and threatening.

I handed him the divorce agreement. "Let's get a divorce, Carlo."

Carlo barely glanced at it when he tore it apart and threw the pieces to the floor. He then moved closer to me, forcing me back until I was pressed against the wall.

The heavy scent of blood mixed with disinfectant was sharp and nauseating.

"Divorce? Don't even think about it in this lifetime." Carlo grabbed my chin, pressing hard. "The Lucianis' debt hasn't been paid off yet. Where do you think you're going?"

He scoffed coldly, his gaze filled with contempt. "Serena was badly shaken and needs some rest. Since you seem to have nothing better to do, you can go to the hospital and look after her for the next few days."

I stared at Carlo in disbelief. He actually wanted me to take care of his mistress?

"I'm not going," I said through clenched teeth.

"That's not up to you." Carlo dug out his phone and tossed it in front of me.

On the screen was Mamma, still lying in the intensive care unit.

Carlo said, "Your mamma hasn't been doing very well lately. How many days do you think she'd last if her medication were stopped?"

My blood ran cold instantly. He was truly despicable and shameless.

I stared at Carlo, my eyes burning with unshed tears, yet I stubbornly refused to let them fall. "You're heartless, Carlo."

He grinned, utterly unconcerned. He brushed his fingers past my cheek, as if teasing a pet. "I'll let her live a little longer as long as you behave, play your role as the Madre of the La Rosa famiglia, and keep Nonna happy. And if you don't…"

Carlo didn't finish his sentence, but I understood perfectly.