Chapter 2

After finalizing my plans for revenge, I reopened the video.

Vincent's face was not visible, but on his ring finger was the ring I had saved up for an entire year to buy. Back then, he had looked at it with reddened eyes and said, "Isabella, one day I'll place the family ring on your hand."

Yet, in the video, that very ring, the one that symbolized the position of Donna, rested on Sofia's finger.

In the comments, some members of the family had already recognized them.

[That ring… isn't that the one locked away in the safe for ten years?]

[So it was waiting for Miss Sofia to come back and wear it.]

[Makes perfect sense. I said it back then, when they separated, they would definitely get back together.]

Ten years.

His friends and subordinates all believed that the person he had been waiting for was Sofia. Me? No one even knew what I was to him.

I used to ask why he never took me to his private parties. He would smile and ruffle my hair. "Those guys are all jealous that I have such a sweet little fiancée. I'm afraid they'll steal you away."

Back then, I believed him. I thought it was love.

"Only then did I understand that when someone truly loved me, they couldn't wait to show me to the world."

The hospital room door suddenly swung open. Vincent stood there, holding a velvet box in his hand. He smiled the same way he always did, as if everything was under his control.

"Happy tenth anniversary, my little fiancée."

He opened the box. Inside was an emerald necklace.

"Do you like it? I personally selected the stone in Columbria."

If that had been before, I would have thrown myself into his arms. However, now, the green shimmer only reminded me of a snake's eyes.

He had no idea that the car Sofia sent had nearly taken my life.

He had no idea that our son had already been lost in a pool of blood.

He sat beside me and wrapped an arm around me as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"I was discussing a deal in the north this afternoon and didn't check my phone. It's a good thing your injuries aren't serious. I don't know what I would have done otherwise."

I bit my lip, forcing down the lump in my throat. "I'm fine. You should go back to your work."

"No deal is more important than you.

"If you get hurt again, go home and see the family doctor," he added, pressing a light kiss to my forehead. "Doctors outside are useless. They don't know how to take care of you.

"Don't forget, you're carrying our eldest son. You need to take better care of yourself."

I lowered my eyes, my throat tightening.

As he leaned closer, reaching toward my abdomen, his gaze suddenly froze on my phone screen.

It was still showing the video.

"Don't watch it. It's just an act." He picked up my phone and blocked Sofia's account without hesitation.

"Sofia is the most favored principessa of the Costa family," he said calmly, as if explaining something insignificant. "The Russo family has been stuck at this stage for too long. If we want to expand, we have to work with the Costas.

"We had something in the past, but it's long over." He cupped my face, his thumb brushing over my pale lips.

"Her birthday banquet is in a week. Don Costa will be there. I've been waiting a long time for this opportunity. Once I secure the contract, I'll cut ties with her and announce our engagement. Alright?"

I stayed silent, my nails digging into my palm.

He frowned. "Say something."

"What am I supposed to be for this week?" My voice was so soft it almost sounded like a sigh. "Someone you can send away or hand over at will… like a mistress?"

"Don't talk nonsense." He cut me off sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I raised you. You've always been mine, and you always will be. No one can send you away.

"You've always been the most obedient. Don't start causing trouble now."

I smiled, but tears fell onto the back of his hand.

Obedient.

He always praised me for being obedient, for understanding, for waiting, for staying silent, so that was what obedience meant. Being a well-behaved dog.

For the sake of my plan, I forced down my hatred and said softly, "Alright. I understand."

He smiled, satisfied, and picked up the necklace to put it on me.

"I knew my little fiancée is the most reasonable.

"When I first found you ten years ago, you were just a wild little girl. And now we're about to get married…"

Before he could finish, his phone rang. He answered almost instinctively.

Sofia's spoiled voice came through the line. "Vincent! I'm at The Copper Fox Pub. There are a few disgusting guys staring at me. Come pick me up now!"

Vincent stood up immediately. "Send me your location. Don't be afraid. I'll be there right away."

After hanging up, he hurriedly kissed my forehead. "Bella, put the necklace on yourself. It's not safe for her to be alone in a bar. I'll be back soon."

The hospital room door slammed shut behind him.

I picked up the necklace and threw it straight into the trash.

The gemstone hit the bottom with a sharp crack, the sound echoing like something breaking inside me.

Vincent, our game is over, I thought quietly.