Chapter 2

Dante and Isabella registered their marriage three years ago, in the second month after my wedding.

"Marie, that marriage certificate of yours is fake." She sent me a voice message, her tone laced with amusement.

"Dante says you're as pure as the moon, meant to shine where everyone can see you. I'm the blade he keeps close to his side, so he gave me the title of wife and gave you his affection. Tell me, which one of us got the better deal?"

Then she sent me a video.

In the bedroom, Dante was leaning against the headboard. When my call came through, he turned to Isabella. "Stop messing around. I need to take this call."

Then he answered, his voice gentle. "Baby, I'm in a meeting."

Isabella laughed beside him.

I turned off the video. My fingers trembled, but not a single tear fell.

I saved all the evidence in an encrypted folder, then took out a locked case. Inside was only one ring.

Dante had given it to me when he was eighteen. Back then, he'd spent every penny of his savings to buy it.

At eighteen, he was dealing with internal power struggles within his family. There were countless problems waiting for him to resolve. This was all he could afford to give me.

I stared at the ring, then changed the case's combination to the date we officially became a couple.

When I had taken care of everything, I looked at the message from my friend and gave a bitter smile.

"I've already booked your plane ticket. This time, you absolutely cannot back out again."

After that, I applied to cancel all my identity records in Italy.

A little while later, Dante came home. He was holding a huge bouquet of roses in one hand and a cake in the other. He approached me with a warm smile.

"Darling, I'm home." He reached out to hug me. "Things have been so hectic with family business these past few days. Don't be mad, okay? I've prepared a surprise for you."

I shifted slightly to avoid his embrace and answered calmly, "I'm not mad."

He paused, then took my hand. "Tomorrow, I'll take you to a concert."

But all I could think about was my upcoming flight to Paris. I merely smiled without answering.

The following afternoon, as soon as we entered the concert hall, I realized the entire venue had been booked exclusively for us. People filled the surrounding seats, and when they saw us, they greeted me in hushed voices.

"Marie, your husband really loves you. He arranged this entire concert just for you."

"That's right, Marie. I've heard how strong your relationship is. Seeing you together today, I can tell it's true."

Dante smiled as he took my hand, clearly pleased by everyone's praise, but my heart felt as though it had been submerged in ice water, cold and aching.

He gave me grand romantic gestures while giving another woman the legal status of his wife.

He let me bask in the envy of everyone around us while another woman was the one named on his marriage certificate.

During the intermission, Isabella suddenly barged into the concert hall, carrying a black suit jacket.

Dante's expression changed. "Your injuries have barely healed. Who told you to come here?"

She put on a wounded expression. "I was worried Marie might be cold, and I didn't want you to worry..."

Dante took the jacket from her and handed it to me. "Baby, I'll go with you to change."

I glanced at them, then stood up and walked away.

When I came out of the restroom, Dante was gone.

I heard panting from the next room. When I walked over, I saw him pinning Isabella against the sink.

I stood outside the door, my heart feeling as though it had been ripped in two. The pain was so intense that I could barely stay on my feet.