Chapter 4

He fed me himself and applied medication to my wounds.

When I was finally discharged, Dante went out of his way to throw a party to celebrate my recovery.

Everyone in the hall looked at me with envy.

"Mr. Vitale really spoils Marie..."

"I heard all those gifts are limited editions. Some of them were even bought at auction for exorbitant prices..."

"Marie is so lucky..."

I stood in the middle of the crowd without the slightest smile on my face.

Seeing that I was unhappy, Dante slipped an arm around my waist. "Baby, I just had a custom gown made for you. It's upstairs. Don't be mad, okay?"

I knew which couture gown he meant. Dante had genuinely put thought into it. The designer was known for having a strong personality and would never sell one of his creations to someone he didn't believe was sincere.

I looked at Dante, but all I felt was bitter irony.

"Baby, why don't you go upstairs and change into it in a little while? Let everyone see how beautiful you are."

I tugged at the corners of my mouth but said nothing.

Dante finally couldn't take it anymore. He pulled me into a corner and lowered his voice. "Are you still mad? I swear I really did mistake her for you that day. What do you want me to do to make you forgive me? Baby, just tell me. I'll do whatever you want, okay?"

I looked at him and suddenly smiled. "Fine. Transfer Isabella somewhere else."

Dante's expression changed slightly. "It was just an accident. Why do you have to go so far?"

I looked at him silently. The moment Isabella was involved, he was already going back on his word.

Across the hall, Isabella stood among the guests with a wineglass in her hand, watching Dante and me. Jealousy flashed in her eyes. She walked over and raised her glass toward me.

"Marie, you look beautiful today. Dante, you must really care about her, don't you?"

Dante hesitated. He glanced at me, but in the end, he chose to placate Isabella. "Don't start. We're at a party. We'll talk later."

Isabella's expression instantly froze.

It was as though someone had given her a light nudge. Her wrist tilted, and the red wine spilled directly onto the light-colored skirt of her own dress.

The wine ran down the fabric, leaving her in a humiliating mess.

She let out a soft cry, and her eyes immediately reddened. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I just wanted to raise a glass to Marie..."

She bit her lip and looked at Dante. "Dante, I can't possibly show my face like this. Could you come with me to change?"

Dante instinctively looked at me.

Before I could say anything, Isabella added in a quiet voice, "Isn't there a custom gown in the lounge? I'll just wear it for a little while. I'll return it to Marie as soon as the party is over."

The surrounding guests fell silent for a moment.

That gown was the one Dante had bought for me. Just moments ago, he'd told me he wanted to see me wearing it that evening.

And now Isabella wanted it.

Dante hesitated for only a moment before turning to me. "Baby, the gown should fit her pretty well, too. Why don't you let her wear it for now? It's not like she has anything else to change into."

I hadn't even opened my mouth.

Isabella was already shedding tears beside us. "I'm sorry. If it's really not okay, then forget it. I know Dante cares about you most. I'm the one who's gone too far..."

Dante frowned at her words. "What are you talking about? You didn't do it on purpose."

Then he turned to me, his tone coaxing. "Baby, be the bigger person. I'll have another gown made for you."

With that, he led Isabella away. "Come on. I'll take you."

He didn't even forget to call back to me, "Baby, wait for me. I'll be right back."

I stood there without saying a word. As for the gown and Dante, I didn't want either of them anymore.