Chapter 1

It had been five years since I married Vincenzo Corleone, the Don of the Corleone family.

It was our wedding anniversary that night. Vincenzo got home and came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. He rested his chin on the crown of my head and said tenderly, "Thanks for this, amore mio."

I turned slightly to avoid his touch and plated the dessert. "It's nothing. I'm just doing my part."

This was always what he had been like throughout our five years of marriage. He remembered everything I couldn't eat, brought my travel-friendly meals whenever he went on trips, and even sat beside me with a glass of warm water when I stayed up late testing new recipes.

Everyone envied me for marrying the most powerful man in San Aurelio and winning his unreserved tenderness, but only I knew that it came with an expiration date.

Vincenzo picked up a dessert fork and tasted a bite. His usual approval colored his eyes. "Yours is still the best. By the way, the Villo family is hosting a banquet tomorrow to announce Lina's pregnancy and her culinary award. You should skip it."

I looked up at him. "Why? I want to check things out."

"It's unnecessary." He set the fork down. "It'll be busy, and you want to avoid conflict, right? Haven't you always wanted a child? Stay home and rest. I'll deliver the gift and come right back to be with you."

"Conflict?" I sneered. "You're just worried that I'll steal Lina's spotlight if I go, aren't you?"

Vincenzo's face hardened for a split second before he composed himself. "Don't overthink it. Lina's pregnant, and it's a big day for her with her award. If you go and anything turns unpleasant, it could affect relations between our families."

"Between our families?" I shot to my feet, the anger in my chest finally breaking loose. "Did you marry me because you love me, Vincenzo, or to use me as a cover for Lina?"

He didn't answer. He merely frowned. "Isabella, don't be unreasonable."

Unreasonable? I stared at his handsome, indifferent face, and five years of memories flooded my mind.

Vincenzo used to take me everywhere and proudly tell everyone I was the love of his life. He would bid outrageous sums at auctions just to win me a piece of jewelry.

If I looked at something for more than ten seconds, it would show up in my hands within a day. Once, with just a single comment that I liked roses, he'd filled the estate with them.

But now, he no longer brought me to the core family gatherings. Whenever Lina Villo needed something, he would show up at her side as soon as possible. Even in our home, there were childhood photos of him and her on display.

I kept lying to myself, telling myself he was simply loyal to the people in his life. But on this night, he didn't even bother to pretend.

Still, after five years of loving him, I couldn't accept fading out so carelessly.

After dinner, Vincenzo went to his study to make a call. The door wasn't fully closed, and his voice carried. "Don't worry. I've already told her not to come tomorrow. She won't bother you."

I didn't listen to the rest. I turned away and walked back to the bedroom.

I sat at the vanity and stared at my reflection. Exhaustion rimmed my eyes, but there was a thread of resolve in them. I pulled out my phone and called Giuseppe Conti.

Giuseppe was my family's driver. He was the one who'd driven me when I married into the Corleone family; he was also one of the few who knew what I was going through and would walk through fire for me.

"Giuseppe," I said calmly, "I need you to set up two things. First, I'm going to tomorrow's banquet. Wait for me outside Villo Estate. Second, arrange an 'abduction.'"

He was silent for a few seconds. Then, he said worriedly, "Ms. Rossi, you're planning to…"

"I want to test him one last time," I cut in. "If he can leave Lina and immediately come to my aid, maybe I can convince myself to give him another chance. But if he can't… Then stage it so it looks like I was killed. I'm leaving him."

Giuseppe sighed and gave in. "Si, Ms. Rossi. I'll do as you say. When should it happen?"

"The day after the banquet, at 8:00 pm." I thought about it. "That'll be enough time for Vincenzo to hear the news and for Lina to try to stop him."

"Got it."