Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Contract Ended, and So Did I: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 9

Everyone knew Francesco Greco, heir to the most prominent mafia family in Solerio, was a notorious playboy. However, when he swore to God that he would love me for the rest of his life, I chose to believe him.But by the second year of our marriage, he began returning home with one lover after another. Traces of their passionate lovemaking were everywhere, from the bed to the study, the couch, and even the dining room. So Madre Greco and I made an agreement. She said Francesco was still young and that I should give him eight more years. If he hadn't changed by then, she'd give me a sum of money and let me go.This year marked the final year of our promise. Clearly, Francesco hadn't changed at all.The moment I hung up the phone, he sauntered toward me with his 99th lover. "Mia, where did you put our wedding ring?" he asked. "Selena wants to wear it to tomorrow's banquet. Give it to her for now. I'll get you another ring, okay?"I felt my chest clench. He had spent a month desig

I forced myself to regain my composure, staring blankly at the auctioneer as he brought down the gavel. But just as it was about to fall, the sound system suddenly blared.Selena's sensual moans, calling Francesco's name over and over, filled the entire hall. Everyone's expressions changed at once."Yeah, faster…""Francesco, give it to me now…"Francesco's expression hardened. He sprang up in anger, not forgetting to shield Selena behind him as he barked, "Who was it? Turn it off now!"His subordinates rushed backstage, stumbling over themselves. Selena buried herself in his arms and wept, then suddenly jerked her head up and pointed at me. "Ms. Morelli, all I did was take a sculpture you liked. And this is how you get back at me?" she choked out. "I don't mind being humiliated, but Francesco represents the Greco family. You played our sex tape in front of so many people… Are you trying to humiliate the Greco family?"Francesco glowered at me. "So this was your purpose all

Francesco stared at the shoe, and the color drained from his face. "What did you say?" he croaked. "The car was fine when I left. How could it suddenly burst into flames?"His subordinate lowered his head, his forehead covered in sweat. Before Francesco could speak again, Selena padded out of her ward and asked weakly, "Is Ms. Morelli alright?"I remember the driver only glanced at his phone, and the car swerved out of control. Did the same thing happen to her?"Francesco's expression darkened. He turned to his subordinate and ordered, "Find her immediately. I know how cunning she is. She must've fled after her plan failed, and now she wants to pin the blame on Selena."Bring her here. I want her to apologize to Selena in person!"His subordinate hesitated, wanting to say something. But the moment he glanced up, he caught the threatening look in Selena's eyes. He shuddered and simply nodded before leaving. "Why are you getting up? You should be resting," Francesco chided, mask

I never thought I would wake up again.The explosion still burned vividly in my mind, yet the gentle touch on my face felt unmistakably real. When I opened my eyes, Madre Greco finally set the towel aside and let out a long breath."Cara, I'm glad you're finally awake," she said softly. "I'm sorry for what our family has put you through. You've suffered far too much."My hand drifted to my flat stomach. I already knew the child hadn't survived. But when I thought about the life I had imagined after leaving, one where I would raise that baby on my own, it still made my heart ache. Once Madre Greco confirmed that I was fine, she let me go. She handed me a card before I left."A new identity has been arranged for you. There are 50 million dollars in this account, and the property in Newick is already under your name. Live peacefully from now on. If anything ever happens, come to me."I nodded and boarded the plane without hesitation.…After arriving in Newick, I rested for a f

"Mia…" Francesco mumbled.His face grew even paler. His lips trembled as if he wanted to explain, but he couldn't find a single excuse. Snow kept falling harder, piling on his hair and shoulders. His men stood behind him, soaked in the cold, yet he seemed oblivious to all of it."Francesco, do you still remember the first snowfall we spent together? Do you remember the promise you made?"His eyes were empty as he tried to recall it. I let out a small laugh. Of course he had forgotten.During our first snowfall as a couple, he booked out every restaurant meant for couples in Solerio. A helicopter showered flowers across the city when he proposed to me. I never believed in everlasting love, but when he appeared with a bouquet in his hands, I actually began imagining growing old with him.He had always been a notorious playboy, and I liked the sense of carefreeness he carried. I never thought I would marry him, and I certainly never believed he would settle down for me.But that