Gabriele's face turned deathly pale as he whispered, "But Marcella is already engaged."Matteo sneered coldly. "What does that matter? Once Mr. Alonzi has chosen someone, even if she were married, she'd still have to marry him!"Gabriele collapsed onto the floor in fright, while my Madre, Ginerva Fontana, fainted on the spot.I stared at the betrothal agreement in my hands, its cover boldly inscribed with the words, "A Match Made in Heaven."How utterly ironic.Helping Mamma up, I forced a bitter smile and murmured softly, "I'm willing to marry Giovanni.""Mr. Alonzi dislikes publicity. Before the wedding, the Alonzi family does not wish to hear any ambiguous rumors, understood?" Matteo added sternly.Gabriele nodded, trembling.Satisfied, Matteo set down the betrothal gifts and left.Mamma stared at the jewels and antiques scattered across the floor, overwhelmed with grief. "Marcella, what are we going to do? You're my only daughter. The Alonzi family is far from decent, and
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