Lahat ng Kabanata ng Our Love Withered Before the Petals Fell: Kabanata 11 - Kabanata 20

"Simone, what's wrong?" Noemi gently shook his arm.Snapped back to reality, Simone looked down at her.Noemi had often tearfully told him how, as a child, she was always bullied by Tania, never had enough to eat, and was raised in constant fear.Simone took a deep breath. When he looked up, his usual gentle expression had returned. "It's nothing."He reminded himself that the reason he became a bodyguard for the Giordano family was to silently protect Noemi and make up for the hardships of her childhood.Now that Tania was gone, it was perfect. He had fully become Noemi's unwavering protector.…From then on, Simone's indulgence toward Noemi reached meticulous extremes.Noemi casually mentioned she liked a limited edition haute couture piece. The next day, three of the only pieces in the world appeared in her wardrobe.When she complained that the champagne at a party didn't suit her taste, Simone had his Underboss contact the winery to create a custom batch and had the event

After Simone was discharged from the hospital, he threw himself entirely into planning the proposal.The private cruise ship was transformed into something out of a dream. The deck was carpeted with Noemi's favorite white roses, while strings of crystal lights hung along the railings.Inside the cabin, her favorite champagne and desserts were already laid out. At the center, inside a glass display case, lay a pigeon-blood ruby ring.Simone had even arranged for a live band. The moment Noemi appeared, he planned to drop to one knee and give her a proposal unlike any other.The agreed-upon hour drifted from twilight into deep night. The sea began to shimmer with ripples of reflected moonlight, and every light aboard the cruise ship flickered to life, yet Noemi never showed.Simone stood on the deck as the sea breeze carried a salty chill that did nothing to ease the growing unrest in his chest.He dismissed the unnecessary staff, keeping only his MadeMan, Saffo Ranno, at his side.

Since that night, Simone completely cut off all contact with Noemi. He no longer returned to the Giordano residence but went back to the Lanzi estate.That secluded estate on the outskirts of the city hid the dignity and coldness of the mafia family.The moment Simone stepped inside, all gentleness drained from him, replaced by the cold, oppressive air of a long-time ruler.Helpers and MadeMen bowed deeply. Even their breathing was kept light.Noemi never noticed anything unusual. She didn't visit the hospital, nor did she contact Simone.Her entire mind was fixated on tethering herself to Don Lanzi, confident she would one day become the family's Madre.Simone sat in the leather chair of his study, an unlit cigar held tightly between his fingers.His Underboss, Cesario Genna, approached with a bowed head. His face was expressionless, but his evasive eyes spoke volumes.No words were needed for Simone to instantly understand that the one who had been helping the children in the

Noemi's and Rino's smiles froze instantly, and their eyes went wide with shock.Simone ignored them and went on, "My great-uncle is getting old and wants a respectable woman to keep him company in his later years. I stayed with the Giordano family only because he asked me to evaluate Ms. Noemi to see if she's fit to become my great-aunt."The words hit every guest like a thunderclap.Noemi trembled all over as she looked up at Simone in disbelief. The blush and joy on her face vanished, replaced by a pale shock, as if someone had doused her in ice water. She stiffened completely.The crowd murmured in stunned disbelief. No one had expected Simone's two years of "devoted care" to mean this.At that moment, an elderly man with gray hair slowly appeared from the entrance. He was Simone's great-uncle, Domenico Cassone.He quickly approached Noemi, appraising her with a satisfied smile before patting Simone on the shoulder. "Well done, Simone. The lady looks young and gentle. I like h

Simone's sudden appearance threw the wedding into chaos.A wave of whispers rippled through the guests, their faces reflecting a complex mix of emotions.The Lanzi family and the Garretti family were both top mafia powers. Simone publicly stopping the wedding was clearly meant to stir trouble.As Tania looked at Simone, her emotions swirled.Though he tried to stay strong, exhaustion shadowed his eyes. The fierce, sharp gaze she remembered was now dull and heavy with fatigue.Clearly, he hadn't had a proper rest in a long time.Simone pushed through the crowd, making his way toward Tania.He came to a halt right in front of her. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse. His cold authority had vanished, replaced by a raw, desperate plea. "Tania, don't marry him. Come back with me."Tania lowered her eyes. Her tone was calm but distant as she replied, "Don Lanzi, please go back. Noemi is still waiting for you. You shouldn't be here.""No… No." Simone shook his head.His eyes were ri