All Chapters of A Donna Reborn: No Longer a Substitute: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

When I woke up the next morning, Riccardo had already left to handle family business.The moment I stepped out of the bedroom, I ran straight into Riccardo's mother, Sofia Fiore.She was lounging on the leather couch in the living room, toying with a string of black pearls. Her gaze swept over me with undisguised contempt."My, how spoiled of you to wake up so late. You've been married into the family for a year and haven't even conceived an heir yet, and you still run off to the hospital every day? What, does Riccardo not earn enough to support you?"For the past year, I'd swallowed her taunts for Riccardo's sake. But now, I didn't need to anymore."Madre, a woman has the right to choose her own life," I said evenly. "And for the record, I can very well support myself with the income I earn from working at the hospital. In fact, I've never spent a single cent of this family's money."With that, I grabbed my bag and walked straight out of the manor. Outside, I slid into a black s

"If my husband's taking you for the examination, then who's going to take me?" I asked, each word deliberate.Patients and nurses alike glanced our way.A flicker of embarrassment crossed Alice's face, but she quickly masked it with practiced hurt."Dalia, don't be so petty. I just asked Riccardo for a little help."Riccardo frowned. "Dalia, Alice is pregnant, so don't give her a hard time.""Answer me this. Who do you choose—her or me?" I stared into his eyes, waiting for an answer.Three seconds passed, and Riccardo's hand stayed firmly on Alice's arm with no sign of letting go.A self-deprecating laugh escaped my lips. "Riccardo, we're done."I turned on my heel and walked straight to Mr. Santoro's office."Mr. Santoro, can I leave for Capitolium early?"Mr. Santoro looked surprised. "It'll take at least another week to process the paperwork. Why are you in such a hurry?""I want to start my new life as soon as possible," I replied, my voice catching slightly.Mr. Santor

Over the next few days, Riccardo didn't speak to me. But he also stopped bringing up the apology.He came home on time every day, bringing back food he knew I liked. Yet, he always spent the night in the living room.I knew he was struggling internally, but that no longer had anything to do with me.It was December 13th. There were only two days remaining until my departure.I packed up all my belongings, preparing to go handle the divorce proceedings.In my past life, I remembered that Riccardo would be targeted in an assassination attempt around this time. Even though he'd ultimately survive, he'd sustain serious injuries.I hesitated for a long time but ultimately decided to warn him.After all, even if he didn't love me, we had once shared a marriage in name.I took a taxi to the alley near the family headquarters, the very place where the assassination would occur.From a distance, I spotted a man in a black trench coat and mask creeping up behind Riccardo with a silenced

The sun in Capitolium, the Eternal City, burned far more fiercely than in Porthaven. Its warmth against my skin felt like it could melt away all the gloom I carried.Dragging my suitcase behind me, I walked out of the airport and took a deep breath of air tinged with the scent of the Midlandic Ocean.It smelled like freedom.The student apartment arranged by the university stood on the banks of Ruminal. From my window, I could see the dome of the Celestial Bastion.Downstairs was a cafe that had been there for 50 years. The owner, Cesco Marchese, was an old man with graying hair. Every morning, he awakened the entire street with the rich aroma of coffee.He smiled warmly at me. "Are you new here? First coffee is on the house. Welcome to Capitolium!"I accepted the bitter, sharp coffee, yet I could taste the subtle sweetness that lingered afterward.This was how life should be.The enrollment process went smoothly.The president of the university, Umberto Rizzo, seemed quite in

When Alice was brought into the hospital, she was covered in blood.According to witnesses, she was shopping at a high-end mall in Princefield District when two masked men cornered her in the restroom. Not only did they give her a harsh beating, but they also kicked her hard in the abdomen.As a result, Alice lost her baby.When Riccardo arrived at the hospital, Marco was standing outside the emergency room, his expression as dark as thunder."Who did this?" Riccardo asked."Your family's enemies. They were coming for me," Marco replied through gritted teeth. He paused, looking at Riccardo, his expression complicated. "They said it was payback for my disobedient younger brother. "Your brother, Roberto Corleone, moved in on their territory last month, and they're taking it out on me."Riccardo's expression darkened as well.The feud between the Corleone family and those enemies had nothing to do with him. But Alice was carrying Marco's child, the culmination of a union between