Lahat ng Kabanata ng When I Left for Sicily: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 9

Lorenzo Thorne, the Don and my fiance, gallantly bent down and extended his hand to Layla Cline, the beautiful daughter of the woman who had once saved his life.His underboss, Layla, blushed, looking both shy and delighted. She gathered her skirt in both hands, dipped into a small curtsy, and returned his greeting.Amid the blessings and applause of everyone present, they completed the traditional hand-kiss and prepared to walk onto the dance floor together.As the opening dance began, the two of them danced in the center of the room beneath everyone's admiring gaze, officially declaring their engagement.When the opening dance ended, the dance floor came alive. Couples took to the floor, enjoying their time together.Layla linked her arm through Lorenzo's and walked over to me.The smugness on Lorenzo's face gave way to a trace of guilt. "Avril, Layla needs this ceremony more. Be good, and I'll make it up to you later."Looking at the man who had been my childhood sweetheart f

Annie froze for a moment before snapping angrily, "Aren't you engaged to Layla? Why are you still protecting her?"Lorenzo shot her a dark, threatening look.Annie glared at me resentfully before turning and walking away.Lorenzo placed both hands on my shoulders and turned me toward him. "She was about to hit you. Why were you just standing there?"I was exhausted. "I'm used to it."Annie's harassment had always been a part of my life. He would tell her off, but at most he'd scold her a few times, then tell me to put up with it.I finally understood. He had never truly chosen me. I had simply refused to see it."You used to be able to protect yourself...""I'm tired."Layla approached with a radiant smile, lifting the hem of her dress as she walked gracefully toward us."Lo, I don't think my shoes fit properly. They're really uncomfortable. Could you get my spare pair for me? We still have so many guests to greet." Laila wore an expression that was the perfect mix of embarra

The moment I got off the plane, Damon Corleone came to pick me up himself.Just looking at him, it was hard to reconcile the man standing before me with the cold, ruthless Don of the Corleone family I'd heard so much about.Damon had striking features. He wore a black trench coat, his expression stern, but his voice was gentle. "Are you tired? Rest in the car for a while. I've already prepared a welcome dinner for you."Damon took off his scarf and gently wrapped it around me. He opened the car door for me.The vehicle had been custom-modified, with a spacious interior, soft and comfortable seats, and even a surprising pink theme. Plush pillows and blankets had been arranged inside.The style was so completely at odds with the man in front of me that I looked over at him.The corner of Damon's mouth curved into a faint smile. His eyes were intense, as though he knew exactly what I was thinking. "It's specially prepared for you."My eyes widened.I'd only decided to come here ye

Damon immediately pulled me upright in his arms, then calmly put his shirt back on.Lorenzo clenched both fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "You went this far just to make me jealous?"He had rushed back to my house the moment he'd taken Layla to the hospital. But I hadn't waited for him like I always had before.All he'd found was an empty house.When the servants told him I'd gone to Sicily to get married, he'd dismissed it as a joke—until his eyes fell on the gift he'd delivered that very morning.I hadn't stormed out just to get some fresh air. I'd really left him.Lorenzo immediately mobilized all his connections, investigated what had happened, arranged his family affairs, and hurried after me."You've really gone too far this time!" Lorenzo raised a hand and rubbed his forehead. When he looked at me, his expression was complicated. There was anger in his eyes, but even more than that, he looked at me like a child who had done something wrong."You succeede

Damon couldn't help expressing his feelings, "Avril, I love you."On my second birthday in Sicily, I never expected Lorenzo to show up.Damon had arranged the entire birthday celebration himself. He booked the largest and most luxurious hotel in Sicily, personally planned the schedule, and chose the menu. Even the desserts had been selected according to my tastes.Every prominent figure in Sicily came to the party.When Damon bent down and invited me to the opening dance, I felt a little dazed. It was as though I had returned to my engagement party with Lorenzo—except this time, I was no longer the pitiful woman left standing on the sidelines.I was the true star of the night, the only star.I gently placed my hand on Damon's fingertips and stepped onto the dance floor with him to the graceful music, surrounded by everyone's well wishes.When the song ended and I was about to go rest, a man suddenly blocked my path.It was Lorenzo. He gave me a bitter smile. "Don't worry. I jus