جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 8

Serena's POV"Mom, can you not hold my hand?"It was my son Tullio Corleone's birthday party. As we'd always planned, we took a family photo to commemorate every major milestone in his life, then added it to the photo wall we'd made especially for him.We'd taken nine such photos since the day he was born. Over the years, Tullio had grown from a tiny bundle in my arms into a little boy with a mind of his own.But today, just as I took his hand for our photo, he suddenly yanked it away. He pulled so hard that I stumbled, nearly twisting my ankle. "What's wrong, Tullio? Are you feeling sick?"Tullio shook his head and gave me his sweetest, most pleading look. But what came out of his mouth left me utterly humiliated. "Can I take this year's picture with Marta instead?"He paused before continuing as casually as if he were asking for another slice of cake. "Marta's younger than you, Mom. This picture is really important, and I want it to be perfect. We're going to hang it in the mai

Serena's POVMy phone buzzed. A message had arrived from Vittoria. It read, "The divorce has been finalized. Tullio will remain with the family as its heir. You'll receive 30 million dollars in compensation. Leave as soon as possible."I replied with a simple, "Okay."Then I smiled and took the camera from the butler. "I never said no. Here, I'll take the picture for you. Go on, get into position."In truth, earlier that morning, I'd signed the divorce papers Vittoria had prepared long before. I'd decided to give up on the marriage that had caused me so much pain, along with the son who no longer loved me.The only reason I'd stayed until now was that I'd wanted to spend a little more time with Tullio on his birthday. After all, I probably wouldn't be there to celebrate any of his future birthdays.But now it seemed even that gesture had been unnecessary.Niccolo gave me a surprised glance before nodding.With Niccolo and Marta holding Tullio between them, my son beamed happily

Serena's POVBefore leaving, I'd sent my resume to several leading fashion companies in Montelune. My portfolio quickly caught the attention of one of them, and they offered me a position, even promising to provide accommodation in the city.By my third week in Montelune, I was gradually settling into my new life. Just when I thought I'd finally managed to leave the past behind, Tullio suddenly called.I stared at his name flashing across the screen, unable to stop the dull ache in my chest. After a long hesitation, I finally answered. "What's wrong, Tullio? Is there something you need this late at night?"Tullio spoke as though he were giving me an order. "My school's open house is the day after tomorrow. I want you to come with me."For a moment, I almost agreed.He'd been distant from me for so long that even the slightest effort on his part to reach out used to be enough to melt my heart. I'd forgive him for everything and agree to whatever he wanted without a second thought.

The two of them seemed to have made up their minds. Neither was willing to leave Montelune.Niccolo began bringing Tullio to my office every day. Like clockwork, he'd be waiting outside every morning with a bouquet of flowers in his hands.Ingrid once jokingly asked if I wanted her to call security. I shook my head. Each time, I simply pushed the flowers back into Tullio's arms, refusing to accept them.Tullio had become much better behaved, too. He no longer threw tantrums or made a scene. Instead, he quietly followed Niccolo around every day, looking like an abandoned puppy.A few times, when I was working on sketches at a cafe, he'd sit beside me reading a book, staying there for the entire afternoon. Each time, I forced myself to look away.Once the trust in a relationship was broken, there was no putting it back together, whether it was between family members or lovers.Eventually, after days of this painful stalemate, Niccolo finally reached his breaking point.One evening