Cenlyn
During our eight years together, Lorenzo, the Falcone family Don’s heir, cheated on me with eight women.
A dancer, a college student, a sex worker...
Every one of them was nothing like me.
Eight times, I fought, I raged, and I even cut my wrists.
And every time, Lorenzo knelt before me and swore it would never happen again.
"I swear to God, Beatrice, I was just tempted by someone new. You're the only woman I love."
I believed him.
Today was our ninth anniversary.
Then I found the ninth: my best friend, Giuliana.
They were holding each other like real lovers.
Hands shaking, I called home, expecting the comfort my family had given me the other eight times.
Instead, my parents said I had it coming. A daughter from a minor noble house had never been good enough for the Falcone heir.
My brother said I was too stupid to make myself lovable, and that was why I'd finally driven Lorenzo to cheat.
Eventually, even I began to wonder if it was all my fault.
I saw a therapist. She advised me to divorce as soon as possible and stop clinging to someone I wasn't good enough for.
I came back to the estate in a daze, only to hear Lorenzo's voice in the study, warm with laughter.
"Giuliana, you're the clever one. You suggested I fake those affairs so she'd get used to me cheating and wouldn't lose her mind and hurt you.
"I've taken care of the therapist. Her parents and brother will keep pressuring her. Soon enough, she'll ask for the divorce herself.
"As soon as she's gone, I'll marry you."
I stood there listening as tears slipped down my cheeks.
I'd been living inside a lie they had all helped build.
I was done playing the fool in their elaborate charade.