To restore my crush's right to inherit his mafia family, I gave him one of my corneas.

But when he regained his sight, my family chose to have my older sister marry him instead of me.

In my past life, I tried to find him and explain everything, but he rejected me.

My own family exiled me, and I died on the night of wedding between him and my sister.

Then I'm reborn—back before I was exiled .

This time, I choose to leave my Mafia pack and my crush willingly..

But that cold, heartless Mafia Boss? He completely fell apart.

In my previous life, I gave my crush one of my corneas and helped him to restore his right to inherit his mafia family. But when he regained his sight, my family chose to have my older sister marry him instead of me.

My own family exiled me, and I died on the night of wedding between him and my sister.

Then I'm reborn—back before I was exiled .

I stood in my father's study—Vittorio Rossi, the Don of our family. The air smelled of aged whiskey and cigars.

Vittorio sat behind his massive mahogany desk, an unlit Cuban cigar between his fingers. His eyes were cold, hard as steel—nothing like a father's should be.

"Lena, Elena's engagement to Vincenzo Corleone is next week," Vittorio's voice echoed in the large study, devoid of warmth. "This is an alliance between two families. I won't tolerate any disruptions. It would be best if you stayed away."

My mother, Isabella Rossi, stood beside the desk, nervously twisting a silk scarf. "Darling, your father has everything arranged. Tomorrow morning, you'll be sent to our safe house in Sicily. We'll bring you back after the wedding."

Hearing their familiar words, I knew for certain—I was reborn, back to the day I was exiled and forced to give up Vincenzo.

In my past life, I was sent to Sicily just like this.

But I refused to accept it.

I kept escaping the safe house, trying to find Vincenzo to prove one thing: when he was betrayed, blind, and abandoned by the world, I found him. I hid him, stayed with him through the darkest five years, and even gave him one of my corneas to restore his sight.

I was the one who stood by him steadfastly, not Elena.

Five years ago, as the Corleone heir, Vincenzo was ambushed by rivals. A bullet damaged his retina. The Corleones didn't want a disabled heir, so they abandoned him on the outskirts of the city.

It was me who found him near death, brought him to safety, and climbed over the fence every day to be with him. "I'll come every day." In those pitch-black days, I became Vincenzo's only comfort.

I knew he wanted to become the most powerful Don in all of New York. To restore his sight, I anonymously donated one of my corneas. This allowed him to recover and reclaim his place as the Corleone heir.

The night before his surgery, he kissed my fingertips with a tenderness I'd never known. He fumbled with his family pin, fastening it to my coat. "When I can see again," he said, "you'll be the first person I see. I'll make you the Madre of the Corleone family."

But when Vincenzo's bandages came off, the first person he saw was Elena.

Vittorio and Isabella knew Elena had feelings for Vincenzo too. They bribed the surgical team to keep me unconscious for seven days after the procedure. Then they had Elena present the family pin to the newly recovered Vincenzo, telling him, "I'm the one who was with you all these years. It was my cornea that saved you."

Vincenzo didn't question their story. The Rossi family needed Corleone support. Elena was seen as the pure, virtuous daughter, while I was the "convicted black sheep." Obviously, Elena was more worthy of him.

Vincenzo and Elena got together naturally, from dating to their engagement, appearing deeply in love.

For five years, I tried to find a chance to explain to Vincenzo, to tell him it was me who had been with him, who had saved him.

But Elena claimed I was just jealous, seeking attention with lies. With Vittorio and Isabella backing her up with false testimonies, Vincenzo never believed me. He grew more distant and hostile.

"That's all in the past now," Isabella said, her voice trembling slightly. "This time is different, Lena. The Corleones specifically requested Elena."I knelt before my mother, begging her to tell the truth—that it was me who saved Vincenzo, that it was my cornea that restored his sight.

But all my efforts only earned Vincenzo's deeper contempt.

The last time I saw him was at Vincenzo and Elena's wedding. Vincenzo kissed Elena as everyone cheered. Meanwhile, I was killed by a bomb meant for our rival faction. No one paid any attention to me in my final moments.

Since God gave me a second chance, I wouldn't make the same mistakes again.

"Fine, I'll go." I calmly took the travel pass to Sicily, my voice unnaturally steady.

Vittorio and Isabella exchanged surprised glances. Their youngest daughter—the one who once caused a scene at a Corleone gathering over Vincenzo—was now this obedient?

"I hope you understand the importance of this alliance," Vittorio said sternly, tapping his fingers on the desk. "The Corleones control all the East Coast ports. Without their support, our family's business will collapse."

Isabella stepped closer, trying to take my hand, but I pulled away. "Sweetheart, we know you've always cared for Vincenzo, but this is for the family's greater good. Elena is more... suitable for him."

A bitter smile touched my lips.

How ridiculous. Vincenzo was always meant to be mine.

But my parents took him and gave him to my sister.

Twenty years ago, Elena killed a government official. Instead of taking responsibility, my cruel parents sent me, not yet ten years old, to take the blame. I went to juvenile detention, bearing an indelible stain on my record.

I had two ribs broken there, and no one visited. Meanwhile, Elena wore fancy dresses, praised at every event as the Rossi Principessa.

My parents doted on her. Growing up, I always had to give Elena everything. My room, my bodysoldatos, even my shooting trophies ended up engraved with Elena's name. Only Vincenzo was something I never wanted to give up.

Vittorio's brow furrowed. "At six tomorrow morning, a driver will take you to the airport.

I traced the edge of the travel pass. "Don't worry. I won't ruin your perfect marriage. After all, in your eyes, I'll always be the 'flawed' daughter, won't I?"

"Stay in Sicily until we call for you. Don't do anything stupid."

Then Vittorio and Isabella left together to discuss wedding details.

After my parents departed, my phone vibrated. A message from Vincenzo: Tonight at 9, old warehouse. Door will be open.

My fingertips grew cold.

In my past life, I'd been thrilled to receive this message, thinking he finally wanted to believe me.

But when I arrived at the warehouse, I realized he had deliberately brought me to watch him and Elena together, hoping I would finally give up.

Remembering that painful memory, my head started throbbing again.

At ten to nine, I stood outside the old warehouse in the industrial district.

Inside, Vincenzo held Elena, both of them completely naked, with used condoms scattered all around.

I don't know how long I stood there frozen before they finally spotted me.

"Lena?" Elena feigned surprise, covering her mouth and snuggling closer to Vincenzo. "What are you doing here?"

Vincenzo didn't turn around, but his voice reached me clearly. "I invited her. I only love you, Elena. I want her to understand this reality that she is merely a blemish in the Rossi family., so she stops clinging to impossible dreams. "

I had broken down crying, but Vincenzo just said coldly, "I had you come for a reason. Stop entertaining these unrealistic fantasies about me. I only love your sister, Elena, and I will never allow you to steal her credit or my love for her with lies."

I stood at the doorway, images of past and present swirling in my mind. The boy who had held my hand in the dark, Vincenzo who had pressed my frozen palms against his chest during thunderstorms—he had become this cold stranger before me now.

"I understand," I said, unnervingly calm. "I wish you happiness."

I turned to leave when Elena's sweet voice called out, "Vincenzo, I think Lena is still angry with me. Maybe we should talk? After all, we're sisters, aren't we?"

Finally, Vincenzo turned to face me, his eyes like poisoned daggers. "Miss Rossi, look how understanding your sister is. And you? You're always so hostile toward her. I won't have any unpleasantness at my wedding."

A sarcastic smile touched my lips. "Don't worry, Mr. Corleone. I'll leave New York tomorrow morning. I won't tarnish your perfect wedding."

Just then,a rapid volley of gunshots echoed from outside the warehouse.

"Rival family," Vincenzo reacted instantly, pulling Elena under him for cover.

I scrambled to find safety, backing away.

But just as I moved, Elena, sheltered by Vincenzo, gave me a push when no one was looking.

I stumbled, losing my balance and stepping right into the line of fire.

"Ugh!"

A bullet tore through my abdomen.

Clutching my wound, I slid down to the ground against a wooden crate. I watched as Vincenzo grabbed Elena and rushed for the emergency exit, not even looking back in my direction.

"Such a familiar scene," I whispered, lying on the cold concrete floor as life slowly drained away. Memories of my past life flooded me—that boy in the dark who had promised to marry me had been consumed by family power and interests.

Before consciousness faded completely, I was back in that safe house five years ago.

Vincenzo's eyes were still bandaged. He carefully felt my face, his voice so tender it made me want to weep: "When I can see again, you'll be the first person I see. I'll make you the Madre of the Corleone family."

That boy who only had me in his heart was gone forever.

And I could finally let go completely.

The wail of distant sirens reached me, but I couldn't hear them anymore. My consciousness sank into darkness.

I opened my eyes to find myself in the Rossi family infirmary.

The nurse changing my dressings, Lidia, knew what had happened to me. When she saw I was awake, she visibly relaxed. "You've been unconscious for three days. Thank God you're awake."

She lowered her voice. "Miss Elena is in shock. Don, Madre, and Mr. Corleones are all in the VIP ward taking care of her. They blame you for what happened to Elena and are furious. Should I call them here so you can explain?"

I shook my head, my throat too dry to speak. "No. They don't want to see me, and I don't want to see them."

Lidia nodded in understanding and continued her work. "I know, it's not fair. You're the one who was seriously injured and rushed to the emergency room, The bullet had narrowly missed your heart, and it took the doctors five long hours to remove it. Even though your injuries were far more severe. Yet they only care if Elena was scared. Vincenzo even brought in the best psychologists and bought her an entire box of diamond jewelry."

I closed my eyes. None of it mattered anymore.

In the afternoon, the doctor ordered tests. I managed to get out of bed, every step sending sharp pain through my gunshot wound. As I walked down the hall, I overheard two nurses talking.

"They're sisters, yet Lena almost died from blood loss and no one came to visit. Elena was just a little scared and she gets the best medical care in the city."

"Don't you know? Lena is a convicted criminal. At ten years old, she murdered a innocent government official. How can she compare to the kind Miss Elena?"

"I heard Elena's fiancé is Vincenzo Corleone, the Underboss of the Corleone family. He's young, talented, and devoted to her. He's been by her side constantly, even hiring personal therapists and filling her room with jewelry. They even ship her water from France."

I've had an allergic reaction to mineral water from France my whole life. It gives me rashes all over my body. But Elena liked it, so the family only kept that kind. When I had a reaction, they called me "fussy" and said I was "trying to go against Elena."

When I heard the nurses' envious remarks, I walked away silently.

As I passed the VIP ward on the top floor, I heard laughter and conversation coming from inside.

The door was slightly ajar. I saw my father adjusting Elena's pillows and my mother cutting up a steak, feeding her pieces. Elena was in Vincenzo's arms, using that familiar helpless voice. "I heard Lena was badly hurt. Mom, Dad, you've been taking care of me these days. Why don't you bring her some of this steak? She needs to build up her strength."

My father didn't look up. "Don't worry about her. This steak is especially prepared for you. It would be wasted on Lena."

My mother agreed. "That's right. She's always causing trouble. She probably provoked the enemy that attacked her. Getting hurt is her own fault."

Vincenzo stroked Elena's hair, his voice soft. "Elena, you're far too kind. She's always tried to deceive me with lies, yet you still keep worrying about her."

I kept walking, the pain in my gunshot wound reminding me of the explosion.

I was badly hurt because I blocked the bullet for Elena and Vincenzo. But to them, my pain was worth less than her steak.

Elena pretended to care about me in front of others. But whenever we were alone, she would mock me, even hitting and kicking me.

Then she would run to our parents crying, twisting the truth.

Everyone believed she was the principessa, so they always took her side when she claimed I bullied her.

My parents never listened to my side. They just used family discipline to punish me.

After that, I learned to stay away from my sister. Whatever Elena wanted, I gave it to her.

Just as I turned to leave, Vincenzo spotted me.

He quickly followed me out into the hallway. "Lena."

I stopped walking but didn't turn around.

His tone was stiff. "I'm the one who called you here yesterday. That's why you got hurt. I'll get you the best doctors and pay you for what happened. But stay away from Elena."

I kept my voice calm. "Fine."

He seemed taken aback by how easily I agreed. "If you need... I can apologize to you for Elena."

I gave a bitter smile. "When the day comes that you know the whole truth, you'll be more pathetic than I am."

With that, I walked away.

In my past life, Vincenzo was the only thing I refused to give up.

And look where that got me.

This time, I just want to live my own life. No more fighting, no more taking, no more loving.

On my way to get my medication, I had to pass through the garden below.

As I walked by the fountain, Elena suddenly appeared in front of me.

"I guess the Corleones got you the best doctors. You're already walking around," she sneered. "Let me warn you. The position of Corleone's Madre will be mine. Stay away from Vincenzo. Even if you try to tell him you were the one with him in the safe house, nobody will believe a juvenile criminal like you."

I looked at her calmly. "Don't worry. From now on, Vincenzo is yours. The whole family is yours. I won't compete with you for anything."

Elena suddenly grabbed my wrist, her grip so tight it hurt. "Compete? What makes you think you can compete with me? I've always gotten whatever I wanted. You're only worthy of my leftovers!"

She yanked me into the fountain. Cold water immediately engulfed me. My back wound burned like fire. I struggled in the water, blood seeping through my bandages and coloring the water red.

Just as Elena was about to continue, her eyes caught sight of a familiar figure.

Then she pretended to fall into the water and struggled dramatically.

Vincenzo rushed over and jumped into the fountain without hesitation.

But he swam right past me and lifted Elena into his arms. My vision began to blur as water filled my mouth and nose.

Elena clung to him, pretending to be worried. "Lena accidentally pushed me in. Can you save her?"

At Elena's words, Vincenzo's anger flared. "All this quietness and calmness is just an act! You just promised me you'd stay away from Elena!"

Then he shot a cold glance at me struggling in the water and answered Elena, "She did it on purpose. Since she likes playing in water so much, let her stay in there and clear her head."

Vincenzo's cold words cut through me.

My face turned purple from lack of air. A buzzing filled my ears. I had no strength left. My vision grew dark. The last thing I saw was Vincenzo carrying Elena away, not looking back.

I don't know how much time passed before soldatos dragged me from the fountain. They threw me at my parents' feet like a sack of trash.

Isabella kicked my shoulder with the tip of her high heel. "How dare you lay a hand on Elena? The Corleones are already discussing the engagement. If you ruin this, I'll throw you in the East River for the fish!"

I lay on the ground, soaked, my wound making me shake. "She pushed me."

But they didn't listen. They didn't care about the truth.

Vittorio raised his cane and struck my back. "I'm telling you! You will never be good enough equal to Elena. You don't deserve to be the Corleone Madre. Stay away from her. Give her whatever she wants!"

Hearing their anger, I grew cold. Despair filled my eyes.

The pain I'd held inside for years finally erupted. "I'm not good enough? Is Elena better? If you hadn't sent me to take the fall, I never would have been a criminal! And I'm the one who saved Vincenzo. You let Elena take my place. Isn't that shameful?"

At my defiance, Isabella's face turned red. Vittorio slapped me hard across the face.

"The dogma of Rossi family is obedience. Your life belongs to the family. Letting you pave the way for Elena is your honor! You have no right to an opinion."

"If you dare speak the truth again, we'll..."

At that moment, Vincenzo entered. Vittorio and Isabella were startled, but Vincenzo didn't question their anger.

He glanced at me on the ground, assuming I was refusing to apologize, which had upset my parents. His tone was icy. "Since she won't admit her fault, lock her in the underground cell. She can think about what she's done there."

Vittorio and Isabella agreed it was a good idea. They called soldiers to drag me away.

I knew resistance would bring worse punishment, so I didn't struggle as they led me off.

The dungeon was cold, damp, and cramped.

Leaning against the cold wall, I drifted back to five years ago.

When Vincenzo couldn't see, he would wrap his jacket around me, saying that when he could see again, he'd take me to the Corleone private island.

Now, how ridiculous those sweet words seemed.

I don't know how long I stayed in solitary confinement. My wound became infected, and I developed a high fever. I was cold and hungry.

When Vincenzo appeared again, he stood outside the bars and asked, "Do you realize your mistake?"

I used the last of my strength to answer. "Yes. I was completely wrong."

He nodded in satisfaction. "Good. As long as you stay away from Elena."

I watched him leave. In my heart, I thought: My mistake was believing your promises. My mistake was loving you.

The next day, they took me out of the dungeon. They gave me clean clothes, but my wounds still ached.

Back in my room, I gathered everything that reminded me of Vincenzo.

My childhood diaries and love letters, secret photos of him, gifts I had saved for him, surprises I planned to give him... I had intended to tell him my story when we were finally together.

But now I knew there was no future for us. These things were worthless.

I stuffed everything into a black trash bag and walked to the incinerator outside the villa, watching the flames consume them one by one.

As I turned to leave, I walked right into Vincenzo, who had just returned with Elena.

Elena deliberately showed off the diamond bracelet on her wrist—the one Vincenzo had traded control of three weapons docks for. It was known as the "symbol of the Corleone Madre."

Vincenzo glanced at the trash can, then looked at me. His gaze was as cold as ever.

Elena saw the items and forced a smile. "Lena, did you destroy all of that? Does this mean you're finally giving up on Vincenzo? Finally letting go of those unrealistic fantasies? We can still be a loving family now. I won't blame you for what happened. You're still my little sister."

She turned to Vincenzo, pretending to be generous. "Vincenzo, Lena knows she was wrong now. You're her brother-in-law now. You should be nicer to her."

Vincenzo glanced at the trash again, then back at me. "My eyes are only for you. I'm only good to the person I love. Even if she's your sister, that doesn't change anything."

Hearing Elena's laughter and Vincenzo's cold words, I ignored them and walked back to my room. My heart was calm as still water.

To celebrate Elena's recovery, a grand celebration party was hosted by the Rossi and Corleone families.

Important figures from all New York crime families were there. They discussed weapon prices, dock control, and the Rossi-Corleone alliance.

I hid in the shadows on the second-floor balcony, watching below as Elena, dressed in a diamond-covered gown, was flanked by my father and Vincenzo. She looked exactly like a future lady of the family.

"I hear Vincenzo gave up the entire South American cocaine pipeline to the Rossis for Elena."

"Elena is so lucky. Not only is she the Rossi Principessa, but she'll also become the future Corleone Madre."

"This party is incredible. I heard the flowers were flown in from Europe this morning. There's going to be a drone show over the city later. The jewelry Elena is wearing is worth hundreds of millions. Vincenzo personally bought it at Sotheby's!"

"Elena is the jewel of the Rossi family. She deserves all of this. Unlike her sister Lena, who actually tried to seduce her own brother-in-law."

"Yeah, heard she even attacked Elena to get Vincenzo's attention. A heartless person like that doesn't belong in the mafia. She should be exiled and thrown to the sharks!"

I stood in the corner, listening to their comments, feeling nothing.

Not far away, Isabella lovingly adjusted Elena's dress while Vittorio affectionately stroked her hair. Looking at their happy scene, I knew they had never been so gentle with me. Even when I was sick and vulnerable as a child, they wouldn't spare me a glance. To take Elena shopping, they skipped my graduation ceremony.

I was like a stranger, never earning their attention or love.

Only when I was with Vincenzo did I ever feel warmth. He cared about my health and prepared gifts for me.

I thought I would never be alone again.

But this small affection I had briefly possessed had been stolen by Elena too.

And I wouldn't miss it.

Amid the festive atmosphere, guests brought gifts for Elena.

She opened them one by one—from luxury bags to exquisite jewelry. Her smile never faded.

The last two gifts, from Vittorio, Isabella, and Vincenzo, caused a sensation when they were announced.

"After careful consideration, Madre and I have decided to name Elena as the sole heir to the Rossi family," Vittorio announced excitedly. "From now on, she won't just be our principessa. She will inherit all of our family's businesses and assets!"

Vincenzo continued, "The gift I give Elena is the Corleone family heirloom. The elders told me that any couple who wears these rings will be together for life. Elena, you are the only woman I want to marry. Thank you for being in my life."

Under everyone's gaze, Vincenzo personally slipped the rings on Elena's fingers and pulled her into a deep kiss.

The hall erupted in cheers, applause, and screams of blessing.

Watching this, my heart felt heavy and oppressed.

Just as I was about to slip away, one of Elena's maids stopped me. "The mistress requests your presence. She wants to introduce you to the families."

I knew I couldn't refuse, so I followed her to where Elena was.

Seeing me, Elena spoke loudly, attracting everyone's attention. "Lena, did you hear that? Vincenzo gave me the family heirloom and proposed to me. As my sister, shouldn't you congratulate me?"

The crowd immediately chimed in.

Only Vincenzo's gaze faltered for a second before locking onto the necklace in my hand.

"Why do you have this pin?"

He remembered the texture of this pin. Five years ago in the safe house, he had touched it countless times, listening to the girl say it was her most precious possession.

But after being with Elena, she had never mentioned it. Now it was on Lena.

I looked up, meeting his incredulous gaze, and instinctively touched the pin on my bracelet.

During Vincenzo's blindness, though I knew he couldn't see, I still dressed up to visit him. Every time, I wore this meaningful pin.

He would always touch it when he held my hands, asking me what it meant.

Seeing that I didn't speak, Vincenzo suddenly grabbed my wrist, his tone urgent. "Answer me! Why do you have this pin? Who are you?"

I never thought Vincenzo wouldn't recognize me, but he would recognize this pin.

My emotions tangled inside me, but before I could speak, Elena cut me off.

"Lena," she said loudly, "This is the pin Father gave me. When did you steal it?"

"This pin doesn't belong to you." My voice was soft, but it made the entire banquet hall fall silent. "It was left to me by my grandfather. He gave it to me, hoping I would inherit his spirit and protect the Rossi family."

This was why, in my past life, I had endured Vittorio and Isabella's abuse until the day I died.

Elena's expression changed immediately. She clung to Vincenzo's arm, her eyes red-rimmed. "Sister, how can you say that? Grandpa had just passed away when you were five years old. How could you possibly remember this? This pin was always kept in Father's study. He gave it to me personally."

My father stepped in to support Elena. "Lena, stop these lies! This pin was given to Elena by me. If you continue to defame her, you're betraying the family!"

Then Elena came over to snatch the bracelet. Her sharp nails scratched several bloody marks on the back of my hand.

I winced in pain and tried to pull my hand back. Elena then pretended to fall backward.

Seeing this, Vincenzo's expression darkened. He instinctively pulled Elena into his arms, looking at me with a chilling gaze. "So that's it. I thought..."

"So you stole Elena's pin and tried to cause trouble at the alliance celebration? You've brought shame to the Rossi family!"

Hearing him believe Elena without giving me a chance to explain, a chill went through me.

I had actually held a sliver of hope, expecting him to see the truth and recognize who I was.

At that moment, Isabella suddenly threw a glass of red wine in my face. "Ungrateful child! If it weren't for Elena's kindness, taking you in when you came out of juvenile detention, you should have been exiled. Instead of being grateful, you dare to steal from her now!"

Vincenzo looked at me with disgust. "According to mafia law, for disgracing the family symbol and damaging the alliance, you deserve the salted whip."

My father ordered soldiers to bring the salted whip. He stood before me himself. "Today you'll learn that the Rossi family has no place for traitors!"

The first lash fell. My back felt like it was burning. The salt water seeped into my wounds, making me tremble all over.

I refused to yield, stubbornly repeating, "I didn't steal anything. This pin... it was... mine. Grandpa gave it to me!"

But Vincenzo—was bending down to comfort Elena, not even looking in my direction.

After fifty lashes, I lay on the ground, blood soaking through my black shirt and spreading across the marble floor.

Guests all stepped back.

I used my last bit of strength to open my eyes. My father and mother didn't even look at me. They turned back to greeting their guests.

And Vincenzo, without a glance, carried Elena away and left the party.

In the grand celebration hall, only I remained, broken and bleeding on the cold floor.