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.

Not until the next morning did I regain enough strength to go to the family private clinic by myself to treat my wounds.

Even the experienced doctor was clearly shocked when he saw the whip marks on my back. Cleaning and bandaging them took nearly three hours.

I was sweating profusely from the pain. Several of my nails broke during the treatment, but I never made a sound.

During the two days I rested at the clinic, my wounds began to scab. During this time, Elena sent me provocative messages every day.

"Father has agreed to turn your room into an arsenal display. The new shipment from South America that Vincenzo gave me needs the space. When are you going to move your junk out?"

"Vincenzo took me to Milan to get my dress. The designer said the fabric would take three months to source. Vincenzo just bought out the entire workshop and made them work overnight."

In the photo, Vincenzo's gaze on Elena was full of tenderness. Looking at this, I felt nothing inside.

I didn't reply to any messages. After my condition slightly improved, I returned to my room to pack my bags. Besides necessary documents and a few personal items, I threw everything else away.

The housekeeper saw this and cautiously came over to remind me, "Miss Lena, Miss Elena said you should move to the storage shed next to the warehouse. It might leak, but you can store your things there... There's no need to throw everything away..."

"Never mind," I cut him off, looking at the empty room. "I won't need these things anymore. I'm leaving New York soon. I won't be back."

The housekeeper looked surprised. "You're leaving? But..."—Everyone in the Rossi family knew that Sicily was the family's "exile ground." Only those abandoned by the family were sent there, and no one ever returned.

Before he could finish, Vincenzo pushed the door and walked in. "Who's leaving?"

Elena came out of the bedroom and pouted. "You're here so early! I'm not ready yet."

Vincenzo smiled and pinched her nose. "That's okay. I can wait.

"I don't know which dress to choose," Elena said, playing her part. "You have good taste. Help me pick one."

The two of them returned to the bedroom laughing and closed the door. I averted my eyes silently and zipped up my suitcase.

The whole day, Vincenzo and Elena were inseparable. They kissed on the balcony, letting her lipstick stain collar. Vincenzo personally supervised his men moving weapons as "gifts" for the other families the next day. He also had his private tailor adjust Elena's dress. Elena sat in the living room, calling me over from time to time, ordering me around like a servant to fetch champagne and jewelry boxes.

"Lena, look at this brooch," Elena held up a sapphire-encrusted brooch that Vincenzo had acquired by trading two opium processing plants. "Vincenzo says this stone glows in the dark. That way, no matter where I am, he can always find me."

The servants whispered among themselves: "Mistress and Mr. Vincenzo really love each other. They're not even married yet, but they're already as sweet as a newlywed couple."

"Mistress has been doted on since childhood. Now with Mr. Vincenzo's affection, she'll become even more spoiled."

"Poor Miss Lena. She never got attention growing up, and now she has to give up the man she loves to her sister."

Hearing their gossip through the door, I lowered my eyes. I had questioned fate countless times about why it was so unfair. But after dying once, I finally understood: things I have to fight for were never meant for me.

This applies to family love, as well as romantic love.

In the evening, a servant informed us that my parents had booked a table at the restaurant on the hillside and wanted us all to have dinner together. I wanted to decline, but Elena forcefully pulled me into the car.

On the way, no matter what Elena said, Vincenzo would immediately respond.

"After we get married, let's go to Europe for our honeymoon, okay? I want to see the northern lights, and I want to attend fashion week. You'll have to take lots of photos for me. Set all your electronic devices to photos of me, and no two can be the same."

"Alright. I'll learn photography first. I have to capture your most beautiful moments. Then I'll hang the photos in my office and study. That way, whenever I miss you, I can just look up."

"It's a deal! When we have children, we can look through the photo albums together and remember the past. By the way, how many children do you want? Boys should be handsome like you, girls are better off like me..."

They chatted excitedly as if I didn't exist at all. I watched the scenery outside the window in silence.

The day of Vincenzo's cornea transplant surgery, I had been drugged and fell asleep. I dreamed that when he woke up, the first person he saw was me. From then on, his eyes could only hold me. He would always be by my side, preparing surprises, taking me to experience the world. He would kneel to propose, take my hand into marriage, and hold our children for a family photo.

In my dream, I had true love and a home of my own.

Unfortunately, when I woke up, everything vanished. I struggled so hard in the end, only to meet a brutal death.

Just as I was lost in thought, the screech of brakes snapped me out of it. I looked up to see a sports car speeding uncontrollably toward us.

A huge crash. Our car hit a bridge pillar. My body felt like it was falling apart. My forehead, arms, and legs were bleeding. The intense pain made me gasp for air.

It was an ambush. The rival Bernardos didn't want the Rossi-Corleone alliance, so they set up a trap on our route.

I forced my eyes open, blurred with blood. I saw Vincenzo helping a trembling Elena out of the car. Both doors were severely damaged, and the trunk was starting to catch fire.

I bit my lip to stay conscious and dragged my battered body out of the car. Every movement caused more blood to drop, staining the seats and ground.

I had barely crawled a few steps from the car when an explosion sounded behind me. In the towering flames, I fell to the ground. Watching the car burn, I felt cold all over. If I had been a few seconds later, or if I had lost consciousness, I might have died in the crash again.

From the moment of the accident until I saved myself, five minutes had passed. Vincenzo never once looked at me. Even when Elena was safe, he never thought to save me.

Watching his figure as he gently comforted Elena, I wore a tired, bitter smile. All my strength was gone, and my eyelids felt too heavy to keep open.

Half-conscious, I heard the sound of an ambulance and a nurse's urgent voice: "Miss Rossi's injuries are more serious! Her old wounds haven't healed, and she was at the center of the blast. The impact was the greatest. She's already lost consciousness from blood loss. Mr. Corleone, we recommend we take her to surgery first, otherwise her life may be in danger!"

Vincenzo's voice was merciless. "I only care about Elena's safety. She's injured too. You must save her first!"

"Lena, how are you feeling? Does it hurt badly?" My mother’s voice trembled, and for a moment, I thought I could feel the warmth of their concern. My father nodded quickly, echoing her, "Don’t worry, we’ll find the best doctor for you right away."

Just then, a sharp whimper cut through the air. Elena, who was lying beside me, suddenly clutched her arm and twisted her body, her voice rising: "Mom! Dad! It hurts so much… my arm feels like it’s broken…"

My parents’ heads snapped toward her. When they saw Elena’s contorted expression and the faint bloodstain spreading on her sleeve, their expressions changed instantly. My mother pulled her hand away from my forehead and hurried to Elena’s side, her tone switching to urgency.

"Elena! Oh my poor girl, why is there so much blood?" My father also let go of my hand, his gaze no longer on me. He turned to me, his voice hurried and distant, "Lena, you wait here for a bit first. Elena’s injury looks worse—we’ll take her to get treated first, and then come back for you right away."

My mother didn’t even look at me, just kept murmuring to Elena, "It’s okay, baby, we’ll fix this. Your wedding is coming soon, we can’t let you have any scars…"

Vincenzo, who had been standing quietly by the door, stepped forward and blocked my view of them. His face was still full of anxiety, but this time, it was clearly for me.

"Doctor," I spoke, my voice barely a whisper. "Don't worry about me. I can handle this myself."

I took the gauze the doctor offered and began to bandage my own wounds.

Vincenzo and my parents didn't spare me another glance. They got into the ambulance with Elena in their arms.