Everyone in Astora is envious of Serafina Greco. She has a husband who loves her with all his heart. They throw a luxurious wedding that's worth 470 million dollars in total. In fact, she and her equally wealthy older brother, Niccolo Greco, will be having their weddings on the very same day.

That woman is practically a natural-born winner in life.

But just as Serafina's husband, Alessandro Madonia, is about to be made the next Don of the family, she decides to file for a divorce.

The lawyer sounds very shocked. "Are you sure you want to get a divorce from Alessandro?"

Serafina falls silent for a moment. Then, she nods in determination.

The moment she finds out that Alessandro, her perfect husband, is lying on the same bed as her sister-in-law, Matilde Denaro, on their wedding night, she has already made up her mind.

"Yes."

"Today marks a very special wedding. The Greco siblings are getting married on the same day. May both couples be united for life."

The Greco family's 470-million-dollar wedding gathered elites from every corner of Astora and caused a sensation across the city.

Everyone envied Serafina Greco, but no one could have imagined that her brand-new husband would be in her sister-in-law's bed.

Through the narrow gap of the door, Alessandro Madonia stood bare-chested while Matilde Denaro, who had just married into the family, leaned against him.

"Serafina won't wake up, right?"

Matilde's voice was soft, almost syrupy, as it drifted through the door.

"No. The sleeping pills in their drinks are strong enough to ensure both siblings have a good night's sleep tonight."

The moment Alessandro's voice sounded, something detonated inside Serafina's head.

That morning, she had believed she was the happiest woman alive. Now, it felt as though the rug had been pulled out from under her.

Inside the room, Alessandro lit a cigarette, his tone carrying a mix of resignation and indulgence. "You shouldn't have come here."

"How could I stay away when you're here?"

Matilde's voice held a trace of grievance as she continued, "You took 99 lashes to reject this marriage, and in the end, you still had to marry her."

"The Don threatened your life to force me into a marriage alliance with the Greco family. I didn't have a choice."

He looked at her with tenderness, and the affection between them was obvious, each thinking only of the other.

"The Don did it for you. Only by marrying a descendant of Ilyrian blood can you become the next Don," said Matilde.

Alessandro had taken 99 lashes to reject this marriage?

Serafina tightened her grip on the hem of her dress as the image of Alessandro's reddened eyes at their wedding ceremony surfaced in her mind.

So he hadn't been moved because he was marrying her—he had been grieving the fact that he couldn't be with the woman he truly loved.

She bit down so hard on her lip that she tasted blood and braced herself against the wall to keep from collapsing.

What had they reduced the Greco family to, and what had they reduced her to?

Was she a pawn, a tool, or merely a piece in their arrangement?

Serafina had believed she had found salvation, but she had walked straight into another nightmare.

Only when the metallic taste spread across her tongue did she let out a low laugh.

The faint sound caught Alessandro's attention. He instinctively glanced toward the door, reaching for his clothes as he got to his feet.

Matilde grabbed his arm, tears shimmering in her eyes as she lowered her voice. "Alessandro, please don't leave me tonight."

Under the dim light, he frowned slightly before running his hand through her hair, his tone firm.

"She's pregnant. I have to check on her."

"She's pregnant?"

Matilde's tone was tinged with shock before her face fell.

"Then, when the time comes, will she agree to a divorce?"

Her voice broke as she began to cry softly.

Alessandro sighed and returned to the bed, lowering his voice as he reassured her, "Don't worry. I have all her nudes on my computer, along with leverage on the Greco family. She won't dare refuse. Once the Don succession ceremony is over in seven days, this will all be finished."

Serafina froze, her hand retreating from the door just before she pushed it open, and a chill ran down her spine.

If she hadn't suddenly felt nauseous and thrown up the water she drank before bed, she would still be in the dark about this.

Fragments of memories came rushing back to her. She could feel it in her body, as if every part of her were screaming.

The instinctive revulsion she felt toward men enveloped Seraphina once more.

She would never forget that summer.

It was supposed to be a family trip they'd planned ahead of time, but her father, Carmine Greco, was absent because he was too busy with work.

Her exhausted mother, Cosima Gambino, took Serafina and her brother back early, only to walk in on Carmine and another woman naked together.

In that instant, Carmine's flawless image collapsed, and her world shattered.

After leaving behind a divorce agreement, Carmine forcibly took her brother, while Cosima took pills and cut her wrists to end her life.

The shock had been so severe that Serafina lost all memory from before the age of 13.

From then on, she despised men who thought with nothing but their impulses. She rejected every attempt at closeness and, while still young, carved out her own place in the business world.

It wasn't until Alessandro appeared with the diary she had written before turning 13 that she finally allowed a man into her life.

Her eyes filled with cold resolve as she quietly returned to her room.

She immediately called the housekeeper, Alba Rossi, to tidy the room and then dialed her best friend, Luciana Graviano, who just happened to be a hacker.

"Luciana, I need everything on Alessandro and Matilde. Also, he has dirt on the Greco family and nudes of me on his computer."

Luciana sighed. She had handled countless requests like this over the years, but she had never expected Serafina to be the one asking.

"Alessandro's computer runs the most advanced security system in the world. Give me seven days, and don't tip him off."

Serafina hummed in agreement, then ended the call. She stared at the wedding photo they had in Nadoria that sat on her nightstand.

"In seven days, this will all be over."

That night, Serafina lay awake, staring at Luciana's messages as they came in.

Matilde was the Denaro family's illegitimate daughter, who was raised abroad. Alessandro and Matilde had once been inseparable during their time abroad.

However, the Madonia family had kept pressuring him to marry Serafina, which was how the whole diary stunt came about in the first place.

How could he use her sincerity to protect another woman?

Alessandro knew better than anyone that betrayal was what Serafina hated most.

As the image of Cosima cutting her wrists in despair resurfaced in her mind, the ache in Serafina's chest became almost unbearable.

She refused to follow Cosima's path and drown in grief.

Without hesitation, she called her Underboss. "Sherly, have our people lie low at every major port and prepare to reclaim every territory we handed to the Madonia family."

She'd just hung up when Alessandro appeared at the door, surprise lacing his voice. "Why are you awake?"

Serafina studied him for a long moment before offering the same gentle smile she always wore. "Alba woke me. I'm visiting my mother today, so I got up early."

Nothing in her tone betrayed her thoughts, yet Alessandro felt something was off in the way she looked at him and couldn't stop himself from frowning.

Did she know something?

From the kitchen, Alba's booming voice rang out at the perfect moment. "Ms. Greco, Mr. Greco, breakfast is ready!"

Serafina slipped her arm through Alessandro's and walked toward the dining room, her voice light. "We're coming."

Alessandro exhaled in relief.

Footsteps echoed from the staircase as Niccolo Greco carefully supported Matilde downstairs. He cast Serafina a sidelong glance, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop.

"Aren't you going to greet your sister-in-law?"

Serafina lifted her gaze. It was the first time in five years that her brother Niccolo had spoken to her.

Just as she was considering telling him what she had seen the night before, Matilde spread her arms wide and moved toward her with enthusiasm.

"Serafina!"

Serafina finally examined the woman who had appeared out of nowhere six months earlier and suddenly become her sister-in-law.

Matilde's figure was curvy and elegant, and the way her eyes moved was soft and seductive. She was truly a rare beauty.

Serafina intended to push her away, but her attention caught on the brilliant diamond bracelet circling Matilde's wrist.

It was Cosima's.

Her fingers closed around Matilde's wrist. "Where did you get this bracelet?"

"Ouch!"

Matilde let out a soft cry, and both men turned at once.

Alessandro covered Serafina's hand with his own. "Serafina, let go."

Serafina tightened her grip instead, her eyes reddening as she stared at the bracelet Cosima had treasured most. She had no intention of releasing Matilde.

Niccolo's expression darkened as he impatiently rolled his wrist. Then, in a move no one anticipated, he struck her.

The sound echoed sharply through the room, and a bright handprint bloomed across Serafina's cheek.

"Ora basta!"

Alessandro hurried to pull her hand away and immediately examined Matilde's wrist as though no one else existed.

"Did she hurt you? Bring the first aid kit."

Serafina pressed a hand to her cheek while her gaze remained fixed on Matilde's wrist. The red marks from her grip were visible, yet there was no broken skin.

Niccolo stepped forward as well, kissing the faint imprint repeatedly with obvious concern.

Pushed aside, Alessandro stood rigid, his fists clenched so tightly that the veins along his hands stood out. Only Serafina noticed.

When he realized she was watching him, he quickly adjusted his expression and finally noticed the swelling on her face.

He rushed over at once. "Are you okay, Serafina?"

She turned her head away from his touch and walked straight toward Matilde.

"Return my mother's bracelet."

Niccolo stood protectively in front of Matilde, his voice sharp. "Serafina Greco, I'm the heir. I can give that bracelet to whoever I choose."

Greco Group had close economic ties with the top four mafia families. In recent years, because of Alessandro, the siblings had resumed contact after barely speaking.

Alessandro had even partnered with Niccolo to purchase this estate grand enough to rival a palace.

Serafina had once believed that he did it to mend her relationship with Niccolo, but she now realized that it had been for Matilde.

Serafina swallowed the truth at the tip of her tongue as a plan began to take shape in her mind.

Since one of them was eager to rekindle an old romance and the other was willing to play the fool, then she'd make things easy for them.

"Serafina, I truly didn't know it was your mother's." Matilde looked apologetic as she removed the bracelet and placed it on the table. "This is just a misunderstanding. We should try to get along."

Serafina picked up the bracelet and walked away.

Niccolo's temper flared. "What's with your attitude?"

He shoved her hard, and Serafina fell onto the cold floor. A sharp pain twisted her abdomen. She clutched her stomach as blood began to pool beneath her.

"Serafina!"

Alessandro's face went pale as he kneeled beside her and placed his hand over her slightly rounded belly.

"Is the baby okay?"

Guilt flickered across Niccolo's face as he stepped forward to check on her, but Alessandro stopped him with a warning look.

"Don't be afraid, Serafina. I'll take you to the hospital."

All of a sudden, Matilde pressed a hand to her head. "Niccolo, my head hurts…"

Niccolo instantly lifted her into his arms, carried her outside to the only car parked there, and left.

Alessandro held Serafina in his arms, yet his gaze kept drifting toward the corridor. By the time his assistant arrived, Serafina had already fainted from the pain.

"If you'd been a few minutes later, the baby's heartbeat would've stopped."

The doctor chided Alessandro as she adjusted the IV, and he nodded without really listening, his eyes still drifting toward the hallway.

Serafina knew exactly who and what he was waiting for. The realization irritated her so deeply that she closed her eyes and pretended she hadn't woken up.

Only then did he seem to notice the crease between her brows.

She hadn't smiled since the wedding, and he found himself thinking that once she woke, he'd take her somewhere to relax.

As he reached out to smooth her forehead, a faint scent of white magnolia drifted in.

Matilde stood at the door.

Alessandro lifted a finger, signaling her to keep quiet.

She lowered her voice, though the disappointment in her tone was obvious. "So the baby's fine?"

He glanced past her. "Where's Niccolo?"

"He went to the office. Are you worried about her?"

"Not here."

"Why not? I'll say whatever I want, whenever I want! Why does she get to bear your child first?"

Matilde threw herself into his arms, kissing him without restraint.

Her fur coat slid from her shoulders, exposing the lace camisole underneath. The sound of their kisses filled the room.

Just as her hand moved toward his belt, Alessandro groped her butt. "Enough. Go back. Wait for me tonight."

She rose onto her toes as if she meant to continue, but he picked up the coat, wrapped it around her again, and pressed a brief kiss to her forehead.

"Don't overthink it. You know I only love you."

After sending Matilde away, Alessandro leaned against the wall in the corridor and lit a cigarette.

Inside the room, Serafina slowly opened her eyes, and a tear slid down the side of her face.

She'd never pretended to be gentle. When they first started seeing each other, she'd said, "Even if I'm not gentle, even if there are things I have to do and can't be completely honest about, would you still accept me?"

Back then, Alessandro had tenderly reassured her, "That's what makes you cool."

Now, she realized perhaps he hadn't meant it at all.

Once, Serafina had thought he was like the sun, warming her and lighting the way through her confusion.

Alas, the sun had never belonged to her.

She wiped away her tears and quickly texted her private investigator. "The gate code is 9749. Install the pinhole cameras now. The sooner the better."

Serafina gripped her phone, lost in thought, not knowing how to begin sorting the storm of emotions inside her.

Just then, the door opened again.

"Serafina."

Alessandro strode toward her, moving as if he meant to pull her into his arms. "How are you feeling—"

"Don't come any closer!" Serafina shouted.

Every nerve in her body recoiled from his touch.

A flicker of hurt, layered with unmistakable worry and fear, crossed Alessandro's eyes. "What's wrong, Serafina?"

Alba happened to walk in with some food and froze when she saw this. She said worriedly, "Ms. Greco used to have a physical aversion to men. It looks like it's happening again."

Alessandro tamped down the irritation rising in him and deliberately stepped back. "Don't be afraid. I'll stay right here," he said gently.

Serafina looked at the tenderness on his face, and her mind drifted back to the first time they met four years ago.

When news of the alliance between the Greco and Madonia families first broke, the entire city turned it into a wager. The notorious Madonia heir and the untouchable Serafina—who would call it off first?

No one expected Alessandro to trade in his silver hair for a sleek black side part and repeatedly send word through his secretary that he had something important to give her.

He'd sought her out 99 times. On the 100th, she finally allowed him to stand within 15 feet of her.

She only needed one glance to see what he was holding.

It was her diary, the one she'd lost years ago, the one that carried her happiest memories with Cosima, and the one she'd searched for a decade.

He brought her back to every scene written in those pages, carefully recreating the moments, and little by little, the ice around her heart began to melt.

The final entry led them to Nadoria.

Under fireworks that lit up the sky, Alessandro dropped to one knee, gentle and devout like a believer at prayer.

Her heart had opened like those fireworks, and then came the wedding that everyone talked about.

Now, looking at his concerned expression, she felt as if she were looking at a stranger.

Still, this wasn't the time to unravel it.

She'd prepared for this day for five full years. She remembered Cosima's wish to revive Gambino Group as well as her warning that Serafina shouldn't rely on anyone but herself.

At this, she called her secretary. "Notify everyone that the press conference this afternoon will proceed as scheduled."