Too Nasty to Love: Goodbye Forever

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." Chapter 1 "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." Chapter 2 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. Chapter 3 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." Chapter 4 "Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for attending the launch of Cosima AI." Applause swept through the venue as Serafina stood on stage and spoke with calm confidence, drawing steady gasps from the audience below. "This emotional AI system, named by my mother, represents the purest and most flawless love in the world. It will be integrated into our latest companion-style simulation robots. The first batch starts at 8 million dollars, and is limited to 100 units. The bidding begins now." … As the numbers climbed higher and higher, tears welled in Serafina's eyes. She'd gambled everything, pouring all of the Gambino Group's assets into this research team, and she'd been right. Serafina was about to turn the tide. Years of suppression, Cosima's humiliation, and the secret she'd carried for so long would finally be washed away after today. When the final unit price was locked at 50 million dollars, she steadied herself and walked toward the podium. She was about to announce that this successful investment belonged entirely to the once-renowned Gambino Group. Just as her fingers brushed the microphone, Niccolo stepped forward and took it first. "Thank you, Serafina, for this thoughtful wedding gift for your sister-in-law. I didn't expect you to put in so much effort, even naming it after our mother so she could bless us from above." The large screen displayed a patent transfer agreement stamped with the Gambino Group's official seal and Serafina's signature. The transferee was Matilde. Serafina went still. For five years, she'd conducted this research in secret to prevent interference from the Greco family. How had he known? Unless… Her eyes snapped toward the audience. The one man who had ever made her heart skip was right there, watching her quietly, as if he was waiting for her to demand an explanation from him. Serafina didn't know how she made it off the stage. She didn't know how she slipped the sapphire ring off her finger either. All she knew was that it struck the ground in front of Alessandro with a sharp crack. He froze for a second, then bent down and picked it up, gently brushing the dust from its surface. "What is it? You're not afraid of getting close to me anymore?" He reached out casually, as if to take her hand, but the moment he saw the tears streaming down her face, he stopped. In all these years, he had never seen Serafina cry. His chest heaved, and something crept into his heart, a hint of panic he didn't even seem aware of. "Amore mio, it was urgent. The company Niccolo planned to give Matilde ran into trouble. Since you had your launch today, we borrowed your research for now." When she didn't respond, he lifted his hand to wipe away her tears. "Do you have any idea how much it hurts me to see you cry? "I didn't tell you because I was afraid you'd get upset, and it would affect the baby. As for Gambino Group, I'll figure out a way to help you revive it. But without this gesture of goodwill from the Greco family, the Denaro family wouldn't acknowledge Matilde." Serafina avoided his touch and shouted, "Whether the Denaro family acknowledges her has nothing to do with me!" Alessandro's brows drew together slightly. "Serafina, you've always been levelheaded. Why are you being so petty now? She's your sister-in-law. Her reputation affects the future of the Greco family." Serafina kept backing up until she caught sight of Matilde walking onto the stage to speak. The last thread of restraint inside her snapped. She grabbed the wine glass nearest to her and hurled it at Alessandro, then the vase and the display pieces she had arranged with such care. Alessandro didn't dodge. He caught each item in silence. Red wine soaked into his white shirt, spreading across the fabric, and the stark contrast only accentuated his striking features. The crowd began to close in. As men pressed nearer, Serafina felt nausea surge up violently, and she started retching uncontrollably. Her female bodyguards rushed in, pushing the approaching men aside, but as Serafina straightened, she saw Matilde looking at her from the stage, a provocative smile curling at the edges of her lips. Serafina felt her blood boil. She stormed onto the stage, seized Matilde by the hair, and yanked hard, trying to drag her down. Gasps rippled through the venue. At the same time, Alessandro and Niccolo gave the same order in unison. "Pull Serafina away!" In an instant, two groups of tall bodyguards surged forward and overwhelmed Serafina's female guards one by one. A dark wave of bodies closed in around her. In the chaos, someone tore at her gown, and the fabric ripped. Under the harsh spotlight, her body was laid bare. Serafina trembled as she tried to push herself up, but she was knocked down again and again. Sweaty hands reached for her like snakes, and tears streamed down her face as she backed away in fear. "Ora basta!" A gunshot cracked through the air, and everyone halted. Alessandro stood there with a gun raised, his expression ice-cold, the pressure in the room dropping so sharply that no one dared make a sound. He moved through the crowd until he reached her and draped his suit jacket over her shoulders. When she lifted her eyes to him, the frost in her gaze made him stiffen. Serafina shrugged his suit jacket off. She pulled the coat from one of her female bodyguards and wrapped it tightly around herself before walking away under their protection. Through the crowd, her voice carried back to him. "Alessandro Madonia, I regret ever meeting you." Chapter 5 The moment she was in the car, Serafina wrapped her arms around herself and sobbed uncontrollably. Years of effort had come to nothing, and years of love had ended in betrayal. In that instant, she wanted nothing more than to throw herself into Cosima's arms the way she had as a child. But Cosima had left this world because of a man's betrayal, too. The car slowly rolled to a stop. Thinking of the scheme between Alessandro and Matilde that was about to succeed, Serafina slowly wiped her face dry. The first thing she did after returning to the Greco residence was check the pinhole cameras the private investigator had installed. Just as she was done confirming everything was working, Niccolo kicked the door open. "Serafina, come out here! If Alessandro hadn't told me about your research, I wouldn't have known you were holding something back. "Stop dreaming about taking Greco Group. No matter how capable you think you are, it'll never belong to you. Greco Group won't be inherited by the granddaughter of our father's killer!" Serafina's heart sank. If she were the granddaughter of their father's killer, then what was he? The son of the man who drove Cosima to death? In Niccolo's eyes, she had always been an outsider. What he didn't know was that Greco Group was already hers. She never needed to take it. Cosima's final words pricked at her nerves. "Don't tell your brother… You grew up together. From now on, you're the only family each of you has left." A quiet laugh escaped her. She had no family left. After all these years of endurance, Serafina was exhausted. The Niccolo she knew had died the summer she was 13. Only she had kept pretending otherwise, thinking they could go back to how things were. Serafina took out the phone she had once believed she would never need and dialed the only number stored inside. "Don Graviano, my grandfather once said I could ask you to fulfill three requests. Is that still true?" After receiving confirmation, she continued steadily, "For the first request, I'd like you reveal the truth about the Greco family's succession at the Don succession ceremony in six days." Just as she finished speaking, Alessandro entered. "What truth?" Serafina's bodyguard blocked him at the door. "Mr. Madonia, Ms. Greco has instructed that she'll be keeping her distance from men for the time being." Serafina stood by the window, her posture straight. It was as though she had returned to the distant, untouchable woman she had been four years ago. When she turned to face him, the iciness in her gaze made his heart clench. He took a deep breath and handed his personal seal to the bodyguard. "I know you're upset. To make it up to you, you can take whatever you like." She stared at the seal, lost in thought. With it, transferring the assets she had left under his control would be much easier. They held each other's gaze in silence until the sound of high heels approached. "Serafina, why were you being so hasty today?" Matilde walked in wearing Alessandro's suit jacket. She held her phone up in satisfaction. "Look at this. Your photos and videos are all over the internet. Do you know how bad this looks for the Greco family?" On the screen, a man mocked Serafina as he reached toward her tugged-open collar. "You have an aversion to men, huh? Cut the act! I'm going to have a taste of you today." The video continued to play. Serafina's face turned pale as her blood went cold, and she struggled to breathe. Her bodyguard quickly gave her medication, but she still clutched her chest, the pain rendering her speechless. Alessandro's expression shifted. He grabbed the phone and smashed it against the floor. "Stop provoking her!" Matilde's eyes reddened at once, and she sobbed, "I didn't mean to…" Seeing Serafina on the verge of collapsing, Alessandro picked her up and put her in the car. "To the hospital!" Matilde got into the car as well. "Take her to my brother's psychiatric hospital. It's the best in Astora," she said. At those words, Serafina struggled to get up. From the back seat, Matilde ruthlessly pinned her against the seat, her eyes flashing with obsession. "Don't worry, Serafina. I'll make sure you're assigned the best doctors." Chapter 6 The limousine stopped at the entrance, where the director of the hospital was already waiting. "Ms. Denaro informed us in advance. Our best doctors are waiting for her in the ward. We'll have someone take her inside." Alessandro ignored the medical staff and placed Serafina on the bed himself. The doctor barely spared her a glance before shouting, "The patient is unconscious! We need to commence electroconvulsive therapy." Only then did Alessandro notice the large electric chair positioned in the room. "But…" He was about to say she was pregnant when Matilde suddenly stumbled at the doorway. "My ankle hurts. I think I twisted it." In the blink of an eye, two nurses secured Serafina to the chair. The electric current surged through her body, and she woke with a scream, feeling like her head was about to be split open. "Ah!" When she opened her eyes, she saw Alessandro holding Matilde's ankle and gently rubbing it. Everyone knew Alessandro was particular about cleanliness. If anyone other than Serafina touched his clothing, he would change into a new set immediately. Serafina let out a quiet laugh. As it turned out, she had never been the only exception. In the next moment, the doctor increased the voltage again without acknowledging that she was awake. Her body convulsed violently as a warm stream of fluid ran down her thigh. The dripping sound drew Alessandro's and Matilde's attention. Blood pooled beneath Serafina as she pressed a trembling hand against her abdomen. She quickly realized the baby was gone. Alessandro rushed over. "Serafina!" The doctor's expression shifted. "Why didn't you mention she was pregnant?" He stepped outside and called for assistance. "We need backup over here! We've got a pregnant patient who's haemorrhaging." Five minutes passed, and no one came. By then, Serafina's face had gone pale from pain. Alessandro stormed into the director's office and punched him. "Where is the doctor you arranged?" The director looked confused. "What doctor?" "The one who caused my wife to miscarry! Didn't he leave to get help?" Back in the room, only Serafina and Matilde remained. "Serafina, how are you feeling?" Matilde walked over with concern. She leaned close enough that her breath brushed Serafina's ear as she whispered, "The doctor who caused your miscarriage was a fake doctor I arranged." Serafina was still strapped down and unable to move, but her eyes burned with hatred. "Matilde, you'll pay for this!" The door burst open just then as Alessandro and the director returned. Matilde dropped to her knees with a loud thud and slapped herself in remorse. "This is my fault. I shouldn't have brought her here! I deserve to die for what I've done!" She cried so convincingly that anyone who had walked in at that moment would've assumed she was the one who had just lost a child. Serafina watched the performance without emotion. "Then do it. Pay for my baby's life with your own." "Serafina, calm down." Alessandro pulled her into his arms, his heart aching as he brushed the tears from her face. "You're too emotional. That's not good for your body." She pushed him away, her voice trembling in despair. "That was your baby, too! Don't you care at all?" "It was an accident. Focus on recovering. We can always have another baby." He leaned over to kiss her, intending to soothe her the way he always had before, but she refused to let him touch her. "It wasn't an accident. She admitted to arranging for a fake doctor to cause my miscarriage!" A flicker of doubt crossed Alessandro's eyes as he looked at Matilde. She had made comments before about not liking the fact that Serafina was pregnant. Seeing his gaze settle on her, Matilde suddenly grabbed a pair of scissors from the nearby tray. "It wasn't me! Alessandro, if you don't believe me, I'll prove it." She lifted the scissors and aimed them directly at her own throat. Alessandro reacted without a moment's pause. He caught the blade with his bare hand before it could touch her skin, and a deep gash split open across his palm. "Enough!" he snapped. With his uninjured hand, he held Matilde tightly, as though he were afraid she'd do something rash. Then, he said to Serafina, "You've been under too much stress lately. In six days, I'll officially become Don of the Madonia family. You should just stayhere and focus on your recovery." He summoned his most trusted Soldati to guard her and arranged for professional nutritionists and doctors to oversee her health and recovery. "Let her out on the day of the succession ceremony," he instructed. Serafina forced herself upright despite the pain. "Have you lost your mind, Alessandro? You're locking me up?" He brushed her hair back gently. "Locking you up? That's not it. I'm just making sure you get better." Before she could respond, Alessandro walked out with Matilde beside him, their fingers intertwined as if no one else existed. Just before stepping through the door, Matilde turned back and gave Serafina a victorious smile. Serafina lowered her eyes to the blood pooled on the floor and felt nothing but exhaustion. … The next day, the director returned with two male doctors and dismissed Alessandro's men. One of them leered at her as he reached out to grope her. "You've been diagnosed with PTSD, haven't you? Exposure therapy works wonders in treating PTSD." The other kept her firmly restrained. "Relax. This is legitimate treatment. We're not going to hurt you." Serafina's voice broke as she cried, tears streaming down her face like broken chains of pearl. Her skin began to crawl as though ants were gnawing on it. Alessandro's Soldati heard the noise and rushed in. For a moment, Serafina believed it was over, but Alessandro didn't seem to care at all. "No one would dare touch what belongs to me. It's standard exposure therapy. Let them continue." Serafina's heart sank as the strength drained from her body. She simply stared forward while they carried on. Eventually, the two doctors finally left, satisfied with their work. Serafina reached for the phone her grandfather had left her and stated her second request, "I want a divorce from Alessandro."