Our Love Withered Before the Petals Fell

Everyone knows that Tania Giordano is the principessa of the Giordano family, whom they mustn't piss off at all costs. Ever since she lost her mother at the tender age of six, she has grown into an independent, radiant, and bold woman on her own abroad. She initially thought that she wouldn't rely on anyone else anymore. But when she was 20 years old, a certain man rescued her from the pistol aimed at her by her father's enemy. Since then, Simone Lanzi has stayed by her side and protects her at all times. That's how Tania finds herself falling for him. But one night, she witnesses him panting slightly while staring at a photo featuring Noemi Giordano, her half-sister… Chapter 1 The study in the Giordano residence was thick with smoke. Tania Giordano pushed the door open. Her father—the Don of the Giordano family, once a feared and respected figure—sat hunched over a pile of documents. The reports showed their cash flow had completely collapsed. He didn't even notice the cigar in his fingers had burned down to the nub. "Papa, I'll accept the marriage to Don Garretti," Tania said calmly. Rino Giordano snapped his head up. The worry on his face instantly flipped to joy. "Tania? You're here? You're really willing to marry that vegetable Don?" Then, his expression shifted back to concern. "Tania, I owe you and Noemi an apology. But the Garretti family is huge and powerful. This engagement was settled long ago. There's no calling it off now." Tania didn't answer. She walked over to the conference table and tapped it lightly with her fingers. "But if I am to marry that Don who might not even wake up in Noemi's place, I expect to be compensated." Rino's smile faded. "What do you want? As long as we can still afford it—" "Give me those Kashmir sapphires," Tania cut in. "And I'm not bringing Simone with me. He's staying here as Noemi's bodyguard." Rino went pale and shook his head. "No way! Those sapphires are your mamma's legacy, worth tens of billions of dollars. They're our last trump card! And you care so much for Simone. How can you just give him to Noemi?" "I want something I can cash out right away. I don't care about the famiglia's fate," Tania said with a sneer. "As for Simone, it doesn't matter who he protects. It's never been me anyway." Her words stabbed deep. Rino opened his mouth but had no rebuttal. He knew he owed Tania too much. Years ago, his mistress showed up claiming Noemi Giordano was his child. His wife fell into depression and died. But he favored Noemi, leaving Tania to fend for herself abroad while promising Noemi to the Garretti family. Later, the Don, Callen Garretti, was attacked and left in a vegetative state. Rino hated the thought of sending Noemi into that family. But in recent years, the Giordano rings were crushed by the police. Desperate for a partnership with the Garretti family, he brought Tania back. Tania's gaze was icy. "So? Sì o no?" Rino was silent for a long moment, then sighed heavily. "Fine. I'll agree. The sapphires are locked in a Sevaris bank vault. I'll sign Simone's transfer orders now." He had no choice. The Garretti family was their last hope, even if it meant sacrificing Tania and handing over the Giordano family's final secret weapon. Tania said nothing more and turned to leave. As she reached the door, Rino's voice stopped her. "Tania, Simone's been with you for two years. Are you really okay with leaving him to Noemi?" Tania's steps faltered, and a faint red glossed her eyes. How could she be okay? That man who had always watched her back was the only light in her dark world. But a moment she'd accidentally seen had shattered her illusions. Without looking back, she walked out. "It doesn't matter. We're just taking what we need." The elevator doors slid shut, cutting her off from everything behind. Tania leaned against the cold metal wall and closed her eyes. A single tear slipped down silently. With this marriage, she could cut ties with everything here. … When Tania got back to her villa, it was nearly dawn. The house was completely silent. She'd just stepped onto the second floor when she heard suppressed breathing from the far end of the hallway. Chapter 2 The muffled sounds cut sharply through the silence. They were coming from Simone's room. The door was slightly ajar, leaving a narrow crack. Inside, someone was clearly struggling to hold back their desire. Tania stopped instinctively and peered through the gap. What she saw would haunt her forever. Simone stood with his back to the door, just outside the bathroom. He had a black robe hung loose on his shoulders, revealing the smooth lines of his back. With his head arched back, his Adam's apple bobbed violently. A low, muffled groan escaped his throat, trailing off into a whispered, "Noemi…" In his hand, he clutched a pale yellow silk scarf. His fingers obsessively stroked the fabric while the other side pressed firmly against his lower abdomen. His gesture held a fixation that was almost devout. Tania recognized the scarf instantly. It belonged to Noemi. Her blood seemed to freeze, and her fingernails dug deep into her palms until they went numb with pain. Her mind flashed back to a night about a month ago. Tania had accidentally caught Simone speaking quietly with two men in black suits by a black sedan. Hiding behind a pillar, she overheard their conversation. "Don Lanzi, please come back to lead. The famiglia can't go on without you," one man said respectfully. Simone's tone was cold, yet beneath it lay an uncompromising stubbornness. "Not yet." "But you've been undercover in the Giordano family for two years!" another urged. "Taking them down should be easy. Why humiliate yourself as a bodyguard? If you like Ms. Noemi, just take her with you. There's no need to complicate things." "Noemi lacks a sense of security." Simone's tone softened. "I can't scare her off. I have to win her trust slowly to truly protect her. As for Tania, she's just a convenient cover for me to stay close to the Giordanos." That hit Tania like a thunderbolt. The man who'd been her bodyguard for two years was actually the Don of the Lanzi family, undercover all along just for Noemi. Two years ago, when the Giordano family was ambushed by enemies, Tania nearly died on the streets of Mythran. Simone had suddenly appeared, shielding her and pulling her to safety. After she woke, she found herself helplessly drawn to him. He had a face that was as handsome as it was hostile. His features were profound and sharp, and his slightly upturned eyes lent him an air of nonchalant ruthlessness. When his lips were pressed thin, he radiated a cold, unapproachable vibe, but when he smiled, it was wickedly charming. His physique was equally striking—tall and lean, with broad shoulders tapering down to a narrow waist. Simone claimed to be a retired mercenary seeking refuge with the Giordano family. Tania believed him and made him her personal bodyguard. Throughout these two years, he had stood by her through countless life-or-death moments. He'd taken bullets for her in Ravania, rescued her from kidnappers in Valoria, and even stayed up all night guarding her when some wealthy heir tried to drug her. Tania had feelings for him. She had deliberately gotten drunk at parties to fall into his arms, but he only steadied her waist politely, never crossing the line. When she knocked on his door in the middle of the night in a silk nightgown, claiming a fear of the dark, he merely escorted her back to her room and stood guard outside. She had faked a cramp in the pool, and he had dove in to save her with clinical efficiency, yet he carefully avoided any lingering contact with her skin. Tania thought Simone was naturally cold. She believed if she tried harder, she could thaw that icy exterior. But now she realized he wasn't cold. His warmth and gentleness were simply never meant for her. Tania thought of her mother, Gisella Raspa, in her final moments. At that time, Rino had brought his pregnant mistress into the house. Gisella, already weak, couldn't take the shock. Betrayed by her husband, she fell ill and succumbed to despair. During all those years alone abroad, Simone's presence was her only comfort. But now, even that fragile solace had turned into a cruel joke. Suddenly, Simone's phone vibrated inside the room. He stopped what he was doing and answered in a soft tone, "What's wrong, Ms. Noemi?" Noemi's sweet voice came from the other end. "Simone, when are you coming back? I'm scared to be home alone, and you promised to take me to the art exhibit in Florinthia." "I'll be back soon," Simone replied gently. "Just finishing up here, then I'll come find you." "Don't lie to me, okay?" Noemi pouted. "By the way, is Tania making you stay with her?" Simone remained silent for a few seconds before replying, "I'm just doing my job as a bodyguard. No one means more to me than you." That line cut into Tania's heart like a knife. Unable to hold back any longer, she burst through the door. Simone stiffened and whipped around, his face still flushed with the afterglow. The scarf slipped from his hand onto the floor. The air froze, leaving only their breathing mingling in the tension of the room. Chapter 3 The desire lingering in Simone's eyes quickly faded, replaced by his usual cold arrogance. It was as if the tender moment with the scarf had been nothing but an illusion. He calmly tightened his bathrobe. The collar slumped loosely, sliding down to reveal the smooth line of his back. At his feet, the pale yellow scarf was gently hooked behind him and tucked under the carpet. Tania stepped forward slowly. She bent to pick up the scarf, then raised her hand to trace his face. "You care this much about a scarf? If Noemi knew, she'd probably cry tears of joy." Simone's Adam's apple bobbed. He reached for the scarf, but she pressed down on his wrist. Her chest almost touched his arm, and her warm breath brushed his neck. "Your heart's racing. That felt good, huh? What's wrong? Do you only let your guard down when you're alone with her private belongings?" Simone took a half step back but found his retreat blocked by a glass partition. "Come with me to Valoria's underground casino tomorrow. The prize is the 'Falling Star' wedding dress—the final masterpiece of that top designer." Simone frowned. "Why do you want a wedding dress?" "No reason." Tania traced his jaw. Her voice was laced with amusement, but her gaze stayed icy. "I just got word that Noemi's going too." Simone retreated another half step, distancing himself. "I'll go with you, Ms. Giordano. But you're too close. That's against protocol." Tania scoffed, pulling her hand back and deliberately leaving the scarf on his shoulder. "Here, keep it. Sweet dreams." The next evening, Tania stepped into the casino wearing a black mermaid dress that hugged her figure. She instantly drew countless eyes. Simone followed behind without any expression, blocking off anyone who tried to crowd them. Not far off, Noemi appeared in a white dress. A flicker of derision flashed across her face the moment she saw them. "Tania, you're here too? I thought you only enjoyed going to bars, surrounded by a swarm of men!" Tania just smirked coldly. Ignoring the provocation, she walked straight to the center table. Seeing Noemi, Simone moved to stand by her, completely forgetting whose bodyguard he was. But Tania didn't care. Tonight, she only wanted to win. Her luck seemed unstoppable. Chips were piled high before her. Soon, only she and Noemi remained at the table. As the dealer dealt, Tania sensed something was off. Through the first few rounds, her sharp instincts led to two wins, and Noemi's expression darkened. When it came to the crucial hand, the men gathered around Noemi exchanged knowing glances. They were clearly planning something. Tania was dealt a pair of Aces. Just as she was about to raise, Noemi boldly pushed all her chips into the center. "All in!" Her own cards had started as a pair of Kings, but at the exact moment Simone appeared to adjust his tie, she suddenly switched hands, revealing a royal flush. Noemi raised an eyebrow smugly. "Tania, luck's part of the game. Looks like the dress is mine." Tania sneered silently. She actually saw Simone signaling the dealer to swap the cards earlier. But she said nothing. After all, this was someone else's territory. Both she and Noemi were from the Giordano family. They rose and fell together. Besides, dealing with Noemi was child's play. Tania believed that even if Simone went all out for her, she wouldn't need to give it her all to defeat Noemi. In the following rounds, whenever Noemi fell behind, Simone's subtle signals helped her turn the tide. Finally, in the last hand, Tania had a straight, while Noemi held three of a kind—she was losing ground fast. Simone raised his hand to signal, but Tania looked up at him with a captivating glance. A jolt of alarm shot through him. He jerked his hand back, and his eyes flickered with something complicated. When the cards were revealed, Noemi's face drained of color. Her three of a kind lost to Tania's straight. Tania stood, about to signal the auctioneer to start the bidding, when whispers spread through the crowd. "So what if she won? Getting the wedding dress won't help. With her wild past, which man would marry her for real?" "Exactly, giving her a designer gown is just a waste." The taunts grew louder. Noemi burst into tears, burying her face in her hands before looking up at Tania with a wounded expression. "Tania, I really want that wedding dress…" At that moment, the side door to the casino burst open. A group of men in black suits flanked a sharply dressed man who strode to the auction stage. The man flashed a black badge at the auctioneer and announced in a deep voice, "I'm Don Lanzi's Underboss. By order of the Don, the 'Falling Star' wedding dress is now officially reserved for Ms. Noemi. No matter the bids, the final ownership belongs to her." Chapter 4 The entire casino exploded into noise. "Reserved? Don Lanzi just has to say the words, and any item can be locked in no matter the price!" "Oddio! Ms. Noemi actually got Don Lanzi to step in personally?" "No wonder she dared to compete with Ms. Tania. Turns out she had the Lanzi family backing her. Is she going to become the Lanzi family's Madre?" Noemi froze for a second, then her shock turned into pure delight. She asked shyly, "May I ask where Don Lanzi is? I'd like to thank him in person." The Underboss nodded respectfully. "Don Lanzi is occupied. He will meet you at the proper time." Only then did Noemi turn to Tania with her chin slightly lifted. "Tania, are you going to continue gambling with me?" She tilted her head innocently. "Oh, right. I almost forgot. Don Lanzi already reserved the wedding dress. Even if you win again, it won't matter. In this world, no one has more say than Don Lanzi." Tania's expression didn't change. She slowly turned toward Simone beside Noemi. He stood in the shadows, his gaze calm and unreadable. But when he looked at Noemi, the corner of his lips curved faintly. The casino was still buzzing when Tania turned and walked out first. Outside, dozens of black Maybachs lined the street. The emblems bore the exclusive crest of the Lanzi family. One by one, bodyguards stepped out, each carrying an elegant tray. On them lay priceless gifts—rare pink diamond jewelry, antique paintings, couture gowns, and even the title deed to a private island. "My God! Are these all from Don Lanzi to Ms. Noemi?" "Hundreds of millions of dollars just to make her smile?" "Look at Tania, though. She fought so hard to win and in the end got nothing. She didn't even get the wedding dress. Who would actually marry her?" The surrounding guests erupted into whispers, their gazes pricking Tania. She walked toward her car without any expression, though her fingers slowly curled tight. "Tania, wait for me!" Noemi hurried after her with Simone following close behind. "Tania, look at all these gifts. They're way too much. I feel bad taking them." Tania glanced at her coolly. "Feeling bad now? You already accepted them." A look of hurt crossed Noemi's face. Simone's throat tightened as he prepared to speak up for her, but at that exact moment, Tania's phone began to ring. She answered, and her best friend Rita Ludovici's voice came through. "Talia, there's a street race on Ridgeway Road. You in?" "Yeah." Tania agreed without hesitation. She hung up and went straight for the driver's seat. "A race? I want to go too!" Noemi immediately clung to Simone's sleeve, acting cute. "Simone, I've never seen racing before. Come with me, please?" Simone looked at Tania, asking her if it was fine with his gaze. Tania let out a sneer and pulled open the car door. "My car doesn't take outsiders." With that, she drove off. "Why is Tania so petty?" Noemi's eyes reddened as she looked at Simone. "I just wanted to join the fun…" Simone said nothing. He switched cars, opened the passenger door, and said to her, "We'll just follow behind her." … After getting out, Noemi and Simone walked behind Tania. Their conversation carried clearly to her ears. "Simone, do you think Don Lanzi really wants me to marry him? I heard the Lanzi family's Madre is incredibly respected." "It's very possible," Simone replied gently. "You're so wonderful. You deserve the best of everything." "What about you?" Noemi suddenly turned to him with an intense gaze. "Would you give me your blessing if Don Lanzi proposed to me?" Simone smiled. "As long as you're happy, that's all that matters." A dull ache spread through Tania's chest. It was unmistakable. Simone's gaze held a world of tenderness for Noemi, yet it offered Tania nothing but a frozen detachment. She curled her lips in a bitter smile. Chapter 5 Ridgeway Road was lit up like daylight. Rows of modified race cars lined up side by side. Tania entered her private lounge and came out shortly after in a new outfit. The black racing suit hugged her waist and long legs, adding a wild edge to her usual cool beauty. For a brief moment, the area around her fell into stunned silence. She walked straight toward her silver-gray car. Just as her fingers touched the door handle, footsteps sounded behind her. "Tania, your car is so cool!" Noemi walked over arm-in-arm with Simone. Her white dress fluttered softly in the night breeze. "Simone, look! Tania's car is prettier than all the others." Simone glanced at her. "If you like it, you can learn more about it later." Tania watched them coldly and opened the car door. Just as she was about to get in, Simone called out, "Wait." He stepped closer, frowning slightly. "It rained last night. There's water on the curves. Watch your speed." Having stayed by Tania's side for all these years, he knew her habits better than anyone. Whenever she drove, he was always her navigator. When she trained, he'd scout the road in advance, memorizing every dangerous turn. But this time, Simone stayed beside Noemi. He only offered a reminder, with no intention of taking the navigator's seat. "Thanks for the reminder," Tania replied flatly. Before putting on her helmet, she glanced at Noemi. "You should watch the person next to you. Don't let her wander around." Noemi's eyes immediately reddened. She tugged at Simone's sleeve, sounding wronged. "Simone, I didn't mean to bother Tania. I was just curious about racing…" "Va bene," Simone said, patting the back of her hand. He looked at Tania with a hint of helplessness. "It's her first time. She's just curious." Then, he looked toward an unused white race car nearby and said to Noemi, "I'll take you for a lap. We'll go slow. It won't be dangerous." Noemi's eyes lit up. "Really? Simone, you can drive race cars too?" "I picked up a bit back when I used to train with Ms. Tania." His tone was casual, but no one knew how much effort he'd put in behind the scenes just to better protect Tania. His driving skills were already on par with professional racers. Tania watched as he opened the white car's door and carefully helped Noemi into the passenger seat. Something stung lightly in her chest. A navigator was the racer's other half. All these years, Simone had been by her side. They worked in perfect sync. Even off the track, when she rested in the seat after training, he'd quietly hand her water and a towel, sometimes even offering a few pointers. But now, the man who had once been her other half had effortlessly given that important place to someone else. Chapter 6 The rich heirs around them immediately started egging them on. "Why not make it a friendly race? Ms. Tania versus Mr. Lanzi. Let's see who's better!" Tania didn't respond. She started the engine, and the car let out a deep, low roar. Simone settled into the driver's seat as well. He turned to remind Noemi, "Hold on tight. Don't be scared." His focus was steady, yet the corner of his eye kept drifting toward Tania. When he noticed a man leaning in to talk to her, his grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. He knew he didn't have feelings for Tania. And yet, seeing someone else get close to her stirred an inexplicable irritation. The feeling unsettled him. To cover it up, he poured an even more patient tenderness into comforting Noemi. The race was about to begin. The two cars lined up at the starting line. The moment the starting gun fired, Tania floored the accelerator. Her car shot forward like an arrow, carving a flawless arc through the first curve at breathtaking speed. Simone followed close behind. He had to watch Noemi in the passenger seat, yet his attention kept drifting to Tania ahead, afraid she might push too hard and lose control. The road twisted sharply. Tania stayed in the lead. Just as she was about to take the final sharp turn, she caught something in the rearview mirror. Simone's right rear tire ran over a broken piece of guardrail and burst instantly. His car lurched out of control and hurtled toward the cliff's edge. "Watch out!" Tania shouted instinctively. Without hesitation, she yanked the wheel. Her car slid sideways, slamming into his path and forcing itself between his car and the cliff. A loud bang thundered through the valley. When Tania's racing car airbags deployed, she slammed into hard surfaces in rapid succession. Pain tore through her instantly. Blood blurred her vision. Her left arm felt shattered, completely numb. Simone's car was stopped by the impact, coming to a halt just inches from the cliff. Ignoring the cuts on his arms from shattered glass, he kicked the door open and ran toward Tania's car like he'd lost his mind. He wrenched the twisted door open with brute force. "Tania!" His voice shook with panic he'd never felt before. He reached out to check her breathing. Relief flashed through his eyes when he felt it. But the sight of her covered in blood and her ghostly pale face made his chest tighten so hard he could barely breathe. "Hang in there. I'm calling an ambulance!" He was reaching for his phone when a soft sound came from behind him. Noemi, clutching her forehead, whimpered weakly, "Simone. I feel dizzy…" He hesitated for a moment. The next second, he turned to the people rushing over. "Presto! Take Noemi to the hospital first. She's badly shaken!" He turned back, scooped Noemi into his arms, and hurried toward a car by the road. Through blurred vision, Tania watched his frantic retreat. Blood seeped from the corner of her lips. The man she had protected with everything she had chose Noemi, who'd barely been hurt, while her own life hung in the balance. It turned out that all her sacrifices never weighed as much to him as a single tear from Noemi. Chapter 7 Tania woke in a blur. Every breath was a jagged pull against the sharp agony of her ribs. "Simone, this is all my fault… If I hadn't insisted on watching the race, Tania wouldn't have ended up like this." Noemi's sobbing came from beside the hospital bed. "I'm so scared. If anything happened to her, I'd never forgive myself." "It's not your fault," Simone said nearby. "It was an accident. No one could've predicted a punctured tire. Besides, she drove over on her own. Getting hurt was on her. Don't blame yourself. You should rest. I'll stay here." Tania listened to the familiar exchange and felt nothing but irony. She had nearly died, yet it was all deserved. Pain and disappointment tangled in her chest, and she couldn't stop herself from coughing. The sudden sound froze Noemi and Simone. Noemi lunged toward the bed. "Tania, you're finally awake! How do you feel? Are you feeling pain anywhere?" Her voice was anxious and tender, as if she were genuinely worried. Watching her performance, Tania replied hoarsely, "Thanks to you, I'm not dead yet." Noemi's eyes immediately reddened. She turned to Simone with a hurtful look. "Simone, I-I didn't mean it like that. I was just worried about Tania…" Simone frowned. "Ms. Tania, Noemi stayed here the whole time taking care of you. She was so worried she couldn't sleep. How could you talk to her like that?" "Taking care of me?" Tania laughed, but the movement caught her wounds, forcing a sharp gasp. "Open your eyes, Mr. Lanzi. Look at these injuries. Would I even be lying here if I hadn't nearly died saving the two of you?" Her words landed like a heavy blow. Simone's chest tightened as the crash replayed in his mind. "Mi dispiace. I—" He leaned closer, wanting to check her injuries. But before he could, Noemi suddenly pressed a hand to her chest. "I don't feel well. I think I'm still shaken from earlier," she said, already turning toward the door. Her voice trembled as she continued, "Simone, I'll go rest first. I'll come see Tania again when she's better." "Noemi!" Simone called out instinctively and chased after her without hesitation. He didn't even leave a single word behind for Tania. Lying there alone, she finally let the tears fall. No matter how badly she was hurt or how much she had given up for him, Noemi would always come first. Her desperate rescue had been reduced to a pathetic joke. … A week passed, and Tania never saw Simone again. On the day of her discharge, no one came to get her. She dragged her injured body into a cab and returned to the Giordano residence. The moment she pushed open the door, noise and laughter flooded in. Rino had his arm around Noemi, grinning as guests raised their glasses to celebrate her survival. And there stood Simone, right beside her. Chapter 8 Tania stood at the entrance. Her simple, black attire was a stark contrast to the lively scene before her. She wanted to slip back to her room to gather her things, but Noemi spotted her immediately. "Tania? You're back already?" Noemi feigned surprise. "Didn't the doctor say you needed more rest?" Rino frowned, his tone impatient. "Since you're here, just stay. Don't spoil everyone's mood." Forced to stay at the party, Tania found a quiet corner and sat down. Groups of guests clustered, all buzzing about Noemi's good fortune and their envy of her winning Don Lanzi's favor. "I heard Don Lanzi gave her all kinds of precious gifts. Looks like Noemi's really marrying into the family." "Meanwhile, Tania's got the looks but no one who truly cares about her. What a pity." "She's just too fierce, unlike the gentle and sensible Ms. Noemi. No wonder no one loves her." "She's just like her madre." Tania couldn't bear to listen anymore. She stood up and walked straight outside to the backyard pool. The cool night breeze did nothing to clear the heavy gloom in her chest. As she stared at the still water, a bitter chill settled deep in her soul. "Tania, why are you out here alone?" Noemi's voice came from behind, dripping with superiority. "Jealous that Don Lanzi likes me, so you sneaked away?" "I thought you liked Simone," Tania said. Noemi laughed like she'd just heard the funniest joke. "Simone is definitely hot. I don't mind having a little fun with him. But he's just a bodyguard. How could he possibly be good enough for me? "Tania, you really love him, don't you? Too bad he loves me. When I'm nice to him, he comes running. But I'm only being nice to him to rub it in your face." She stepped up to Tania's side and lowered her voice. Her tone dripped with venom as she said, "You're just like your mamma—a pathetic loser nobody loves. My mamma stole your papa, and I stole Simone. I can take everything you've ever wanted. You'll always be beneath me.'" Tania snapped around, her gaze icy. "Are you done?" "What, did I hit a nerve?" Noemi smirked, then suddenly staggered and screamed as she fell into the pool. "Help! Tania pushed me!" The guests came running at the sound. Seeing Noemi thrashing in the pool while Tania stood on the edge with an unmoved expression, the crowd erupted into a frenzy. "How could Ms. Tania do this?" "She's so cruel to push Ms. Noemi into the pool!" Simone's face darkened. Without hesitation, he jumped in and pulled Noemi out. Soaked and shivering, Noemi clung to him, sobbing, "Simone, I didn't mean to make Tania angry. Why would she push me?" When Simone looked at Tania, his gaze was full of disappointment and anger. "Tania, you've really let me down." Watching the amateur theatrics, Tania felt only a cold sense of ridicule. She didn't bother to explain. She simply turned and walked away, leaving a chorus of accusations echoing behind her. … The next day, Tania went to pick out her bridal jewelry. Just as she was about to get in her car in the underground garage, two men in black suddenly covered her mouth and nose. A pungent chemical hit her nostrils. She struggled briefly before everything went black. When she woke, her eyes were blindfolded, her hands were chained, and her body was hanging suspended. Suddenly, the chains slackened, and she dropped hard into icy water. The cold shock bit deep, making her gasp for air. Before she could surface, the chains jerked, lifting her back into the air. This cycle repeated until she was drenched and barely conscious, her breath shallow. Finally, the chains stopped moving. Someone put her down and removed her blindfold. Under the dim light, several men in black stood before her, brandishing weapons. She recognized the man in the lead. He was one of Simone's MadeMen from that night outside the villa. "Mi dispiace, Ms. Giordano," the man said flatly. "But you provoked the wrong people. This is your lesson." As Tania looked at him, she felt as though an ice pick had been driven through her heart. The pain was so sharp she struggled to breathe. This abduction was Simone's doing, and the near-death experience was also his order. All because she "pushed" Noemi. He knew perfectly well that Tania had been lost at the beach as a child, left completely unattended. Water was her greatest fear. All her hopes and attachments were reduced to ashes at this moment. She lost consciousness again.