CHAPTER FOUR: Getting back at them.

ROSA POV.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror,I had chosen the perfect gown for the evening,a stunning expensive dress father had given to me on my twenty-first birthday.

I had been saving it for a special occasion and today seems to be the perfect day to reveal my identity.

Marco's family would pay for all their humiliations and betrayals.

My gaze fell upon the expensive jewelry I had carefully selected to complement my gown.

The diamonds and pearls glittered vibrantly.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of my room, prepared to confront whatever humiliation I would face this evening.

But as I entered the hallway, my eyes fell on Bianca's shocked facial expressions.

We were both wearing the same dress, jewelry,it seems she mimicked my dressing on my 21st birthday.

What is she up to? I murmured, ignoring her gaze ,as I walked past her.

The ceremony began as a group of mafia Dons and elites walked into the hallway.

I turned my face towards the table where Mr and Mrs Marco sat.

Taking a deep breath ,I strode towards the table, my heels clicking on the tiles as I pulled a seat and sat down.

They all smirked,but I bluntly ignored their looks and sat down.

Mrs Mari raised an eyebrow,her eyes narrowing.

“You still have the mind to attend this party tonight Rosa,is that how desperate and clingy you are to Dominic?”.

“I suppose you are waiting for him to notice you,” she added sharply.

I leaned back in my chair,my gaze turned towards her,my lips widened letting off a sly grin.

“Maybe,”I said,my voice low and firm.

Her face reddened,but before she could respond,Bianca hurried towards her as she wrapped her hands around her shoulder.

"Suocera, mi sei mancata tanto”.

Translation:Mother in-law I have missed you so much.

Mrs Mari's lips widened as she pulled Bianca closer to her, rubbing her palms on her belly.

"Ti ho anch'io persa, figlia mia,”she said her voice filled with warmth.

Translation: I missed you too, my daughter-in-law.

My heart sank as I realized that all along,the Marco's family had humbly accepted Bianca into the family.

“Here's a little present for you,”Bianca said as she pulled off a stunning gold necklace. It's a diamond sparkling in the light.

“Mother this is a bulgari serpenti,made from 18k Italian gold,”Bianca said with confidence.

The room fell silent with all eyes fixed on the necklace.

“Wow this is so nice and expensive,your daughter in-law is so generous,”a feminine voice said.

“This cost a fortune,I would do anything to have this on my hands,”another guest exclaimed with a grasp.

Mrs Mari’s face gladdened as she pulled Bianca closer and hugged her passionately.

I smiled at their expressions because I know Mrs Mari's attitude

If Bianca does anything wrong now,she won't mind the gifts but would quickly unleash her anger on her.

I recalled the humiliation I faced in my first year of getting into Marco's family.

How she belittled me in front of everyone and made me feel like an outsider.

So wise of Bianca to learn her lifestyle this early,I murmured.

I smirked,my gaze locked onto Bianca who stared at me with hatred.

Immediately,she cleared her throat, her voice clear and loud.

“This is my little way of honouring my mother in-law,as the sole heiress of the vitellin family I'm meant to do more,”she revealed.

Hearing that my jaw dropped.

“Is she trying to steal my identity?”.

I now realized the reason she had the same dress and jewelry with me ,Bianca had clearly claimed to be me all this while.

I stood up,my eyes locked on Bianca

“That's not true," I said , my voice loud and firm.

Mocking laughter filled the hall as everyone stared at me.

“I'm the real daughter of Vitellin,Bianca is impersonating my identity”.

Bianca laughed loudly, “look who's claiming to be someone she is not,”she said.

I took a step forward,as I dipped my hands into my clutch and pulled out a stunning necklace.

“Here this is the real bulgari serpenti 18k gold necklace,hers is fake," I revealed .

The room fell into sudden whispers and murmurs as they all stared at me as a joke.

“Wow this is incredible,”a voice whispered.

Seeing the difference,Mrs Mari's face brightened.

She stretched her hands trying to get hold of the necklace but I pulled it away from her. A sly grin spread across my face.

“This isn't for you,Mrs Mari you don't deserve it,”I voiced out loudly.

Mrs Mari clenched her fist,her face reddened with rage,she tried to slap me.

But I caught her hand holding it with a firm grip.

Don't ever try that again,I warned my eyes darted with anger.

Mrs Mari was stunned in silence,her face turned pale,but before she could say anything, Dominic and his group rushed towards us.

“Rosa what's going on here?,’he asked In a demanding tone.

Immediately,Mrs Mari rushed towards him,tears streaming down her eyes.

“Rosa humiliated me in front of everyone”,she sobbed.

Hearing that,Dominic's face darkened and he turned to me.

“Rosa what's going on here?,”He repeated.

This gift from Bianca is fake,”I said, my voice clear.

“Her dress, her jewelry, everything is fake. She's trying to steal my identity.”

Bianca's face turned red,and she took a step back, her eyes filled with anger.

“How dare you impersonate my identity Rosa”.

“My dad, Don Alessandro Vitellin gifted this dress to me on my 21st birthday,here is just a little reveal of my luxury,”she said sharply.

Dominic didn't flinch,instead his gaze locked onto mine.

“And what's that with the necklace?, where did you get it from?,” he asked.

My eyes widened,seeing Dominic never believed what I said rather only standing by Bianca's side.

I took a step backwards, it's of no importance revealing my identity to them anymore.

“I..I bought it,”I stammered as I tried to stand firm.

Dominic raised an eyebrow.

“With what money Rosa,you know you are not swimming in cash”.

The room fell silent as all eyes stared at me.

“Could it be Rosa had been stealing from Dominic all this while?”,a voice retorted.

I...I saved up," I said sharply , trying to defend myself.

But Dominic just laughed.

"Saved up? You expect me to believe that? Rosa”.

“ I know you've been stealing from me. I know you've been taking money from my account to fund your selfish desires”.

The room flared into gasps and whispers, with all eyes fixed on me.

My legs trembled, I felt like I was going to collapse from the humiliation.

"That's not true!".

"Don't lie to me, Rosa. I have proof. You're just a thief and a liar.”

Immediately he dragged my clutch,his grip tightened on it as he pulled out his credit card.

Everyone gasped in shock.

“What else do you want to say huh! Using my money to show off,”Dominic voiced out loudly.

My jaw dropped as my heart raced in confusion at the thought of how Dominic's card got into my clutch.

Ever since our marriage,I was strictly warned never to make use of his credit cards,instead I asked him for the money.

Tears welled down my eyes as I realized I had been framed.

“I didn't do it,”I said sharply.

Immediately,Mrs Mari stepped forward,her face reddened with anger.

“I think we should cut ties with Rosa,she's clearly not good enough for this family”.

“Instead of a separation letter,why not sign the divorce paper now,”she added.

I was stunned in silence, Dominic had processed the divorce documents even before I did.

My plans of revealing my identity and getting back at Marco's family had failed.

Instead I was handed a divorce paper by Dominic publicly in front of everyone.

Tears streamed down my eyes freely.

The humiliation is just too much for me to withstand.

CHAPTER FIVE:Beaten once more.

ROSA POV

Dominic smirked as he handed the divorce papers to me.

My hands trembled as tears continuously streamed down my eyes.

“How could he do this to me ? In front of these people”.

"Dominic Please let's settle our differences, are you really going to divorce me, just like that?," I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“It's over Rosa,you have served your purpose with me,”he voiced out loudly, he wanted them all to hear.

I looked down at the divorce papers in my trembling hands.

The bold letters blurring.

“You planned all of this... just to humiliate me?”

“I don't mind Bianca having a child or coming in between us,I just want to be with you Dominic,”I said my voice cracked.

I thought my love for Dominic had faded away but right here,it was like it grew stronger at this moment.

“I just want to be with him and just want to have him to myself," I murmured as the tears I tried holding back streamed down my cheeks.

Dominic didn't flinch,instead he turned his face away, clenching his fist so hard.

“Sign the damn paper and stop being an emotional slut, " Bianca chimed in harshly.

For a moment,I stared at her closely wondering how and when Bianca caught Dominic's attention.

How she was able to be loved by Marco's family,the care and love they all showered on her was never given to me.

With that,my heart spanked as I realized,they all loved the fact that she came from a wealthy and famous family as she claimed to be.

I'm the real vitellin daughter not Bianca if only they knew.

I glanced around the hall,my gaze fell upon the faces that pretended not to stare.

They all whispered and murmured between themselves.

Immediately,my fingers tightened onto the pen as I signed the divorce paper,my hands steady.

I saw the triumphant face of Bianca as she tightened her grip onto Dominic's arm.

“I feel for her,”a voice echoed in the hall.

“Rosa doesn't deserve Dominic's love.

Bianca is best for him,”another voice retorted.

I smirked bitterly, letting off a sly grin as I turned my face away, walking quickly towards the exit door.

Outside the hall I quivered at the sight of My dad, Don Alessandro Vitellin.

Immediately I turned my face away but he was so quick to see me.

“Rosa, he called out,his voice loud and clear.

As he strode towards me,my heart raced as the thought of what punishment he would place on me ran through me.

I turned my face towards him,his eyes met mine.

“Dad…Greetings Dad,”I said with a stammering voice.

His lips widened,as he pulled me closer to me,his hands wrapped around my shoulder.

*It's fine, princess,don't be afraid,I'm here to take you home,”he said in a calm voice .

I was amazed at his reaction.

Dad used a calm voice on me?This was nothing of what I expected.

“How do you want us to treat Dominic for everything he has done to you?,”he asked sharply.

My jaw dropped, Dad knew everything.

For a moment there was silence between us,my eyes gazed forward to his boys who stood close to the black bulletproof Mercedes Benz.

It's my fight,I can't get dad involved I thought.

“It's fine dad,I will handle Dominic myself," I said sharply.

Hearing that,he breathed loudly, clenching his fist as if I said something annoying.

I let out a mild smile,as I pulled closer to him.

“Let's go home then”.

I shook my head, “No dad,I still have a lot of things to handle. I will come back once I'm done”.

“Nonsense Rosa,I can't let you be humiliated anymore by these people,do they know who you are?”He voiced out loudly.

I took a step backwards,my head bowed gently.

“Just give me time papa,I promise to make it up to you”.

“There is no more time for you again,come back home and stop keeping your suitor waiting”.

“Be thankful he hadn't given up on you”.

Suitor? I repeated.

Dad still kept hold of the arranged marriage?

“Dad, I'm not ready for any other commitments or marriage”,I said.

Hearing that,his eyes reddened with rage.

“Don't say that Rosa,the fact that Dominic broke your heart,doesn't mean Vincenzo will”.

“You don't have any excuse not to, use it as a way to make up for your bad behavior,"he added in a commanding voice.

Vincenzo? The suitor from the arranged marriage I turned down because of Dominic.

“I'm not in the mood to talk about this, Dad.

Maybe some other time,”I replied.

He smirked, turning away from me as he strode quickly towards the car.

His boys pulled the door open as they hopped into the car.

I watched as they drove away.

For a moment I was stunned,as the thought of how I left all this luxury to come and be with Dominic only to be dumped by him and his family.

The last drop of tears streamed down my eyes.

Flashes of memories with Dominic ran through me.

I had been a fool all this while to believe Dominic loved me more than my parents.

CHAPTER SIX: No turning back

ROSA POV

As I stood there and watched my dad’s car move.

I felt as if I had been slapped on my face as I realized I had been blind to the truth for so long,now I see things truly for what they truly are.

I took a deep breath. It's time to amend things and take control of my life.

I hailed a cab which took me to the mansion.

As I stepped down,I walked quickly into the room I and Dominic once shared.

I carefully took out the originals of all the contracts he got from my dad, leaving him with no evidence of approval.

The box which lay behind the cupboard was the pictures of our memories together,I took them all,shattering it into pieces.

I had given up on Dominic and had to move on too.

“Ma’am are you okay?” Avi the housekeeper who heard the noises from the room,rushed towards me her voice filled with concern

I lifted my face towards her, “I'm fine Avi,” I lied.

Deep down,my heart ached.

I had never thought I would leave this way,never in my life have I thought Dominic would ever divorce me.

I had tolerated all his differences and covered up for all his flaws yet he still doesn't want me in his life.

With that I cried loudly, my voice echoing through the room.

Avi wrapped her hands around my shoulder,her comforting words seem to calm my nerves a little.

“Ma’am I'm glad you picked up the courage to leave,boss doesn't deserve you”.

“Yes I would have left a long time ago but I was blinded by the love I had for Dominic,”I replied with my voice cracked.

Immediately,I booked a truck which carried all the properties I bought in my name.

Dominic would never believe it when he noticed it.

For so long he thought I was to be broke,unable to afford anything of value.

I smiled to myself as I gathered my belongings making sure I take everything that is rightfully mine.

Just as I was about finishing,Bianca walked in,her heels clicking on the marbled floor.

Is she not supposed to be at the banquet? I murmured.

I rolled my eyes,not in the mood of her drama.

“Rosa darling,”she called out

I just wanted to check on you,it seems your mind is filled with burden.

I raised an eyebrow,letting off a sly grin.

“I'm fine Bianca just getting my things together,”I replied sharply.

Bianca's eyes narrowed,her gaze flickering around the room.

“You are leaving? Already?”.

I nodded

Bianca's face fell, “Oh Rosa I'm sorry to see you go,can I atleast have your number?,So we can stay in touch”.

Hearing that I clenched my fist,my face reddened with rage.

What does she mean she is sorry to see me go.

She caused all this,she made me leave.

Bianca's sudden change in behavior was so suspicious, I thought.

I hesitated before giving her my number.

For her,she would be so glad she would be able to forward me every memory she would have with Dominic but to me I would be able to find out who she truly is.

I typed my number on her phone,as I stumbled quickly away from the room.

Leaving Bianca as she laughed,her voice filled with mockery.

I ordered the truck to take the properties to a charity foundation.

As I hailed a cab that took me to the airport that night.

I booked a red eye flight,to take me to a new city,one that was close to my parents estate.

As the plane took off,I sighed loudly.

I had finally moved away from my toxic marriage.

The sense of freedom filled me,I was ready for whatever would come next.

My phone buzzed,as my mom's number displayed on the screen.

“Rosa!,”she called out.

“Yes mom,”I replied with a low voice.

“Are you coming home?”,she asked.

“No mom, not yet,” I replied.

With that she hissed loudly, “You are just stubborn like your dad,text me when you get to whatever place you want to go’,she said.

I quickly hung up the call.

The thought of Dominic still flashed through my mind,with that I lifted my phone as I blocked and deleted his number,pictures and every memory I once shared with him.

****** In the morning *****

I stepped out from the plane,my body exhausted from the all night flight.

I wailed down a cab,heading towards the estate.

The ride was quiet as I closed my eyes leaning back against the seat.

This place was nothing like the home I once shared with Dominic.There would be no memories and traces of him anymore.

As I stepped out from the car, waiting patiently for the driver to assist with my belongings,the estate caretaker greeted me with a warm smile.

“Morning Rosa,”he said.

We both walked behind the main Manson as he showed me to the guest house.

“Here we are please make yourself comfortable,”he said warmly

I nodded, thanking him for his kind gesture.

I creaked the door open as I walked slowly into my apartments.

For a moment,I had found peace in my isolation.

I unpacked my belongings quickly.

And quickly laid down on the bed as I scrolled through my social media.

My gaze fell on a post Bianca had made.

She showed the lovely moment she shared with Dominic and his family.

My face reddened when I saw my picture too.

This time it was an arranged album of me crying in the hall, calling my gift I gave to Mrs Mari a fake and accusing me of impersonating her identity.

I smirked bitterly as I tried clicking away from her post but was redirected to the second post where she captured my steps away from the house.

Captioned ;Clingy Ex wife finally leaving.

Seeing that,I clench my fist in anger as I realized it was her sole reason for coming back to the mansion as soon as I got home.

Bianca wouldn't fail to update my humiliations to the media.

I waved my thoughts away from her, immediately I heard a gentle knock at the door.

My mind wondered who it could be.

Immediately,I jolted up and rushed towards the door.

Stunned in silence,I gasped stumbling backwards,my hands clutched on my chest.

“Rosa,”he voiced out warmly,tinged with disbelief.

My eyes widened as I looked up at the man standing right before me.

Tall with dark hair that curled slightly at the edges.