My marriage to Tommaso Volpe, Don of the Volpe family, is part of a five-year contract. We each have someone we love, and we stay out of each other's way.

He loves his adopted sister, Gelsomina Volpe, who needs his protection. My heart belongs only to my deceased fiancé, Marco Damiano.

For five years, I play the perfect Signora Volpe, enduring Gelsomina's provocations and cruelty again and again.

She forces caustic substances down my throat that nearly destroy my esophagus. He tells me to let it go for his sake.

She stages her own kidnapping and forces Tommaso to choose between saving her and me. He doesn't hesitate, choosing to save her while I sink to the bottom of that freezing lake.

On the last day of our contract, I calmly pack my things and leave the signed divorce papers behind. I need to find a young man who looks just like Marco. He's all I have left to hold onto.

But after I leave, Tommaso loses his mind searching for me, saying he's fallen in love with me.

He threatens me with the entire city's underworld just to stay by my side. He watches me grow close to my new "replacement" and goes mad with jealousy.

He thinks he still has a chance, but he has already lost this game from the very beginning.

"I'm starting now."

Tommaso Volpe's voice pierced through the darkness. His tone was icy, as if this were a formal business meeting. I closed my eyes and let his hands roam freely against my skin.

It had been like this for five years now. Each time was no different from the other, like a mechanical clockwork sans emotion.

Moonlight filtered through the blinds onto the Eralian marble floors of the bedroom. Even the air felt suffocating.

"Is this okay?" He asked for consent like this was official business, and I nodded, just like I had on countless nights before. This was our routine, our obligation—a clause clearly outlined in our contract. Tommaso began, and my mind had already drifted elsewhere.

At tonight's family dinner, he sat at the head of the table as always, and I sat beside him like we were the perfect couple. Everyone envied us, for the marriage between the Don of the Volpe family and the daughter of the Gallo family created the most powerful mafia alliance.

However, they didn't know that this marriage had only been a transaction from the very beginning. We signed the five-year contract with mutual consent. Tommaso needed the Gallo family's influence at the docks to solidify his position, and my family needed the Volpe family's protection to expand our territory.

Tommaso's breathing grew heavier, and I simply endured it in silence.

I thought of Marco Damiano. His gentle kisses, his promise to give me the most beautiful love in the world… If he were still alive, we would have children by now.

But Marco was dead. He died on that bloody, violent night five years ago, killed by a rival family's gun. He'd rushed out to protect me from a bullet meant for my heart.

"I'm sorry..." I finally couldn't take it anymore, so I spoke softly. "I can't do this. Can we stop?"

Tommaso immediately stopped and pulled away from me. He uttered, his voice carrying a hint of apologetic guilt, "Mi dispiace."

He got up and walked to the bathroom. The sound of running water followed soon after.

His heart belonged to someone else, too. That someone was his adopted sister, Gelsomina Volpe. She had needed his protection.

And that was how this deal could work… Because when personal feelings from the participating parties were not at play, the transaction could be easily established.

I put on my silk robe and walked to the safe on the wall, pulling out a document I'd prepared long ago. It was our marriage dissolution agreement.

The five-year contract was about to expire. Tommaso had the person he loved, and my heart would always belong to Marco.

We each had our obsessions. This marriage was nothing more than a transaction—a contractual obligation.

The bathroom door opened, and Tommaso emerged wrapped in a towel. I was about to speak when his phone suddenly rang. The ringtone was piercing and was especially jarring in the quiet of the night.

"Tommaso!" Gelsomina's hysterical crying came through the phone. "Save me! I'm at the club. I overdosed!"

Tommaso's expression changed instantly. "Which club are you at? I'm on my way!"

"Rosa di Mezzanotte! Tommaso, I feel terrible. I'm dying!" Gelsomina's crying grew louder.

Tommaso threw on his clothes, fumbling for his car keys.

"Tommaso." I stopped him. "We need to talk. Just give me five minutes.

"Gelsomina needs me!" Gelsomina's cries came through the phone again, and Tommaso cut me off irritably, his eyes filled only with urgency. "Whatever it is, you can decide. You don't need to ask me."

I held the document out in front of him. "Then please sign this."

Tommaso didn't even look at it. He grabbed the pen from the table and scrawled his signature on it. Then, he rushed out of the room, and I listened to his footsteps until they faded down the hallway.

I looked at the careless signature and picked up my phone to call Aldo Ricci, the family lawyer.

"The agreement has been signed and is now in effect. Please handle the relevant procedures immediately." My voice was perfectly calm as I continued, "Also, book me a private jet to New Faye one month from now."

I hung up and walked to the window. The city glowed in vibrant neon colors as the night scenery stretched out below, its lights flickering ever so often.

I thought about what my friend, Elena Esposito, told me last week. She mentioned that there was a scholarship student at Sarton University who looked like Marco, had the same eyes as him, and even had the same smile.

After the contract ended, I wanted to go look for him, even if it meant I had to resort to extreme means to make him mine. Maybe it was crazy. But if I could see that face every day, even hell would feel like heaven.

"This is to make up for last night."

Tommaso pushed a velvet jewelry box toward me. A pink diamond, which cost a fortune, lay in it.

The diamond sparkled beautifully in the morning light, but my heart remained unmoved. I glanced at it and gently pushed it back to him.

"Why would I be upset?" I said lightly, elegantly cutting into the steak on my plate. "In a month, she'll be moving in anyway."

Tommaso froze, his fork suspended in midair. "What do you mean?"

I didn't answer. I simply continued eating.

The crystal chandelier in the dining room veiled the space in a warm, convivial light, but the atmosphere was unusually tense. Footsteps echoed from the staircase as Gelsomina walked into the dining room. Her personal belongings had already been moved into the main house.

"Good morning, Ms. Gallo." She deliberately used my maiden name, her eyes filled with obvious intent to provoke me.

That form of address was like a thorn, reminding me of my outsider status in this house. It had five whole years, yet she'd never once addressed me as the Signora of the house. She wouldn't even use my first name.

I set down my knife and fork and looked at Tommaso. "How long does the withdrawal period usually last?"

"About a month." Tommaso seemed uncomfortable, avoiding my gaze. "The doctor said she needs round-the-clock supervision. She can't be far from someone she trusts."

"I understand." I nodded, my voice devoid of emotion as I continued, "Family comes first, after all."

Gelsomina smiled smugly and clung tightly to Tommaso's arm. But he frowned, seemingly surprised by my composure.

I thought back to our engagement party five years ago. It was held at the Volpe family estate. Every important figure in the family attended.

Just as Tommaso and I were exchanging engagement rings, Gelsomina suddenly rushed out and shattered the champagne tower in front of all the guests. Crystal shards scattered across the floor.

"Tommaso is mine!" she cried. "He can't marry anyone else!"

Tommaso had coaxed her gently then, telling me, "She's young. She doesn't understand. Don't take it personally."

And I simply smiled gracefully, as if nothing had happened.

"Tommaso, let's go to the private island for vacation," Gelsomina cooed. "Just the two of us, sì? Like before."

Gelsomina's voice pulled me back from my memories.

"Va bene." Tommaso agreed without hesitation.

"I'll arrange for security." I stood and smoothed my skirt. "Have a wonderful time."

Tommaso looked at me, something complicated flickering in his eyes as I turned and left the dining room. Behind me, Gelsomina's excited laughter rang out. She'd won, just like every other time over the past five years.

That evening, I was in the study handling family business, reviewing cargo manifests from the docks, and signing several important contracts.

Gelsomina's voice drifted from outside the door. She'd lowered her voice, but in the silence of the night, it was still perfectly audible.

"Tommaso, you're not allowed to touch that woman tonight." Her voice carried a threatening edge. "You promised me. While I'm staying here, you won't touch her."

"Sì, sì, I promise." Tommaso placated her helplessly. "Get some rest. We leave tomorrow."

"Swear it." Gelsomina wouldn't let it go.

"I swear."

The footsteps faded, and the door opened. Tommaso walked in. His gaze landed on my now-empty walk-in closet.

The expensive gowns, jewelry, and accessories were all gone; only bare hangers remained.

"Where are your clothes?" he asked, a hint of tension in his voice.

"I sent them for cleaning and maintenance." I didn't look up, continuing to sign documents.

He walked behind me and suddenly wrapped his arms around me. I could feel the warmth of his body, smell the faint cologne on his skin.

"Your sister doesn't want you touching me." I reminded him, my voice perfectly calm.

Tommaso paused, then held me even tighter. His chin rested on my shoulder, his breath warm against my neck.

"I want you. Is that okay?"

I thought of the obligation clause in our contract. "During the marriage, both parties shall fulfill marital duties."

The divorce proceedings would take time to finalize, and the contract hadn't fully expired yet. With that in mind, I nodded slowly. "Va bene."

That night felt endless. Tommaso was more intense than usual. I simply endured it quietly, my mind occupied with tomorrow's schedule.

The next morning, Tommaso had already left to handle family business. Apparently, there was trouble at the docks. A shipment needed his personal inspection.

I sat alone at the dining table. An elaborate breakfast was laid out before me, but I had no appetite.

I'd just taken a sip of coffee when my stomach suddenly churned violently. A wave of nausea surged up my throat. I hastily set down the coffee cup and rushed to the powder room, leaning over the sink as I dry heaved.

The marble counter was ice cold. I gripped the edge tightly, my knuckles turning white.

"Are you pregnant?" Gelsomina's voice came from the doorway. I turned to see her dark expression.

She was wearing clothes Tommaso had bought her. Her hair hung loose and messy, and her eyes burned with unrestrained fury.

"No." I wiped the corner of my mouth, struggling to stay composed.

"It's just an upset stomach."

"Liar!" Gelsomina suddenly shrieked, completely losing control. "I will never allow you to carry Tommaso's heir! Never!"

Her voice echoed off the marble walls, sharp as nails scraping across glass. I tried to walk past her, but she blocked my path.

"Move, Gelsomina." My voice was calm, but inside, I was already on alert.

"No!" She rushed to the doorway and shouted down the hall. "Someone! Hold her down!"

Two family enforcers hesitantly approached—Elio Benedetti and Salvatore Conti, both veterans who'd served the Volpe family for years.

They looked at me with conflicted expressions, not daring to actually lay hands on me. After all, I was the daughter of the Gallo family. Even in an arranged marriage, I wasn't someone they could casually assault.

"Ms. Volpe, this..." Elio tried to dissuade her.

"Shut up!" Gelsomina stormed toward Tommaso's study like a madwoman. "Useless, all of you!"

A few minutes later, she returned with a small bottle. The bottle contained a clear liquid that looked harmless, but I knew what it was.

"Gelsomina, calm down." I took a step back, my voice still even.

"I'm not pregnant. I can go to the hospital for a test."

"I don't believe you!" She lunged at me with surprising strength.

"You bitch! You want to trap Tommaso with a baby!"

She forced my jaw open, her nails digging deep into my skin. I tried to struggle, but she'd already poured the liquid down my throat.

Searing pain instantly consumed my entire body. It felt like countless knives were scraping my stomach from the inside. My stomach and esophagus burned like fire, and every breath was torture.

I curled up on the floor in agony, cold sweat soaking through my clothes.

"Signora!" A maid rushed over to help me, but it was already too late. My vision began to blur, and my consciousness faded.

Before I lost consciousness, all I heard was Gelsomina's deranged laughter and the wail of ambulance sirens.

When I woke again, I was lying in the family's private hospital. I stared at the white ceiling, breathing in antiseptic while machines beeped steadily around me.

Tommaso sat beside the bed, his face pale as paper. His eyes were filled with guilt and fear. His hand gripped mine tightly, and his palm was slick with sweat.

"Mi dispiace, Alessia." His voice was hoarse. "I didn't know she would... I thought she was just jealous. I never imagined she'd do something like this."

The family doctor, Giuseppe Mancini, approached with a grave expression.

"Don Volpe, was the Signora attacked by an enemy? How could someone use Veritas? That's one of the most caustic substances there is." He shook his head helplessly, his voice tinged with reproach.

"If we'd been any later, the Signora's stomach and esophagus would have been permanently scarred. We managed to save her life, but she'll need at least a month to fully recover."