My older sister, Jovina Valenti, catches the eye of the cold and ruthless mafia Don, Carlo Laguardia.

However, she fears the danger that arises out of his identity and wants to go abroad to pursue a passionate romance.

On the day Carlo sends his men to retrieve her, she drugs my drink and sends me to Carlo. After that, she leaves the country and disappears completely.

I, Nerissa Valenti, am forced to become Carlo's wife. He treats me as nothing more than a pet.

Despite being married, I ignore Carlo's existence and treat him as if he were invisible. He, on the other hand, continues to make me his pet. When he's pleased with me, he shows me affection. But when I upset him, what awaits me is either cold neglect or harsh reproach.

After eight years of this, one day, Carlo suddenly orders that I be locked inside the freezing ice house.

I tremble from the cold. When I see Jovina at his side, I realize belatedly that she has, for some reason, decided to return to the country.

The first thing she does upon her return is seek Carlo out and lie to him that I drugged myself back then to take her place. Consequently, she was heartbroken and decided to go overseas.

Jovina stresses that because of my interference, they spent eight long years being apart from each other.

From that moment on, there isn't a trace of emotion left in Carlo's eyes when he looks at me.

Under the excuse of visiting me, Jovina comes to the ice house and tampers with the settings. She puts the cold air on full blast at the lowest temperature.

"Don't blame me for this, Nerissa. As long as you're alive, my lie will be exposed sooner or later," she says ruthlessly.

I don't even last half a day before freezing to death miserably.

When I open my eyes again, I return to the day Jovina first catches Carlo's attention.

This time, I take the initiative to say, "Jovina, go abroad and look for your true love. I'll marry Carlo in your place."

This time, the one Carlo loves will be me.

"What? Did you say you're willing to marry the ruthless mafia Don who kills without qualms in your sister's place?"

My parents' eyes widened as they stared at me in disbelief.

I answered calmly, "Yes."

My sister, Jovina Valenti, frowned suspiciously. "Why are you suddenly willing to sacrifice yourself? You're planning to run away at the last minute, aren't you?"

I sneered, "Then I won't marry him. You can do it yourself. That way, Papa and Mama won't have to worry either."

Only then did my parents seem to fully process what I had said. They came over to me, wearing righteous expressions and claiming that this was all for my own good.

I couldn't help but find it absurd. In both lifetimes, the only instances when my parents treated me with so much warmth were when they were pushing me into a hellish pit.

In my previous life, the mafia Don, Carlo Laguardia, specifically stated that the woman he wanted to marry was Jovina. However, she was determined to pursue a love that was hers and wouldn't go through with the marriage no matter the circumstances.

To save and protect their beloved daughter, my parents drugged me and married me off to Carlo even when they knew how unwilling I was.

My mama, Giorgio Natale, had choked back sobs as she said, "Carlo has overwhelming power and influence in the country. We can't escape him. If we don't go through with this marriage, none of us will survive!"

My papa, Luigi Valenti, had chimed in callously, "Nerissa, you and Jovina are twins. You look almost identical. You have to marry Carlo in Jovina's place this time. If you refuse, you'll spend the rest of your life locked in the basement while Carlo and his men come and lay waste to our family."

Left with no choice, I was forced to marry Carlo. Because of that, I never warmed up to him or gave him the time of day.

We were so indifferent to each other that our relationship was even more distant than that of strangers.

I thought I would spend the rest of my life like that forever. However, Jovina suddenly returned to the country. Because of her false claims, what minuscule trust Carlo had in me vanished completely. I ended up freezing to death in the ice house.

When I opened my eyes again, I realized I had gone back in time to the very moment Jovina refused the marriage. This time, I would not let history repeat itself! I had to win Carlo's heart no matter what!

"I'll marry Carlo in Jovina's place," I repeated firmly.

Upon receiving my assurance again, Mama was overjoyed. "That's wonderful! Jovi, go pack right now. We'll send you abroad overnight. Carlo's men won't be able to follow you there."

Papa visibly relaxed too, but his eyes didn't show the slightest trace of pity for me. "It's settled, then. I'll go talk to Carlo's men, and they'll take you away."

"Wait!" Jovina interrupted with a calculating expression on her face.

She went on, "What if we're found out? Why don't we hold a funeral and say Nerissa accidentally fell into the sea and died? Then, she can take my identity and marry him. That way, no one will suspect a thing."

Papa agreed immediately, "I'll make the arrangements and spread the news that you fell into the sea. We'll hold the funeral tomorrow morning. In the afternoon, the Laguardia family will come to take you."

Once everything was decided, my parents dressed me in Jovina's clothes. Late the next night, they secretly sent Jovina out of the city while I got into the car Carlo had sent.

…

In my previous life, I was extremely fearful of Carlo after marrying him. So, I was resistant and guarded toward him. As a result, our eight years of marriage were filled with nothing but icy distance and resentment.

Now that I had gotten a second chance at life, I cast aside my past prejudice and looked once more at the man sitting in the study.

Carlo held a cigar between his fingers. His tall, handsome figure was draped in a tailored suit. His hair was slicked back, leaving his blue-gray eyes that were deep and unfathomable on full display. To my surprise, they seemed to carry a hint of gentleness.

Setting aside his ruthless reputation as the Don, he had a naturally intimidating presence due to his calm and reserved disposition.

He possessed immense power, yet he showed warmth and protectiveness toward his own family.

To be honest, I was lucky to have the opportunity to stay by his side.

The first thing Carlo said upon seeing me was, "You don't need to do anything when you're by my side. Just behave yourself." His tone was composed and firm.

Instead of the indifference I constantly showed in my previous life, I took the initiative to hook my arm through his this time. In a soft and gentle voice, I said, "I understand, caro mio. I promise I won't cause you any trouble in the future."

Carlo paused slightly. He swept his blue-gray eyes over me indifferently before stubbing out the cigar.

Then, he said to his trusted subordinate, "Tidy up the suite in the east wing. Everything my wife uses has to be the best of the best. Make sure to have them prepared."

In less than half an hour, my room was filled with haute couture, dazzling jewelry, and extravagant accessories.

During the day, Carlo was busy with the affairs of the famiglia, so I helped manage the kitchen. I personally prepared his meals and made sure to constantly switch up the menu.

I prepared warm stews in the morning and delectable desserts for afternoon tea. I made every dish with my own hands and carefully delivered them to him.

Gradually, I began to sense the occasional, inscrutable gaze he cast in my direction.

One night, Carlo was reviewing some documents while leaning against the headboard. When I moved closer to look, he pulled me into his arms in one swift motion.

I straddled his lap. When his lips came down on mine, there was a restrained ferocity to his kisses. His fingers tugged at my buttons and undid them. Soon, our bare skin came into contact. I felt his scorching breath on me. His eyes were filled with intense desire that he could no longer hide.

After that night, Carlo's attitude toward me gradually softened. The cold, austere look in his eyes was replaced by genuine warmth.

Carlo no longer confined me to the manor. Instead, he often took me with him to family banquets and private gatherings. He remembered that I didn't eat raw or cold foods. On rainy days, he personally held an umbrella to escort me to the car, and he would always tilt it toward me.

However, our peaceful days only lasted a few years before a single phone call shattered the calm.

Mama's urgent, tearful voice came through. "Nerissa, you have to help us! Something happened to Jovina!"

My fingers stiffened for a moment before I replied calmly, "I don't have an older sister. I only have a younger sister who has already drowned at sea."

Mama's voice shot up. "Cut the act! This is urgent! Jovina's boyfriend, Idalgo Fattore, got into a fight and beat someone up badly. He's being held at the police station now. The other party wants an astronomical sum as compensation, or they'll send him to prison! She's your sister! You can't just ignore this!"

I didn't give any response as to whether I would help.

In a calm voice, I asked, "So what do you want me to do?"

Mama demanded in an entitled tone, "Carlo is so rich and powerful. Ask him to give you the money. Pay the compensation and get Idalgo out! We'd be heartbroken if Jovina is unhappy while living abroad. You're well-off now. You can't just leave Jovina be!"

"No. I won't give you the money," I said firmly.

"How can you be so heartless! It's only 20 million dollars! You must help Jovina, or we'll come to the manor ourselves and expose the truth to Carlo. Let's see how you'll stay by his side then!" Mama screeched anxiously.

I clenched my phone. They thought they could threaten me, but they were unaware that in this life, I was no longer the timid person I once was.

My voice was full of disdain as I said coldly, "Do whatever you want. It's not up to you whether I can hold on to this position or not."

With that, I hung up the call. My chest rose and fell slightly due to my rapid breathing as I tried to suppress my anger.

Soft footsteps sounded behind me. At some point, Carlo had come over. He stood close to me. His attractive, deep-set eyes rested on me, giving me a slightly probing look.

I quickly adjusted my emotions and walked over to him. "It's nothing. The other person got the wrong number."

As he approached, the faint scent of cigar smoke lingered around me.

Carlo raised his hand and gently caressed my cheek. The warmth of his fingertips dispelled some of the chill I felt.

He murmured in a low voice, "If you're tired, rest early, cara mia."

Two months after that unpleasant phone call, I thought everything had returned to normal.

Unexpectedly, Mama called me again. "Nerissa, your nonna has been hospitalized. She's not fully conscious and keeps calling your name. Come back and see her as soon as you can."

My heart sank to my stomach. Even though I knew my parents had always been biased, I couldn't help but be worried about Nonna.

I hesitated for a moment before agreeing to go. "Okay. I'll head over now. Send me the address."

After hanging up, I freshened up a little and drove out. However, the navigation didn't lead me to a hospital. It took me to a desolate, abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city.

I was alarmed and tried to turn around, but two unfamiliar men smashed my car window! Shards of glass shattered into pieces and flew in all directions, slicing my skin and leaving streaks of blood.

The two men then clamped down on my arms and dragged me deep into the warehouse. The lighting inside was dim, and my parents were already waiting there. Standing beside them was none other than Jovina.

She wore the same evening gown as I did, and her makeup was exquisite. She was my spitting image. We looked exactly the same.

My breath caught. I couldn't understand how Jovina, who was supposed to return only after five years, had reappeared after just three.

But it was obvious to me now that Nonna's hospitalization had been nothing more than a lie. It was a trap to lure me here.

The last shred of affection and trust I had for my parents vanished at that moment.

Jovina walked toward me slowly, her gaze greedily sweeping over me. As her fingers brushed over the necklace on my neck, her eyes were filled with jealousy.

She remarked, "My dear Nerissa, it seems you've been living well these past few years. You took something I didn't want, but you ended up enjoying it, huh?"

I slapped her hand away and said coldly, "Weren't you pursuing your true love abroad? Why did you slink back here? Is it because you couldn't survive out there anymore? Do you regret it now?"

Jovina's expression instantly turned vicious. She suddenly raised her hand and smacked me hard.

She seethed, "Don't bother struggling, bitch. I got you to come here so that I can take back everything that belongs to me. You were the one who replaced me and stayed by Carlo's side back then. Now that I'm back, you should return my identity to me.

"In a moment, you'll leave with us obediently. I'll take your place at the banquet tonight. Once I've secured my footing, you'll be completely useless."

I shouted coldly, "In your dreams! You were the one who ran from the marriage and forced me to replace you. I spent three years by Carlo's side, walking on thin ice to earn his trust. What makes you think you can replace me?"

"What makes me think so? Because the one Carlo wanted to marry from the beginning was me!" Jovina exclaimed, raising her hand to slap me fiercely again.

She added, "You're nothing but a substitute. What makes you think you get to be arrogant in front of me?"

Mama stepped forward, her gaze icy. "Jovi is right. You've been occupying the spot that should've belonged to her. Tonight, you'll either cooperate with us, or we'll lock you up here forever. No one will ever find out. Carlo won't even realize your disappearance."

"Aren't you afraid Carlo will realize Jovina isn't me?" I demanded.

Papa let out a cold laugh. "You two look exactly alike. How would he notice? Tonight, we'll take you in through the back entrance so that no one will see. Look at the miserable state you're in. Once Jovina blends in, no one would believe a word you say even if you're still alive."

Jovina smiled smugly. "Don't be mad at us, Nerissa. Blame yourself for being stupid and thinking you could secure your position as Donna on your own. Carlo noticed me first. Once I take over, I'll only do better than you."

"Why do you think you'll get away with this without a hitch? Carlo is meticulous. Your little tricks won't fool him," I retorted.

Jovina sneered, "So what if I can't fool him? You don't seriously think Carlo has fallen in love with you, do you?"

"She's being stubborn!" Papa bellowed angrily, signaling his men to restrain me. "Sedate her. When the banquet starts, Jovi will go in her place!"

I struggled with all my strength. The moment the needle pierced my skin, I kicked hard at the man's stomach and wrenched myself free from his grasp.

I ran desperately toward the warehouse entrance. But after taking just two steps, a heavy object slammed violently into the back of my head. My vision went black, and my body collapsed straight to the ground.