I've been in a three-year relationship with Antonio Bianco, the successor of the Bianco family. Everyone knows very well how much he loves me.

But everything has changed the moment Antonio's older brother passes away, leaving behind his newly-widowed wife, Rosetta Serra, who's also pregnant.

Antonio heeds Augusto Bianco's last wish by taking great care of Rosetta. He even ditches me at the altar numerous times for her sake.

On our 51st wedding, Antonio still ends up leaving with Rosetta, who keeps crying her heart out.

I just gaze at the way Antonio scrambles to come up with a new excuse. I notice how skillfully the wedding planning company is cleaning up the wedding venue in advance. I also spot the flash of a provocative smile Rosetta has shown to me behind Antonio's back as she links arms with him.

Suddenly, I feel like a total joke for being with such a man over the past three years.

When the hotel manager gives me the bill, he asks casually, "When will the 52nd wedding be held, Ms. Marino? We can make the preparations in advance."

"There's no need for a wedding anymore," I respond with a smile. "Even if a wedding is to be held, the groom won't be the same person anyway."

After leaving the hotel, I dial the number of the person in charge of the International Medical Organization.

"Hello, I'm Cecilia Marino. I'd like to accept your invitation to join your organization, and I can leave anytime soon."

Cecilia Marino's POV

For the three years I was with Antonio Bianco, I had always believed I held a special place in his heart.

That belief shattered when his older brother, Augusto Bianco, was gunned down by a rival famiglia. With his dying breath, Augusto begged Antonio to look after his wife, Rosetta Serra.

Since that day, I was no longer the only woman he cared about.

We had attempted to hold our wedding 50 times, yet Antonio had never managed to see a single one through to the end.

He would furrow his brow whenever he saw Rosetta's name flash on his phone, yet without fail, he would answer in a gentle voice, listening patiently to whatever she had to say.

In the end, he would pull me into an apologetic embrace and tell me that some "urgent famiglia business" required his immediate attention. After all, he would say, we would always have another chance.

In his eyes, I always seemed less important than the guilt he carried for Augusto.

But the love we shared for those three years hadn't felt like a lie. So, I chose to believe.

For the 51st time, I stood before him in my white veil, waiting for the moment he would finally slide the ring onto my finger.

Suddenly, Rosetta appeared at the wedding venue, her face pale, clutching a handkerchief to her chest with tears in her eyes.

"Antonio, something happened at the docks Augusto left for me. The elders are all there. I… I'm terrified. Can you come with me?"

The moment Antonio saw her, he instinctively let go of my hand.

"I'm sorry, Cecilia. I need to go back for a while."

Perhaps afraid I would get angry, he attempted a half-hearted joke. "Besides, it's not like this is the 52nd time. We're just going through the motions anyway."

Usually, I would have swallowed my pride in silence. But this time, I grabbed his hand before he could leave.

"Is this really about famiglia business, or do you simply not want to marry me?"

Antonio frowned at my question.

"Rosetta is my sister-in-law. She's carrying Augusto's child and still has to deal with famiglia business. It's hard enough for her. Don't make a fuss over something so petty."

Rosetta lowered her eyes and said nothing, only gently tugging at his sleeve.

"This is our wedding ceremony. How can you call this petty? Antonio, we just need to exchange the rings, and the ceremony will be complete. Please…"

I didn't want Antonio to leave. I wanted to finish the ceremony once and for all.

Antonio stood frozen, torn between Rosetta and me.

Suddenly, Rosetta clutched her stomach and crouched down, groaning in pain.

Antonio rushed to her side in a panic, catching her before she hit the floor.

"Rosetta, what's wrong? Does your stomach hurt? I'll take you back right now!"

Before I could say anything, Antonio turned to glare at me, his eyes reddening.

"Cecilia, the child Rosetta carries is Augusto's only bloodline. If anything happens to that child, I will never forgive myself!"

With that, he scooped Rosetta into his arms and strode out of the chapel.

As the doors swung open, I caught Rosetta glancing back at me, her lips curled into a smile of pure triumph.

…

I spent the rest of the evening forcing a smile as I ushered out the associates and family friends. By the time the last guest had gone, I stood in the hotel lobby, exhausted to the bone.

The manager approached me, handing over the day's bill with a look of sympathy. "Ms. Marino, when should we reschedule? I'll make sure the date is cleared for you."

Before I could find my voice, the television in the lobby cut to a breaking news segment.

"Antonio Bianco, the newly anointed Don of the Bianco famiglia, was spotted attending a council meeting with his late brother's widow, Rosetta Serra. The matching rings on their left hands have sparked frantic speculation."

The screen flashed a photo of Antonio with his arm draped protectively around Rosetta's shoulders, his free hand raised in a sharp gesture to ward off the prying lenses of the paparazzi.

Rosetta, tucked into his side, wore a smile that was nothing short of triumphant.

At the same time, Rosetta's Twitter feed updated with a photo of Antonio anxiously speaking with a doctor. The caption read: "Happiness is having you by my side for every prenatal checkup."

Around me, the hotel staff was whispering.

"They've held the wedding dozens of times, haven't they? Not once has it actually finished."

"Her fiance keeps ditching her for another woman."

"Does her fiance even love her?"

"To be left at the altar that many times and still cling on… She just has no pride."

A lump formed in my throat, and I could barely hold back my tears. I clenched my hands tightly, pretending I hadn't heard a word.

Just then, my phone vibrated with a message.

"Ms. Marino, this is Kyle Rossi, Head of the International Medical Organization. We are convening the International Medical Summit and launching a global relief effort. We would like to invite you to join us. We look forward to your reply."

The message was a jarring reminder of the woman I used to be. Before I started dating Antonio, I had been a doctor with the International Medical Organization, but I traded that in for a stable life with him.

I closed the message as thoughts of Antonio flooded back.

…

It was the middle of the night when Antonio finally returned. He looked exhausted, his collar rumpled.

I sat on the edge of the bed, watching him in heavy silence.

He walked over and pulled me into his arms.

"Rosetta is carrying Augusto's child. I couldn't just stand by and let anything happen to his flesh and blood."

He paused, his voice softening. "I left you alone at the wedding again. I know I've failed you, but I swear this was the last time."

"Your birthday is in three days," he whispered earnestly. "Let's make that our 52nd attempt. Trust me. I won't let you down this time."

I remained quiet for a long moment before gently pushing him away. "Antonio, the next one will be our 52nd wedding. And it will be your last chance."

Cecilia Marino's POV

Even though it cut deep when Antonio walked out on our 51st wedding ceremony, I still poured my heart into preparing for the 52nd.

I sat down with the hotel manager to redesign the theme of the venue and had her start on the decorations well in advance.

Once the preliminary arrangements were handled, I finally allowed myself a small sigh of relief.

The manager looked at me, a flicker of pity crossing her face. "Ms. Marino, do you think we should ask Mr. Bianco to come in for a rehearsal?"

I went quiet for a moment. "He's… very busy."

"Ms. Marino, forgive me if I'm overstepping. But after all these attempts, Mr. Bianco always ends up leaving with Ms. Serra. There were even a few times he didn't show up at all."

She paused, then continued tentatively, "Every name on the guest list is from your side of the famiglia. I've never once seen a member of the Bianco famiglia here. I've heard about the '52 chances' pact between you two, and I can only assume how deep your bond is. Otherwise, I can't imagine any woman putting up with such a disrespectful arrangement."

Her voice dropped. "Can he really give you a complete ceremony this time?"

Her questions hit a raw nerve. A dull ache rose in my chest, and I clenched my hand tightly.

Antonio and I had been together for three years. He was the man who would drape a coat over my shoulders the moment the temperature dipped, the man who would fan me in the sweltering heat.

I remembered one late night when I was cornered by muggers. Antonio had just come from a bloody shootout with a rival famiglia. Despite his own injuries, he had pushed his battered body to get to me, causing his wounds to tear open a second time.

Though he was soaked in blood, he held me close and told me not to be afraid, that he would always protect me.

It was those memories that kept me obediently accepting Antonio's rejections, time after time.

My silence made the manager nervous. "I'm just talking out of turn, Ms. Marino. This is the 52nd time. We'll put extra heart into it. I'm sure things will finally work out for you and Mr. Bianco."

I gave her a strained smile and nodded. "Thank you. I hope so."

"Ms. Marino, why don't you try asking if Mr. Bianco has time for a quick rehearsal? Since this is the one where you'll finally tie the knot."

I hesitated for a moment, then dialed his number. "Antonio—"

"Cecilia," he cut in, his voice gentle and warm. "I was just about to call you. The Bianco famiglia is hosting an art exhibition later this evening. Come with me. I remember you once told me you loved Early Renaissance pieces."

Whenever he ditched me at the altar for Rosetta, he always found some way to make it up to me the following day.

This time was no different.

"I'm truly sorry about yesterday. Please, let me make it up to you."

When I heard the soft cadence of his voice, my resolve crumbled. I told him I would be there soon.

He had arranged a car for me and even sent over an exquisite designer gown.

As I ran my fingers over the delicate fabric, I let myself hope. At our 52nd wedding ceremony, we would finally have our happy ending.

I changed into the dress and made my way to the art exhibition held at Villa Brezza Marina.

A moment later, Antonio arrived.

I was about to step forward to greet him, but then I watched him turn back and extend his hand. A pale, slender hand slid into his palm.

Rosetta was with him.

Antonio finally noticed me. He hurried over, his voice smooth with practiced explanation. "Cecilia, I need to help Rosetta gain some standing with the other families. Opportunities like this don't come often. You don't mind that I brought her along, do you?"

I had no choice but to shake my head.

The gallery was hushed, its walls lined with oil paintings. Rosetta rested her hand on Antonio's arm, whispering to him about the nuances of a particular brushstroke. He leaned in close, listening with rapt attention.

I trailed behind them like a ghost who had no business being there.

When we reached the lounge area, Antonio took a phone call and gestured for me to wait for him out on the terrace.

I pushed the doors open, and the sharp chill of the night air rushed in to meet me.

I was about to turn back inside when Rosetta's voice drifted through a window that hadn't been fully latched.

"Antonio, when exactly do you plan on telling Cecilia that you and I are already married?"

I froze, the words hitting me like a physical blow.

A heavy silence hung in the air for a few heartbeats. Then came Antonio's voice.

"I'll tell her when the time is right."

"And what about me? What about the child?"

"You will always be the Donna of the Bianco famiglia, and your child will be the heir. You have my word on that."

"And what of Cecilia?"

"Once your position in the Bianco famiglia is secure, we'll arrange a quiet divorce. After that, I'll give Cecilia everything she deserves."

Rosetta let out a soft laugh. "Antonio, do you really think she'll just accept that once she knows the truth?"

Outside, my knuckles turned white as I gripped my wine glass.

"She'll accept it," he finally said, his tone calm and certain. "She loves me. She won't leave."

I didn't stay to hear another word. I turned and walked away.

No wonder he never hesitated to abandon me for Rosetta during every wedding ceremony.

That place that was supposed to be mine—the title of his wife—he had already given to Rosetta long ago.

The 52nd wedding was never going to happen. Not anymore.

With trembling hands, I dialed the number of Kyle, the Head of the International Medical Organization.

"Hello. This is Cecilia Marino. I'm calling to accept your offer."

Cecilia Marino's POV

Antonio had betrayed my trust, and with it, he had trampled over every ounce of love I had ever given him. My disappointment had finally reached its breaking point.

To hell with the 52nd wedding.

The moment I got home, I started packing. Antonio blew up my phone while I was at it, but I ignored every single call.

Before long, he came back.

"Cecilia, why did you leave early? You haven't been picking up your phone…"

He froze at the sight of the suitcase on the floor. "Why are you packing? Are you going somewhere?"

I didn't want to talk to him. I kept my eyes down and continued folding my clothes.

I had never been this cold toward him before, and my silence was clearly starting to get under his skin.

"I bought you a gown and took you to the art exhibition. Are we still stuck on what happened yesterday? Cecilia, why are you being so willful?"

I snapped the suitcase shut and stood up to face him.

"Took me to the exhibition? Is that what you call it? Making me stand there while you and Rosetta stroll through the gallery like a happy couple?"

Antonio frowned. "I've already explained myself. Is it really that hard to get through your head?"

I stared at him, floored by his audacity.

Did he really want me to spell it out? Did he want me to say I knew he was already another woman's husband?

I forced myself to take a steady breath and crouched back down to finish packing. My voice was hollow, stripped of emotion. "Aunt Sofia is sick. She wants me to stay with her for a few days."

His expression eased slightly, though a trace of suspicion still lingered.

"What about our 52nd wedding?"

I looked at him, grief settling heavy over my features. "Would you even care, Antonio?"

The words seemed to sting. He stepped forward and reached for my hand, but I took a step back.

"Cecilia, what has gotten into you today?"

I shook my head, my voice dripping with a forced, bitter lightness. "Nothing. It's just that you run off to Rosetta during every single one of our weddings. Anyone who didn't know better might think you two were already married."

Antonio blanched. "Ceci, has someone been talking to you?"

I wanted to give him one last chance. "Is there something you want to tell me?"

I watched him, a desperate, final sliver of hope still clinging to my heart.

But in the end, Antonio just gritted his teeth. "Cecilia, you know you're the only one for me. You're the only woman I'm ever going to marry."

That was the moment all hope was lost. I had never felt such profound disappointment.

I walked into the study, intending to take the keepsake my Papa had left me. But when I pulled the drawer open, it was empty.

I stormed out and shoved the door open. "Antonio, where's the pocket watch?"

"What pocket watch?"

"My Papa's keepsake. The one that was always in that drawer!"

He froze, looking caught off guard. "I don't know. I never touch the things in your study."

A sudden realization chilled my voice. "Has Rosetta been in here?"

He went silent.

"I asked you—was she in here?"

"Cecilia, she was just helping me fetch some files—"

"How could you let her take my things! That was the only thing my Papa left me!"

I was on the verge of losing control.

Antonio immediately walked over and grabbed my hand, his voice tight with a frantic explanation. "I didn't know she took the watch. Cecilia, you have to believe me. I'll… I'll have her bring it back right now!"

"Don't bother."

I turned away, my gaze turning to ice. "I'll get it back myself."

…

Rosetta was in the garden sipping espresso, the diamond ring on her finger gleaming brilliantly.

She didn't even bother to stand when she saw me. "Ms. Marino. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"The watch. Give it back."

She set down her porcelain cup with agonizing slowness. "Oh, that old piece of junk."

She pulled the watch out, dangling it carelessly from her fingertips. "Sure. Get on your knees and beg me."

The shadows of gardeners passed by outside the window.

With stinging eyes, I sank to my knees.

She laughed, just loud enough for only me to hear. "Antonio was right. You'll endure any humiliation just to stay by his side. Three years, 51 weddings… Everyone in Itavia thinks you're a joke.

"Oh, you probably didn't know—Antonio and I are already married," she taunted, toying with the diamond ring.

"Antonio put this on my finger himself right after we signed the marriage certificate. And you? Three years with him? 51 weddings planned, and not a single one made it to the altar?"

She scoffed, "You know, it took Antonio less than two hours from the moment he decided to marry me to make it official. You're nothing but a clown, Cecilia."

A sharp, searing pain pierced my chest. I fought to block out her words and reached for the watch. "Give it back."

Rosetta looked at me with pure disdain. Then, without warning, she flung the watch into the nearby fountain. "Only a low-life like you would care about worthless junk like that. Go ahead! Jump in and fish it out!"

In an instant, fury seized me. I grabbed her by the hair and slapped her across the face with everything I had.

Rosetta let out a piercing shriek, clutching her cheek.

Just as I was about to land a second slap, Antonio appeared out of nowhere. He shoved me aside violently and pulled the sobbing Rosetta into his arms.

"Cecilia Marino! Don't you know Rosetta is pregnant? How could you lay a hand on her?"

I was shaking with rage. "She threw my Papa's keepsake into the fountain—"

Rosetta cut me off, her voice choked with tears. "I was trying to give it back. It just slipped out of my hand. Antonio, doesn't the Bianco heir I'm carrying matter more than some old watch?"

Antonio roared at me. "Cecilia, apologize to her!"

"Never!" I roared back.

Rosetta trembled in his arms. "She even tried to force me to jump into the fountain to get it for her."

Before I could even protest, Antonio's hand swung out and slapped me.

I stood there, frozen in place.

"Now! Apologize to Rosetta! Or you can get the hell out of the Bianco villa!" Antonio barked, his eyes cold as ice.

I stared at him, my hand pressed to my burning cheek, feeling the very last ember in my heart go dark.

I didn't apologize. I simply turned and walked away.

By the time I reached the main gates of the Bianco villa with my suitcase, a message from Antonio lit up my phone.

"Rosetta is shaken up and needs care. Our wedding is postponed."

I let out a quiet laugh.

Postponed?

I didn't reply. I just dropped a text to Kyle saying I was on my way and switched my phone off.

Antonio, there was no wedding for us. Not anymore.