Once I got into the car, I scrutinized the bouquet. I was only reassured after confirming that all was as it should be.

In my past life, the blue rose bouquet Julian prepared was lavish beyond imagination, but it almost cost me my life. Julian never wanted to get married, so he had laced the bouquet with an aphrodisiac—a perfume meant to provoke powerful emotions.

He even arranged for me to be sent to a hidden chamber, intending to tarnish my reputation and legally annul the marriage.

I was curious if Vivienne possessed the capability to avoid that trap after being reborn.

I had just stepped out of the car when I was abruptly seized around the waist, and a man hoisted me into his arms and swiftly carried me into the wedding suite.

I could hear a chorus of laughter and teasing from outside. "That's quite impressive! How about we get a look at the bride?"

Through the sheer veil, I could barely make out the man in the white suit standing in front of me. I could see him reaching over to raise the veil, his features twisted into a repulsive grin.

I acted swiftly, grabbing his wrist and lifting the veil before he could. I scrutinized the men and women in the room and stated coldly, "You're not Dominic Romano."

In that instant, the expressions of everyone present changed immediately.

The man in front of me tried to assault me in plain view, paying no attention to anything else.

I smashed the bouquet into his face, then pulled out the dagger I had ready and slashed across his cheek without hesitation. Blood sprayed in all directions as the man screamed in agony.

"That was quite the performance!"

Applause suddenly rang out as a man dressed in white appeared from behind the door, with a woman in his arms. He sat on the couch across from me and cocked his eyebrow slightly, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.

"You're quite ruthless, aren't you?"

I looked up at him calmly and matched his gaze. "I was only protecting myself."

I watched as he undid the buttons on his shirt, exposing his toned abs with a rebellious flair. I knew in an instant that the man before me was Dominic—my husband in this lifetime.

In my past life, I had seen Dominic several times at the Romano famiglia's social gatherings. I knew he always acted the part of a womanizer, engaging in frequent dalliances, but I didn't expect the wedding to turn into such a farce.

Dominic raised his hand, and part of the crowd that had been heckling immediately cleared out.

"You're not actually planning to marry this woman, are you, Dominic?"

I looked toward the voice, my eyes falling on the blonde woman with blue eyes nestling in Dominic's embrace.

Dominic offered no reply, opting instead to pinch her waist, which elicited a playful protest from that woman.

They kept up their public display of affection, utterly unconcerned with anyone watching.

I gave a contemptuous chuckle as I stared straight at Dominic, no longer hiding my intentions. "Why don't we strike a deal, Dominic?"

"What do you have to offer?" Dominic looked up lazily, seemingly indifferent to what I had said.

I wasn't bothered by it. As far as the upper class was concerned, people like me were only useful for procreation. I was done being controlled, whether by Julian or Dominic.

I looked past his contempt and pointed a finger at his head before moving it down to his groin. "I'm offering a deal that involves this part of you."

In that instant, a few people in the room stifled a laugh, though no one was brave enough to actually break the silence.

Dominic finally dropped his haughty and disrespectful attitude. He ordered the woman to leave with a grim expression.

He extinguished his cigarette the moment the door was closed, walked over, and gripped my chin roughly. "You should evaluate your own ability and status before you try to negotiate terms with me, Isabella Everhart."

Dominic forced my chin up until we were nearly nose to nose.

"I can cure your erectile dysfunction," I said.

Upon hearing that, Dominic's expression grew menacing before he wrapped his hand around my throat.

I could tell what he was thinking. He wasn't interested in a cure he didn't believe in. He only wanted to make sure I never spoke of his secret again.

I could abruptly feel the increasing pressure on my throat. I held onto his wrist firmly, struggling as I choked out a few words. "Y-You'll see the result in three days! Y-You can deal with me then if it doesn't work!"

Dominic finally loosened his grip.

For a split second, I had truly thought I was going to die. I had only dared to speak because of my absolute confidence.

Julian proved to be a far more formidable adversary than Dominic in my past life. I only remained with him for as long as I did because I still held value.

I had studied medicine at university, which proved to be very useful in my past life. Due to Mom and Dad's order, I had to be mindful of Vivienne's feelings and ensure that I never overshadowed her. Because of that, my true medical proficiency remained a secret.

It was common knowledge that I treated Julian's leg injury for a year and aided in his recovery, but no one knew he also struggled with erectile dysfunction. I had spent more than a month treating him before I finally conceived.

I took a few deep breaths at the thought, then escorted Dominic to the hospital for a quick check-up. It was treatable; the medical data was virtually identical to Julian's in my past life.

"How did you know I suffer from this?" Dominic asked, his eyes flickering with suspicion as he gripped my hand.

I smiled faintly and lied through my teeth. "I naturally had to do some research on my future husband before the wedding."

In my past life, Dominic's erectile dysfunction had been a matter of public record. Vivienne had tried every trick to get his attention without success, so she eventually resorted to sedating him and hiring a private doctor, whose diagnosis confirmed the condition.

Dominic had flown into a rage upon waking. He had covered up all news of the incident and had Vivienne committed to a mental institution.

Dominic's eyes narrowed slightly after hearing what I said.

I could tell what was on his mind. He was probably wondering why I still chose him over Julian despite knowing all of this.

It turned out that Dominic was more rational than I anticipated. I provided him with a prescription, and should the medication prove effective, the agreed-upon cost was his attendance at a visit to Mom and Dad's home in three days.

…

It was finally the day for the customary post-wedding visit. I waited outside for Dominic, but he was nowhere to be seen. After thinking it over for a moment, I eventually got into the car myself and returned home.

I had barely stepped through the door when Vivienne, pointing at the room piled with gifts, said in a sweet voice, "Julian and I picked out this watch for you, Dad, and this sapphire necklace is for Mom."

Mom and Dad were pleased with Vivienne's attentiveness. They kept smiling and saying, "You're so thoughtful, Vivienne—unlike Isabella!"

Noticing that I had arrived empty-handed, Vivienne asked sharply, "Did your husband make you come alone, Isabella?"

I smiled faintly and retorted, "Your husband isn't with you, either, Vivienne."

Vivienne pouted and showed off her huge diamond ring. "Julian serves as the famiglia's second-in-command and is understandably occupied. Dominic, on the other hand, merely holds minority shares without any executive authority.

"Julian will become the future Don once I give birth to the Romano famiglia's first grandson. You're going to end up with nothing, Isabella!"

As Vivienne lifted her hand, I caught sight of a purple bruise showing beneath her sleeve.

Julian had always been very concerned with his reputation. In my past life, he was handicapped and possessed a moody, peculiar temperament. He beat me viciously every single night with whatever was at hand.

I had tolerated his abuse for a long time, and it was only after his leg injury got better did the abuse stopped.

Watching Vivienne's delight as she envisioned her future, I knew she wouldn't listen to a word of reason. I didn't bother saying anything; I just walked by her and went to the bathroom.

Vivienne, noting my continued indifference, followed me hastily. "Your husband is impotent. You'll never get pregnant, Isabella! Julian might be crippled now, but he'll be walking within a year, and I'll be the one having a baby. You'll be nothing compared to me!"

"You should moderate your expectations regarding Julian," I said. "You should also get away from him while you still can. Otherwise, you'd end up dead, Vivienne."

Vivienne's expression turned grim after noticing that I didn't praise her or pay attention to her boasting. I had even tried to advise her.

She tossed the red wine toward me, but her high heels made her lose her balance, and she tumbled to the ground instead.

She cried out in pain, which drew Mom and Dad's attention. Instantly, she feigned being the victim, as always, and blamed me for everything.

"Isabella tried to hurt me, Dad! She said she wanted to make me barren so that I'd never be able to bear the first grandson for the Romano famiglia! She's out to get me, Mom!"

I was prepared to defend myself.

Dad glared furiously at me after hearing Vivienne's accusations and raised his hand to hit me. "You didn't even bring your husband over or a single gift, and now you even dare to bully Vivienne! You're so selfish and thoughtless—"

He didn't even get to finish his threat as someone stepped forward to shield me. "Who says I didn't show up?"

Dominic's voice carried a chilling authority, instantly silencing everyone in the living room. He stood in front of me like a sturdy wall, one hand resting on my shoulder. His touch was firm but gentle, and it gave me peace of mind.

"I accompanied Isabella here," he said evenly. "I was simply late because I had to handle something on the way."

He then stepped to the side and signaled for his assistant, who came in carrying several exquisite gift boxes. He placed them on the coffee table and opened them, revealing a luxury custom crocodile leather watch of superior quality. It was several times more luxurious than the one Vivienne had given.

There was also a rare pink diamond necklace. It sparkled brilliantly, immediately making Vivienne's sapphire necklace look dull by comparison.

Upon seeing the gifts, Mom and Dad's expressions eased slightly.

Vivienne stared in disbelief before she yelled shrilly, "How can this be! You don't even have any authority in the Romano famiglia! How could you possibly afford all this!"

Dominic flashed her a faint, mocking smile. "It seems you still don't quite understand the extent of the Romano famiglia's reach, Ms. Vivienne."

I slightly tugged at Dominic's sleeve and whispered, "Just let it go. Don't waste your breath on Vivienne."

Dominic looked at me with an expression that shifted instantly to one of tenderness. He patted my hand gently and said, "Don't worry. I'm here with you."

Then, he redirected his chilling gaze toward Vivienne and said, "Watch what you say from now on and stop slandering my wife."

Vivienne flinched in fright and hid behind Mom.

"Those gifts are for you, Mom and Dad," Dominic said coldly, but his gaze softened as he looked at me. His expression was of profound affection as he continued, "Isabella deserves only the best, so I've prepared a special gift just for her."

Mom and Dad's expressions shifted rapidly, as their previously vehement accusations were abruptly silenced.

Vivienne, shaking with fury, gripped the diamond ring in her hand, her nails biting into her palm. "How could you give her something so extravagant, Dominic? She's merely—"

"Isabella is my wife," Dominic cut her off in a chilling tone, speaking with absolute resolve. "She has a gentle nature and a kind heart—nothing like the monster you're trying to make her out to be. If you continue to slander her again, Ms. Vivienne, you'll have to face the consequences."

I froze for a moment and looked at Dominic. I never thought he would stand up for me, even doing it openly before Mom, Dad, and Vivienne.

Vivienne was at a total loss for words. She stood there with her mouth open, unable to fight back. She could only glare at me with a look of pure, unadulterated hatred.

I caught the bewilderment flickering in her eyes and instantly knew what baffled her.

In her past life, Dominic had never stood up for her, nor had he ever returned home with her. She couldn't understand why things were turning out differently this time.

Upon seeing the situation, Mom and Dad forced an awkward smile and tried to ease the tension. "You're truly thoughtful, Dominic. You should have a seat."

Dominic didn't move. He just gripped my hand tight as a silent declaration of his stance. He reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, acting very close to me. "If anyone dares to bully my wife, they are picking a fight with me—that includes her parents."

I looked up and met his gaze. His usual arrogance and teasing were gone, leaving only a look of sincerity that made my heart flutter for no reason.

Vivienne stood to the side, watching our intimate exchange with such indignation that her features became distorted.

She refrained from her typical outbursts, knowing the Romano famiglia's strict discipline. With Dominic backing me, I was no longer an easy target.

She stomped her foot and muttered, "It's not even that big of a deal."