He only shrugged like I was overreacting. “If you refuse to deal with it, then fine,” he replied. “But make sure the girls get paid tonight. Accounting needs everything documented.”
My hands curled into fists. “So now I’m supposed to fund your affairs?”
“You’re my wife,” he said casually, almost bored. “Handle it. That’s what you do.”
That was the moment something inside me stopped breaking… and started hardening.
I picked up the packet, shoved it into my bag, and went to work the next day like nothing had happened. I signed the transfer papers he pushed in front of me without even reading them. My signature stayed steady.
Because I learned quickly—I couldn’t fight him yet.
Not openly.
So I played the role he wanted. I managed his mess, paid for his nights, smiled when I had to. All the while, I collected everything I could—documents, investor connections, leverage. Let him think I was obedient. Let him think I was still his.
But inside, I was already planning my exit.
I was going to leave.
And I was going to take everything he depended on with me.
When I told my father, I expected anger or at least understanding. Instead, his expression turned cold, almost disappointed.
“It’s your responsibility to keep your husband in line,” he said sharply. “Divorce is out of the question. Not now. The alliance matters too much.”
My chest tightened. “You want me to stay with him after everything he’s done? He literally sold me—”
“You know what’s at stake,” he interrupted. “Sometimes you don’t get to choose what’s right for you.”
I left before I broke down completely.
The only place I could go was Bianca’s house.
She opened the door without hesitation and pulled me inside the moment she saw my face. No questions. Just silence and her arms around me until my shaking slowed.
“Bianca…” My voice cracked before I could finish.
She guided me to the couch. Mason, her little boy, clung to her skirt before walking over and placing his tiny hand on my knee.
“Auntie Aria?” he asked softly.
“I’m okay, sweetheart,” I lied, even though my voice betrayed me.
Bianca had been with me through everything—college nights, arguments with my father, even the early days of my marriage when I still thought Matteo and I could fix things. Over time, she became more like family than a friend. I loved Mason like my own child, especially after his father left them behind.
She gently wiped my tears. “Tell me what happened.”