I let out a laugh, but it tasted bitter on my tongue. "What if you betray me, Marcello?"

"If I ever betray you, may God strike me where I stand."

The vow was bold. Cruel, almost. Because I already knew the truth. His skin reeked of another woman's perfume after nights he spent away from me. He could touch them, claim them, and still whisper these words as if he meant them.

"Are you really not afraid that promise might come true?"

"Not at all. No one in this world knows how deep my love runs for you. If you don't believe me, I'll open my chest and show you my heart. If that still doesn't convince you, Arianna… I'll give you my life."

I thought to myself, If you're so willing to give me your life, why can't you control your desire?

Before I could say more, a voice cut in from the doorway.

"What are the two of you doing here?"

We both turned. Serafina stood there, draped in a red dress that clung to her curves, leaning casually against the frame.

I felt Marcello stiffen beside me. His brows pulled together. "It's not the weekend. Why are you dressed like that? Where are you going?"

It wasn't the voice of a brother-in-law. It was sharper, tinged with something that sounded far too much like jealousy.

Serafina noticed. She smiled, slow and deliberate. "Family business function tonight. I'll find myself a boyfriend there, so don't wait up."

Marcello's expression darkened, but Serafina only grinned wider before turning her eyes to me. "What about you, Arianna? Any plans for today?"

Marcello didn't let me answer. His fingers slid through mine. "Arianna and I are heading to the Castellano estate."

Serafina's eyes sparkled with something I couldn't name. She gave a polite little nod, said goodbye, and walked out, leaving behind the faint scent of her perfume.

And Marcello… Marcello still hadn't let go of my hand.

Half an hour later, Marcello was behind the wheel, driving me back to the Castellano compound.

I hated going there. His parents had never warmed to me. Only the old Don, Don Enzo, ever had. To Carlo and Giovanna Castellano, I was a curse. I had given birth to a daughter when all they wanted was a son to carry the bloodline, and when she died, their hatred for me grew sharper, venomous. Every visit, their eyes cut me down like knives, as if I had stolen their heir with my own hands.