At almost midnight, I returned to Milan. The long business trip had left my body heavy as lead, and as soon as I stepped into the atrium of our luxurious villa near Lake Como, all I wanted was to go to my room and sink into bed. This house had once been my pride. It was a wedding gift from my parents, a place where I had lived for the past five years with my husband and his parents.
But today, looking at the familiar wooden front door with its carved floral motifs, I felt no warmth. The living room light was still on, but its yellowish glow seemed strangely cold and sent a shiver down my spine. I moved cautiously, trying not to wake anyone. The key turned smoothly in the lock and the door opened.
Inside, everything was as immaculate as ever, but the usual sense of welcome seemed gone. As I entered, a foreboding feeling I couldn’t put into words took root inside me. I didn’t see my husband, didn’t hear his laugh. Exhaustion hit me with full force, I slipped off my heels and went up the stairs.
In the bedroom, I barely managed to put on my pajamas. Lately, I had been completely swamped with work, handling a construction project in Lombardy and various internal matters of Solarius Spa. My head felt like a rubber band stretched to its limit. I told myself I just had to lie down on the soft bed, push all thoughts away, and sleep.
But as soon as I fell asleep, a tormenting thirst woke me. The clock on the nightstand showed 2:00 in the morning. In the silent darkness, dazed, I got up to get a glass of water downstairs. When I stepped into the hallway, I saw a thin beam of light coming from under the door of my parents-in-law’s room at the end of the corridor.
They usually went to bed early because today they were awake until late. An unpleasant feeling made me cautious. Instinctively, I slowly moved in their direction. My heart pounded, even the sound of my bare feet on the wooden floor seemed deafening.
I leaned against the wall and listened to understand what was happening inside. At first, I heard only a low whisper I couldn’t decipher. A moment later, my mother-in-law Gabriella Ricci’s voice became quite clear. “The fact that she’s so often on business trips is our chance.
We need to hurry and have Giulia moved here. I’m worried about the baby she’s carrying. After all, we’re talking about the heir of our Ricci family. ”
Giulia was the woman my mother-in-law had introduced to me some time ago as my husband’s distant cousin.
Supposedly, she was looking for work in Milan. What did she have to do with all this? The moment that thought crossed my mind, I heard a deeper voice. It was unmistakably my husband, Marco Ricci.
“I’ve thought everything through,” he said. “Tell Giulia to bring her things to the ground floor room for now, before Elena returns. I’ll deal with Elena later. The problem is the assets.
Mom, Dad, you know this villa is in Elena’s name and she shows no intention of transferring it to me. If we don’t resolve this soon, everything could fall apart. ”
My father-in-law’s mocking voice cut in. “It’s a stroke of luck that girl is so naive, working day and night for the company.
Don’t you think so, Marco? You must seize the opportunity and practically make her live at the office. We three will take care of Giulia, she’ll give us a grandson, and then we’ll find a way to get rid of Elena. A small severance package will be enough.
The most important thing is that you absolutely secure half of the shares of Solarius Spa. Understood? ”
I was frozen on the spot. It was as if a bomb had exploded in my head.
A cold pain ran down my spine. What scheme were my in-laws plotting? Under the guise of a distant cousin, they wanted to bring his mistress into the house, have her give birth to a child, and then rob me of everything I owned. I must have heard wrong, my heart raced wildly, and my hands clenched into fists.
If someone else had told me this, I would never have believed it, but I had heard it with my own ears. Just a few steps away, every single word struck me like a dagger, piercing the trust and pride I had built over the past five years. Giulia Gallo, that name filled me with disgust. I remembered our first meeting.
She was sitting on the sofa, huddled in an old-fashioned dress, and had explained she would stay with us temporarily because she hadn’t found work in Milan yet. I hadn’t harbored any suspicion; on the contrary, I had pitied her and even offered to come to me anytime if she needed help. But now it turned out she was pregnant with my husband’s child and was brazenly preparing to take my place as the lady of the house. Soon after, while my father-in-law was silent, Gabriella lowered her voice.
“Be quiet, in case she hears us. We must be patient and wait. If only Giulia gives us an heir, we can secure the future of our name. It will be a blessing for the family.
As for the rest, we’ll pressure Elena to sign the property transfer. What does that naive girl know? ”
My heart squeezed shut, and my mouth was as dry as dust. The image of the harmonious family I had so firmly believed in shattered into a thousand pieces.
They were truly great actors. Outwardly, they always showed themselves as loving, caring in-laws, but behind my back, they treated me like a fool to be discarded once I had served my purpose. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I swore not to shed a single one. I couldn’t cry.
It wasn’t time to cry yet. Just then, I heard the rustle of slippers and the sound of someone about to open the door. In a panic, I quickly hid in a niche in the hallway and held my breath. Fortunately, the door wasn’t opened fully.
The person inside murmured a few words and then resumed the conversation in a low voice. Cold sweat ran down my back. I stayed hidden for a while and only when I was sure everything was silent again did I sneak back to my room. I had completely forgotten my thirst.
There was no room in my head for anything but the cruel truth I had just heard. The man I trusted and chose with all my heart was preparing, together with his parents, to bring his mistress into the house. Their ultimate goal was a male child and my money. I collapsed on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
The tender gestures he had shown me, the words he whispered in my ear every morning while hugging me, “Sweetheart, don’t work too hard. ” It had all been perfect hypocrisy. When I was away for the company day and night, he said he stayed home working late on corporate plans in his study. Thinking about it now, he had certainly planned this scheme in secret, like a venomous snake waiting only for the moment of my greatest carelessness to strike.
From outside, I heard an almost imperceptible sound of footsteps. I quickly turned off the light, pulled the covers over me, and pretended to sleep. The bedroom door opened silently. I felt the hallway light enter the room.
Marco’s breath was right next to me. He stood there for a moment, as if checking whether I was asleep. I held my breath and didn’t move. Finally, I heard him sigh, and the door closed.
My heart twisted. In the past, I would have convinced myself he was worried about me and had come to check, but now I felt only disgust. All his affectionate behavior no longer held any meaning. That night, I couldn’t sleep, lying there like a corpse until dawn.
My head was full of the faces of my in-laws, my husband, and Giulia Gallo. I remembered how Giulia had suddenly disappeared after dinner a few months ago. When I asked, Gabriella had made an excuse that she had gone to visit relatives in the countryside. Apparently, pregnant, she was preparing for an even bigger plan, and this whole conspiracy wasn’t born in a few months.
They had planned it together for a long time. I threw off the covers, got up, and looked out the window. The silence of the night gave way to dawn. I felt like a person just waking from a nightmare, but I knew all too well it was not a nightmare, but harsh reality.
Not a single tear fell; instead, a cold rage rose in my chest. In recent years, I had been nothing but a puppet. From company work to household chores, I had believed my husband was a simple, good man. It had all been a lie.
A spark of determination ignited in me. If they dared to deceive me, I would not let any of them achieve their goal. First, I had to pretend to know nothing and wait for an opportunity to gather evidence. They could dream of throwing me out of this family empty-handed.
After sitting in silence for a moment, I composed myself and checked the time on my phone. It was just before 6:30, they were probably all still sleeping. I dressed quickly and went to the kitchen. The housekeeper, already awake, was preparing breakfast.
I just wanted to eat something quickly and go to work to avoid those three sneaky people. As soon as I entered the kitchen, Gabriella came out of her room and gave me a wide smile. “Elena, you’re already up. ” Hearing her voice, I trembled with rage, but I controlled myself and replied, “Yes, I have an important meeting at the company this morning.
”
She nodded. “Then I’ll tell the housekeeper to warm up some chicken broth for you. At least eat something before you go. ”
Reluctantly, I didn’t want to exchange another word with her.
Seeing her now play the role of the caring mother-in-law after she had plotted with my husband the previous night was truly disgusting. During breakfast, Marco entered the kitchen with a sleepy face. When he saw me, he came over with a beaming smile. “Sweetheart, when did you get back last night?
I waited for you a long time. ”
I put down my spoon and answered calmly. “It was very late, I didn’t want to wake you. ” He laughed awkwardly, sat down next to me, and acted affectionately.
“You have a lot to do today too, do you want me to drive you to the office? ” I almost rolled my eyes. The image of him and Giulia embracing tenderly appeared in my mind, and I felt nauseous. I shook my head and stood up.
“No, thanks, I have my car. Don’t worry. ” I forced myself to keep a neutral expression to avoid arousing suspicion. The thought that the whole family was complicit in bringing his mistress into the house to give birth to a child made my hair stand on end.
As I headed for the front door, Gabriella called out to me. “You eat so little, don’t starve yourself. As a woman, it’s important to take care of your body. ” I turned and smiled weakly.
“Thanks, Mom, but I really have to go to the office urgently. ” When I saw her and my husband exchange a conspiratorial glance, I could have vomited on the spot. They probably thought I was still the naive one who suspected nothing of their terrible scheme. Let them laugh all they wanted.
We’ll see who laughs last. As soon as I got in the car, I called my secretary and ordered her to gather Marco’s entire schedule for the past few months and report to me. The secretary was surprised but followed my instructions. I added, “Also contact the legal department and tell them there will be an internal meeting this afternoon.
Absolutely no information must leak outside. ” Even though I didn’t have concrete evidence yet, I had to act quickly with countermeasures. Solarius Spa was the life’s work of my father. I absolutely could not leave it in the hands of scoundrels, and on top of that, they were trying to kick me out of my own home.
That afternoon, I didn’t call home even once. In the past, when I was tired from a business trip, I would have complained to my husband or mother-in-law, begging for a little attention. Thinking back, it had all been a farce. Instead of suffering, I focused on work and set aside my personal feelings.
The faster I took care of company matters, the more time I’d have to find a way out of that rotten marriage. With that thought, I immersed myself in a pile of documents and checked the recent financial reports. Suddenly, I wondered how much money Marco had siphoned from the branch’s cash register. I worked non-stop all afternoon.
My secretary was already worried about my health. Around 6 PM, she said cautiously, “Mrs. Conti, you should take a break, have dinner, and then continue working. ” I nodded, the thought that at home they were probably joyfully preparing to welcome Giulia turned my stomach.
Finally, I got up, closed my laptop, and asked my secretary to book a table at a restaurant. I wanted to spend the night at a hotel and avoid going home early. At 8 PM, my phone rang. It was Marco.
With an overly tender voice, he asked, “Are you done with work? Aren’t you coming home? ” I played the part of the exhausted woman. “I have to meet a business partner.
It’ll be late, eat without me. ” From the other end of the line, his voice sounded sweet as honey. “Got it, sweetheart? Take care of yourself!
Don’t work too hard, you mustn’t get sick. ” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. What a great actor. By day he plotted to rob me of my assets, and by night he pretended to worry about his loving wife.
He was truly incorrigible. I hung up silently and looked out the restaurant window at Milan’s glittering night view. The habits of a woman who had devoted herself to her family gradually faded, replaced by a vigilant awareness. I finished my meal in silence, booked a hotel not far from the office, and took a room.
I decided to turn off my phone and go to bed early. Never before had that room, where I was alone, felt so safe, even with no warmth. The long night passed, but my heart remained heavy. Early in the morning, I checked my messages and saw several familiar messages from my husband.
“Have you had breakfast? Don’t overdo it today. I miss you. ” It was truly ridiculous.
He was probably sending the same messages to Giulia. I didn’t reply. I knew all too well what was hidden behind those sweet words. I swore to myself that this two-faced game would end soon.
I would show his whole family that I was not so easy to fool as they thought. But first, I had to stay calm, absolutely not show my anger. If I hadn’t overheard their conversation that night, I would still be living in the shell of a false love. Life was truly ironic.
Inside me, I had already found an answer for the future. I would divorce with determination and expose their plot. I just had to prepare thoroughly, so that no one could throw me out of my home without a cent, and they would pay for their actions. At that thought, a slight smile curled my lips.
Even though I had been betrayed, I would not collapse; on the contrary, I would become their nightmare. I arrived at Solarius Spa earlier than usual. As soon as my secretary saw me, she handed me a pile of papers and said with a worried look, “Mrs. Conti, as requested, I’ve compiled Mr.
Ricci’s schedule. Please review it. ” I took the documents, thanked her, and went into my office. I locked the door.
I flipped through page by page, reading the exact times and places carefully. The more I saw, the colder my heart became. He was often absent from the branch, and these times coincided exactly with my business trips out of town. His most frequent destination was a small apartment in the Porta Romana area.
I didn’t need to guess to know that was where he met Giulia. I stared at the account statements. I discovered that recently, under the pretext of maintenance costs, he had withdrawn a large sum of money from the branch, but there were no receipts to justify the actual expenses. He had clearly used company money to support his mistress.
This shamelessness exceeded my patience, but I urged myself to stay calm. It was not yet time to reveal my cards. I took a deep breath and ordered my secretary to slowly withdraw funds from the branch managed by Marco, but in a way that he absolutely wouldn’t notice. That he had betrayed me was one thing, but touching our family’s money was absolutely unacceptable.
At 10:00, after handling some emails, the phone rang. It was my husband’s number. I wanted to refuse the call, but then I thought I had to act normally and answered. His cheerful voice rang out: “Sweetheart, come home tonight.
I want to cook you some chicken broth. ” In the past, that would have moved me, but now it just tasted of hypocrisy. I replied with a still sweet voice. “I can probably come.
I have to see how things go with work. ” He said, “Okay, definitely come, I’ll be waiting for you. ” After hanging up, I laughed scornfully. Waiting for me, or waiting for Giulia.
After work, I left the office, but I didn’t go straight home. I drove to an old apartment I had bought a long time ago with my savings. It was also located in the Porta Romana area. At the time, I had naively believed his words.
“We should rent it at a low price to poor students. ” Now I realized he was shamelessly using it as a love nest for the two of them. Once there, I parked in a hidden spot and waited patiently. Around 7 PM, Marco’s car appeared.
Giulia was in the passenger seat with a clearly visible baby bump. He personally opened the door for her and helped her out with a tender look. At that sight, I almost bit my lip. His sweet words, “Sweetheart, come home early,” were just an act, while he was having fun with another woman.
I silently watched the two enter the building. I waited about 15 minutes to be sure they were definitely in the apartment before leaving. When I arrived at the villa, it was already 8:30 PM. The living room light was still on, and my mother-in-law was watching TV.
A considerable amount of food was set on the dining table. She smiled at me warmly. “Back from work, go freshen up and have something to eat. The housekeeper cooked many good things.
” Her face reminded me of her voice from the other day, when she said we should throw the girl out empty-handed and proudly welcome Giulia. Now she was still perfectly playing the role of the caring mother-in-law. I pretended nothing had happened and said, “Yes, I’ll just go change. ”
Passing through the kitchen, I saw Marco warming soup in a pot.
He called out enthusiastically, “You’re here? This chicken broth is really delicious. Wait a moment, I’ll ladle you some right away. ” I took off my coat and sat down on a chair.
The aroma of food filled the air. Normally, I would have been hungry, but I was so nauseous I didn’t want to eat anything. He sat excitedly next to me, shredded the meat, and poured me more soup, taking care of me in every way. I only ate a few spoonfuls, more out of courtesy than hunger.
The memory of how tenderly he had treated Giulia just moments before made disgust rise in me, and I almost vomited. My mother-in-law, sitting next to me, stared at me and said, “You’ve become so thin lately. No matter how busy you are, you must take care of your health. How about taking a break for a while and leaving the company to your husband?
” At those words, I almost burst out laughing. My daughter, Mia, who was 2 years old, had been looked down upon by them as a granddaughter, not considered good enough. So they wanted another grandson from outside and proudly welcome him. The dinner took place in a hypocritical atmosphere.
Although there were three of us at the table, I wanted to get up immediately. As soon as the meal was over, I excused myself, saying I had a headache and would rest early. I knew better than anyone how terrible the situation would become if I didn’t act first. Lying in bed, I heard Marco playing with his phone.
He was probably texting Giulia. His restless behavior disgusted me even more. In the past, I had wanted a man who would take care of me and protect me. Apparently, it had all been a false performance.
A moment later, he came over and tapped my shoulder. “What time do you have to go to work tomorrow? I’ll drive you. ” I yawned widely, pretending to be tired.
“No, thanks. I have a meeting at 7:00 tomorrow. You surely have a lot to do too. ” He laughed awkwardly.
“I’m just doing it for you. ”
Just then, his phone vibrated in his pocket. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the name Giulia light up on the screen. He immediately silenced the vibration and stepped out onto the balcony.
His hasty behavior confirmed to me even more that they were planning to bring her into this house. I curled my lips into a mocking smile. I pretended to sleep until he returned from the phone call, asking nothing. He looked at me for a moment, sighed, and turned off the light.
The room fell into darkness, but in my heart there was no longer even a spark of light. The next morning, I deliberately got up early, packed some clothes and important documents, and secretly took them to the car. I contacted my secretary and asked her to book a hotel where I could stay temporarily. I no longer wanted to meet those three people.
When I got to the office, I learned that Marco had asked if I was going on a business trip again. I smiled sarcastically and told my secretary to reply that I was away for a few days. That was it. He didn’t have to worry about me coming home all of a sudden, so he could easily bring his mistress over, but I couldn’t let them do it so easily.
I hired someone to photographically document all the evidence. As expected, that very afternoon, one of the security men I had hired reported, “Mr. Ricci entered the villa with his car, accompanied by a pregnant woman. ” My heart tightened, but I smiled.
“So, it’s started very well. ” I would let them play until they left enough evidence. I called my private lawyer and asked him to prepare the documents, including the prenuptial agreement. I remembered the day before the wedding when my father had insisted on a separate property agreement.
Marco signed quickly, saying, “I don’t need money. Your love is all I need. ” Thinking about it now, it was just a cheap performance. I hung up and sat silently in the empty meeting room.
The image of Marco treating Giulia tenderly appeared in my mind, and I barely managed to hold back my anger, but the thought that soon, by my hand, he would be kicked out of the house and the company calmed me. With a man like that, tenderness was useless. I had to strike directly at his weak point: money. Without money, he couldn’t support his mistress.
That night, I stayed at the hotel. As I was getting ready for bed, he called. Reluctantly, I answered, and his hypocritical voice rang out. “Have you eaten?
I’ve made some soup for you. Come home and eat with me. ” I lied. “I’m out of town.
There was a sudden problem with the project. I’ll probably have to stay a few more days. ” His voice immediately sounded disappointed. “Why so suddenly?
You should have told me earlier. ” I laughed coldly. “I’m sorry, I had no choice because of work. ” I hung up and threw the phone aside.
Hypocrite, you’re afraid I’ll come home all of a sudden and run into your mistress, aren’t you? The next morning, when I woke up, I received a report that my mother-in-law had stayed in the villa all night taking care of Giulia, from food to clothes. They had certainly treated the precious pregnant woman like a queen, all for the sake of having a firstborn male. Let them.
I didn’t care. I didn’t want to meet them. I was afraid I couldn’t control my emotions and would explode. For a week, I threw myself only into work.
When I returned to Milan, I received news from the security men that Giulia had completely moved into the ground floor bedroom. My face darkened, but I suppressed everything. Everything was going according to my plan. Marco had no suspicion that I was the sole owner of the villa.
If I wanted, I could put them all out on the street. Late at night, I decided to return to the villa to quietly retrieve my valuables. I told my secretary to transfer the valuables, especially the documents related to the real estate, to another safe. No one would touch a Euro of them.
But before I even entered the house, the front door opened and Marco ran out. “Sweetheart, you’re finally here. I missed you. ” Without a particular expression, I nodded and entered.
I immediately saw Giulia sitting on the sofa. Her belly was round, her face radiant. Next to her sat my mother-in-law. When she saw me, she lowered her gaze, frightened.
My mother-in-law immediately said, “Oh, Giulia wasn’t feeling well, so I told her to stay here for a few days. That’s okay, right? ” I stared at her to see how far they would carry their act. Finally, I shrugged and replied briefly, “I don’t care who has to stay, they stay.
” My cold answer seemed to stun the three of them for a moment. They probably expected me to throw a scene, but I was unexpectedly calm. Good, the deeper they waded into their deception, the more miserable they would be when I turned the tables. That night, lying in the same bed as Marco, I clearly heard Giulia’s giggles from downstairs.
She was sure she would soon become the lady of this house. My husband pressed close to me and tried to appease me with all sorts of sweet words. I stayed silent, waiting for the day of the explosion. I had returned to that villa as a stranger.
On paper, I was still the legitimate wife. In the past, I had believed this family was warm. My mother-in-law was simple, my husband was good. The more I thought about it, the more foolish I felt.
Now, they probably saw me as a scarecrow, even though everything, from the assets of this house to the luxurious lifestyle, had been provided by me. When I opened the door and entered, my gaze immediately fell on Giulia, sitting next to Gabriella, who was speaking softly to her. When she saw me, Giulia stood up, lowered her head, and whispered, “Elena, you’re back from work. ” Hearing those two words, “Elena,” I laughed sarcastically inside.
At our first meeting, she had shyly introduced herself as Marco’s distant cousin. She said she came to Milan occasionally and had difficulties. I thought sisters-in-law were also family and I should help where I could. I never thought they would use my outstretched hand to climb over my head.
I said to Gabriella, “I’m going to my room to rest. ” My mother-in-law forced a natural smile and said, “Yes, rest well, I’ll tell the housekeeper to prepare some ginger tea for you. ” I shook my head and went up the stairs. Her behavior today was calmer than usual.
She was probably afraid her daughter-in-law would make a scene. Behind that cordiality hid distrust. I knew they were wondering, “Does Elena know something? ” I entered my room, closed the door, and fell onto the bed.
Outside, I still heard whispers and occasionally Marco’s voice intervened. He was surely reassuring Giulia or discussing something with his parents. I knew they had to stage all sorts of shows to bring her into this house, but I wasn’t stupid enough to rush to end the game. As long as I remained calm, I could trap all three of them with a single blow.
My phone rang. It was a message from my secretary, “Mrs. Conti. I’ve just checked the income and expense report of the commercial branch and found another large cash transaction of unknown origin.
” I smiled weakly. Quietly withdrawing funds was my strategy, but if Marco had stolen more money, I’d let him. The greater the greed, the more painful the fall. I replied to leave things as they were and inform no one.
After hanging up, Marco’s sneaky face reappeared in my thoughts. What he was doing now showed that either he no longer had anything to fear or he had become too confident thanks to his parents’ support. I sat on the bed and looked out the window. The sky was overcast, as if it were about to rain.
The door opened slightly and Marco entered. He hesitated for a moment, then said, “Are you tired? Come down for dinner. Today I cooked your favorite dish, zucchini and shrimp soup.
” I looked at him. I remembered him accompanying Giulia to the gynecologist that afternoon. The thought turned my stomach, but outwardly I remained calm. “Okay, I’ll be right down.
” As long as I stayed calm, I could trap all three of them with a single blow. Giulia was sitting at the table. Her belly was clearly visible, and she was pretending to be shy. “I’m sorry to be such a burden on you, sister and brother, but Aunt insisted I stay.
” Gabriella scolded her with an affectionate tone. “What are you saying? We’re family, make yourself at home. You have to take care of my little grandson.
It’s no joke. ” At the word “grandson,” the bite of food got stuck in my throat. They firmly believed this child was Marco’s son and planned to kick me out in the end and welcome the child. If I ate another bite, I would vomit everything onto the table.
I put down my cutlery and said quickly, “I’m done. I’m going to my room. ” Without waiting for a reaction, I stood up decisively and left the room, leaving my mother-in-law’s flattering words behind me. Back in my room, I couldn’t sleep.
Around 9 PM, I heard my mother-in-law’s cheerful voice from downstairs. She was probably happily arranging Giulia’s room. My phone rang; it was my father-in-law’s number. I frowned slightly.
He almost never called me directly, only exchanging a few words when we met. What did he want at this hour? I answered. His voice rang out.
“Elena, when did you arrive? I had a commitment out of town and just got back. If you have time tomorrow, let’s meet with Marco. We need to talk about expanding a new business sector for Marco’s branch.
” So, he had just arrived in Milan. He probably wanted to siphon off more money. I took a deep breath and replied, “I’ll check my schedule and let you know, Dad. ” He laughed loudly.
“Yes, we must discuss this soon. A good project shouldn’t be missed. ” After hanging up, I muttered. “A false project to siphon money.
Keep dreaming. ” Obviously, this whole family saw me as a walking ATM. No wonder. My parents had always spoiled their daughter so much that they willingly supported their son-in-law.
Only when I presented the separate property agreement would they come to their senses. I suppressed my anger and decided to wait a little longer. This matter was getting more and more interesting. The next morning, I got up early and went to the kitchen.
Gabriella was preparing breakfast for Giulia. Instead of making a cold face, I greeted politely, “Mom, I have to go to work. ” “Yes, I’ve prepared some oat porridge, at least eat a little before you go. ” She seemed a little surprised that I spoke to her, but my sweet voice seemed to reassure her.
“I’ve left a portion for Giulia too. ” Seeing her so busy, I thought that in the future she would do even more for the pregnant woman. I briefly took the cutlery, then got up and left indifferently with my bag. At the office, I received a message from a colleague.
He knew that Giulia Gallo wasn’t actually a distant relative at all. Reading the message, I tried to hide my surprise. When I called him back, he told me he had learned from her hometown that Giulia and Gabriella were not distant relatives, but only acquaintances. She had come to Milan for unclear reasons.
Hearing this, I felt even more uneasy. So this mistress had been brought into our house from the beginning with an invented scenario. With time, my anger grew deeper and deeper. That afternoon, an internal meeting was held at Solarius Spa.
I was busy resolving problems with the project in Lombardy. Despite the stress, I kept an eye on the legal department and secretly prepared to sue my husband for adultery, if necessary. My secretary reported the entire list of Marco’s anomalous transactions. The amount was enough to put him on the street.
I smiled coldly. I had another ace up my sleeve. If he thought I was as generous as before, let him keep dreaming. In the evening, after work, I stopped at the supermarket to do some shopping.
In my mind, everything revolved around Giulia and my mother-in-law. When I arrived at the villa, I saw Marco from outside accompanying his father to the door. Mr. Ricci seemed very satisfied with the plan they had devised.
As I silently opened the gate, they had just finished their conversation. He said cheerfully, “Elena, if you have time tomorrow, let’s talk with Marco about an investment expansion. A neighbor in the countryside has a piece of land we could buy cheaply and turn into a resort. ” I didn’t answer, just hummed.
Marco cut in. “Dad is right. If we buy the land, we can build some villas and rent them out. It would be profitable.
” I smiled. “Yes, let’s talk about it tomorrow. ” As I hurried into the house, I heard his satisfied laugh behind me. What land was so good that he had heard about it?
Probably just another trick to extort money from me. When I entered the living room, Giulia was sitting on a chair with her hands on her belly. Gabriella was wiping sweat from her forehead. When she saw me, she exclaimed, “Oh, thank goodness you’re here.
Giulia just had some abdominal pain, I don’t know if they’re premature contractions. ” Hearing this, I stood frozen. I hated them, but I wasn’t so ruthless as to ignore a person in distress. It would take time to call an ambulance.
I said, “Where’s Marco? We have to take her to the hospital immediately. ” My mother-in-law answered in a panic. “He went out with his father and hasn’t returned yet.
I’ll support Giulia. Please drive. ” I cursed inside. What a fate.
But I couldn’t just stand there. In the end, I helped Gabriella support Giulia, put her in the car, and drove straight to the gynecology department. Giulia’s face was pale, she moaned occasionally in pain, and was soaked in sweat. During the drive, I glanced at her briefly in the rearview mirror.
My feelings were complete chaos. Is this child really my husband’s? I shook my head to chase away all thoughts and focused on getting her to the hospital. At the hospital entrance, nurses quickly brought a wheelchair and pushed her to the emergency room.
My mother-in-law followed hastily. When I entered after parking, Gabriella was standing, restless, in front of the emergency room door. She grabbed my hand tightly and said in a panic, “Elena, call Marco immediately. I’m so worried.
” I had to make an effort not to laugh. My mother-in-law asked with a blank look, “Did you call? ” I nodded and turned away, probably because of my cold gaze. She didn’t dare speak to me again.
At that moment, I was so tired I didn’t even want to act anymore, even though I despised her. This situation put me in an awkward position. I sat on a chair and waited dazed, watching the people coming. After about 20 minutes, Marco came running, out of breath.
He smelled slightly of alcohol. When he saw me, he stopped for a moment, then rushed to his mother and grabbed her shoulder. “Mom, how is Giulia? Is she okay?
” Gabriella began to sob. “She has terrible abdominal pain. I don’t know if we can save the baby. Go inside immediately.
” He immediately called a doctor he knew. Everything suddenly became chaotic. I watched the scene from outside and felt like a stranger. Yes.
That child was the much-awaited firstborn son of the Ricci family, and I was just the driver who had brought them to the emergency room. That scene was like a slap in the face, but at the same time it made me even colder. Whoever had once chosen betrayal didn’t deserve any pity. After about 10 minutes, a doctor came out and said, “Giulia is having contractions, but labor isn’t imminent, and we need to monitor the situation.
” Gabriella and Marco sighed with relief. I silently turned away and called my driver to pick me up. I didn’t want to stay in that hospital a second longer. My mother-in-law was busy talking to her son and paid no attention to me.
Before leaving the hospital, my eyes met Marco’s. His gaze was a mixture of gratitude and fear. He moved his lips. “Sweetheart.
Thanks. Thanks for bringing your mistress to the hospital,” I thought sarcastically and continued walking without a word. If he considered this a favor, the day of reckoning would surely come. On the way back, as I watched cars pass outside the window, my heart grew heavy, but I was no longer as weak as before.
A woman who has been through enough shocks learns to get back up. I silently closed my eyes and thought about my divorce plan. To inflict the maximum pain on them, I needed clear evidence and had to wait for the right moment. As I calmed down, even in my rage-boiling head, I found a certain serenity.
I didn’t go to the villa, but directly to my parents’ house. My parents’ house was in the center of Milan, a 20-minute drive from the office. My parents were traveling abroad, so only some servants were there. When the door opened and I entered, a sense of familiarity and unfamiliarity washed over me at the same time.
After marriage, I had rarely come here. My parents wanted me to be independent, and I also thought that as a married woman, I should follow my husband. Who would have thought I’d return in such a tragicomic situation? I thought it was fortunate my parents were far away; they wouldn’t have to see the endless disappointment their daughter was going through.
After a restful night’s sleep, my head was clearer the next morning. I sat in the living room, drinking tea and looking at the garden. My phone rang incessantly. From my mother-in-law’s messages to Marco’s missed calls, I wasn’t in the mood to answer.
They surely wanted to tell me Giulia was better or push me to return and fulfill my duties as a daughter-in-law. I laughed sarcastically and turned off the ringtone. Truly absurd. I should return and watch them take care of his mistress.
As soon as I got to the office, I canceled all unnecessary appointments. I wanted to thoroughly consult with my lawyer about the divorce. The documents were almost ready. Proof of infidelity, proof of my personal assets.
Once the date for filing the lawsuit was set, they wouldn’t have a chance, but that was easier said than done. Implementation required an even more elaborate plan. I thought of my 2-year-old daughter, Mia, who was with my maternal grandparents. When I gave birth to her, I believed my in-laws would love her deeply, but they looked down on her as a granddaughter and only talked about a firstborn male.
In the end, it was a firstborn male who would manage the assets they wanted. My chest tightened, and anger rose in me. I had a quick lunch, and just then I received a message from Marco. “Sweetheart, come home tonight, I need to talk to you.
” I stared at the screen. It was certainly about Giulia’s hospitalization. I didn’t answer. Better to leave him in suspense.
After work, I met my lawyer to discuss some other details. When I left the office, a light rain was falling. I sat in the car listening to the ticking of rain against the window and the scene from yesterday. Bringing Giulia to the emergency room came back to me.
Really? I acted only out of conscience, because I didn’t want a human life to be in danger. I felt no affection for her. Around 5 PM, a friend who worked at the health authority called.
“I just saw a certain Marco Ricci register a pregnant woman named Giulia Gallo for health insurance. The address is your villa. ” I gripped the phone tighter. My smile disappeared.
They had shamelessly registered Giulia as an official resident of the villa. Apparently, they didn’t even intend to hide it anymore. They would legalize it, and when the child was born, they’d even register him with the registry office. What blatant theater!
I swallowed my anger and said briefly, “Thanks for the info, I knew about it. ”
When the rain stopped, I drove to the villa. When I entered, no one was home; they were probably all at the hospital with Giulia. I put down my bag and looked around.
Everything was in order, but in the ground floor living room there was a crib. They had really prepared thoroughly. I sat on the sofa and touched the crib. The child about to be born was destined to be born with a mysterious identity and the Ricci surname.
But who could be sure who the father of this child really was? The door opened and my mother-in-law entered with a pale face. When she saw me, she stopped for a moment and forced a smile. “You’re here?
I just came from the hospital from Giulia. She’s fine, but we still need to keep her under observation. ” I didn’t answer. She slowly approached me, sat down next to me, and said softly, “Elena, I know you might be upset, but since Giulia is carrying Marco’s child, we can’t kick her out of our family.
I hope you understand. ” These words pierced my heart like a hundred needles. They had officially admitted that Giulia was his mistress. In recent years, I had been nothing but a tool for them to have a firstborn male.
I kept a cold expression. “I have no opinion. Whoever wants to stay, stays. ” My mother-in-law studied me.
“So you’re not angry? I knew you were so magnanimous you wouldn’t worry about these things. It’ll be easier for you too when Giulia is here. ” I said sarcastically.
“You mean I don’t have to have any more children because someone else will do it for me? ” Her face stiffened. “But I mean, your daughter is still small, and you’re busy with the company. It’s tiring.
” I shook my head and stood up. She grabbed my arm. “Marco is about to arrive. Talk calmly later.
I don’t even want fights in the house. ” I shook her hand off and said rigidly, “I have something to do upstairs. ” As I went up the stairs, I heard her sigh and mutter. “A woman has to put aside jealousy to keep her husband.
” What a ridiculous phrase. She wanted to teach me how to keep a traitor. I entered my room, sat at the desk, took out the separation agreement, and read it. I saw the clear handwriting with which Marco had signed before the marriage, that the house and land would not be divided during the marriage.
He’d probably forgotten about it or thought it was worthless. Now it would serve as my support to smile with confidence. Around 7 PM, Marco returned. He was holding a bag with some soup, probably bought for Giulia.
When he saw me in the kitchen, he said, “Have you eaten? I should have brought something for you too. ” I crossed my arms, leaned against the kitchen doorframe, and said coldly, “Never mind. If you have something to say, say it now.
” He hesitated and looked at his mother. Gabriella took the soup bag and pretended to go to the living room to leave us alone. He cleared his throat. “About Giulia, I’m sorry, it just happened because my parents absolutely wanted a male child.
I never meant to leave you. ” Hearing this, I felt nauseous. He justified himself in a low voice. “Understand me, my mother pushes me to continue the bloodline.
Our family is a bit conservative, and Giulia had difficulties. I couldn’t abandon her. ” He kept blaming circumstances and other people. I interrupted him coldly.
“You expect me to share my husband with that woman? ” Marco stammered, embarrassed. “No, not that. I just mean let my mother take care of the grandson, don’t make a scene.
” I narrowed my eyes. “Did you think I would kick her out? I don’t have time for that, do what you want. ” Marco was even more confused by my answer.
Finally, he said, “Please, let’s resolve this quietly so no one knows. I will definitely repay you. ” I walked out of the kitchen without looking back. At the villa gate, I met my father-in-law getting out of the car.
He forced a smile. “Elena, it’s good that you’re home. We have to talk. ” I ignored him and walked away.
I had no mood for their farce. In the car, I took a deep breath. Their expressions were so eager that it looked like they had already planned my exit. Fine, let them think I was weak and easy to deceive.
When I returned to the living room, my mother-in-law was sitting with her head down, pretending to know nothing. I grabbed my bag and decisively left the house. I sat in the car and looked at the clock. It was almost 7:30.
They wanted a male child and to take over this house, let them keep digging their own graves. That night I returned to my parents’ house. I no longer wanted to endure the disgusting smell of that villa. In the following days, I was incredibly busy.
I carried forward the project in Lombardy and at the same time discussed next steps with my lawyer. Meanwhile, I heard that Giulia had been taken to the hospital for premature contractions and that my mother-in-law and Marco had frantically accompanied her. I didn’t care at all, but in the middle of the night, my phone rang. It was Marco’s panicked voice.
“Elena, Giulia is having premature labor, we’re at the hospital. ” I suppressed my anger and laughed bitterly. “Silence, Giulia is already registered here. How can people not know?
What are you dreaming? ”
Marco seemed shocked that I knew even about the change of residence. He backed away and tried to justify himself, but I waved my hand and walked out of the kitchen. I had to keep acting for a little longer.
It wasn’t time to reveal everything yet. The consequences, they would have to pay for themselves. The next morning, I learned from an acquaintance at the hospital that Giulia had given birth to a healthy baby boy, mother and child were doing well. I felt a little pity for the child, but for his parents, not a shred.
The Ricci family was certainly happy to have a firstborn male. Now the only question was how they would prepare to kick me out or ask for a property division. That afternoon, during a meeting with a business partner, I received a message from Marco. “It’s a boy, come see him when you have time.
” I deleted the message and didn’t answer. When I gave birth to my daughter, they didn’t appreciate her, and now I was supposed to play the aunt. Back in the office, I closed the door and took out the divorce documents. I sighed as I looked at them.
A big storm was coming. I had to have everything firmly in hand, so they had no chance to fight back. Most importantly, I had to protect the entire fortune my parents had built with blood and sweat. I bit my lip and told myself, “Don’t become weak for any reason.
Those who cause pain must pay the price. ”
I was sitting in my office. On the desk were the notarized documents of the legal separation and the clearly printed evidence of his infidelity. In recent months, I had endured all sorts of humiliation and seen my in-laws bring the mistress into the house, let her give birth to a child, and now brazenly lead their private lives.
My heart had turned to stone, and I was just waiting for the day the curtain would fall. In fact, I had already quietly filed for divorce, and my lawyer and I had set a court meeting for the final decision. Today, the court informed me that the first conciliation hearing would be held in a few days. At noon, as I was arranging the last documents, my phone rang.
It was Marco. His tired voice rang out. “Have you had lunch? Wait a moment, I need to talk to you.
” I laughed sarcastically. “I’m busy. If you have something to say, talk to my lawyer. ” He stammered.
“This is a family matter. Don’t make it too hard. It was just a mistake, and I wanted a male child. ” Hearing this, I laughed in anger.
“A mistake? Betraying and wanting to take over the company? I lack words to express my contempt for you,” I replied coldly. “I’ve prepared everything.
You’d better prepare for court. ” As soon as I said that, I hung up, grabbed my bag, and left the office. I met my lawyer to exchange the necessary documents once more. He nodded.
“All documents are legitimate, rest assured. Your premarital assets are not subject to division, and the evidence of infidelity is clear. If the other party refuses, we will present them in court. ” I closed my eyes and breathed a sigh of relief.
There was no turning back. I just wanted to close the matter cleanly. Late in the evening, I avoided the villa and returned to my parents’ house. Part of me was still agitated.
I had lived with Marco for over 4 years and thought he was the man who would hold my hand for life. Unfortunately, life had mocked me by showing me his true face too late. As I was reflecting, the phone rang suddenly. It was my father-in-law’s number.
I didn’t want to answer, but I was curious what he wanted and pressed the answer button. His loud voice rang out: “Elena, don’t make a scene. This family still needs you. ” He probably meant, “We need your money.
Don’t do stupid things like a divorce. It only hurts you. If you want something, let’s talk. ” I snorted.
Did he think I needed more time? “Dad, I’ve already decided. ” He shouted. “Don’t forget, my son didn’t come empty-handed.
He has also made his contribution as a son-in-law over the years. ” I lowered my voice and said, “I have proof of his infidelity. If you want a criminal complaint, go ahead. ” After these words, I hung up.
Oddly, I felt refreshed. In the past, I had been afraid, but now nothing could chain me anymore. Finally, the appointed day arrived. I went to the family court indicated by my lawyer.
The Milan morning air was a bit fresh. I was wearing a coat and stood at the entrance of the gray building. Outside, it wasn’t crowded, but the atmosphere here was cold anyway. I gripped my briefcase and entered.
A clerk led me to the conciliation room, where Marco was already seated waiting. He looked up at me. His face was gaunt with dark circles under his eyes. Probably not even the softest bed could let him sleep peacefully.
He called softly, “Elena. ” I didn’t answer and only gave him a fleeting glance. We sat across from the mediator and the lawyers. The mediator skimmed the documents and briefly explained the procedure.
The conciliation began by clarifying my intentions. I said with determination, “I want a divorce, I don’t want any alimony from him, and I will not give up custody of my daughter. I will raise her alone. ” Marco avoided my gaze, embarrassed.
The mediator asked, “Mr. Ricci, what is your opinion? ” He swallowed hard and said in a low voice, “I don’t agree with the divorce. We’ve lived together for 4 years.
You can’t ignore all my contributions to the family. ” I laughed sarcastically. “Contributions? Siphoning money from my company and bringing your mistress into the house.
You call those contributions. ”
The mediator turned to me. “Mrs. Conti, since your husband doesn’t agree, is there another solution?
” My lawyer presented a pile of evidence documents and said calmly, “My client has sufficient proof of the clearly marriage-destructive behavior of the guilty spouse, Mr. Ricci, and therefore has the right to request a unilateral divorce. I ask the mediator to examine the matter. ” The mediator skimmed through the documents and nodded slightly.
Marco lowered his head and wiped sweat from his forehead. He tried to object. “It wasn’t infidelity. It’s only because she couldn’t have a male child and my mother found someone to continue the bloodline.
” I stared at him. “Okay, try to explain that. You married me. You lived in my house.
And now you have an illegitimate child with Giulia and that’s not infidelity? ” He was speechless. The mediator said slowly, “Obviously, the fault lies with the husband. The next topic is the division of assets.
” Marco raised his chin. “She has to give me half of the villa. It’s the house we lived in together after the marriage. ” My lawyer smiled slightly and replied, “I’m sorry, but this villa is the exclusive property of Mrs.
Conti, received as a gift before marriage. There are also notarized documents. Furthermore, all the company shares belong to her family. In the deed of ownership of the house that Mr.
Ricci claims as common property, his name does not appear at all. ”
When all the evidence was revealed, Marco’s face turned white as a sheet. He looked sideways, and his chest rose and fell. He had probably forgotten about the contract signed before the marriage.
The conciliation failed, and the court set a date for the formal hearing. When I left the conciliation room, I felt much lighter. A chapter had closed for me, but Marco followed me and gently grabbed my wrist. “Elena, give me more time.
I’ll never see Giulia again. I made a mistake. ” I shook his hand off and said with a cold look, “Stop acting. Giulia has already given birth to your son.
Do you think I believe you’ll leave her? Stop it. ” He panicked. “But I don’t want to end up penniless.
I’ve worked hard for years. Do you want to put me on the street? ” I smiled bitterly. “And did you think of me when you brought your mistress into the house?
” When I replied so coldly, he finally let go of my hand and stood as if petrified in the middle of the hallway. A few days later, the divorce procedure proceeded quickly. No further conciliation was needed. When I entered the courtroom, everything was over in the blink of an eye.
The court accepted my unilateral divorce request due to the husband’s violation of marital duties. It deemed attempts at reconciliation useless. As for the assets, the court ruled in accordance with the contract. Marco received no division of assets.
He gritted his teeth and objected. “It’s not fair. I also contributed during the marriage. At least a little money, I should get it.
” My lawyer said calmly, “Everything you received in recent years was your salary from Solarius Spa. In addition, you have been accused multiple times of embezzlement. Be glad we didn’t file a criminal complaint. ” His face contorted, and he could no longer retort.
Leaving the courthouse, I ran into my mother-in-law. She rushed up to me, pointing her finger at me and shouting, “Poisonous snake, throwing my son out empty-handed, you’ll burn in hell. ” I laughed coldly. “You call me poisonous?
Who brought Giulia into the house and ignored her granddaughter? Who wanted to kick me out because I couldn’t have a male child? ” She was speechless and turned away snorting. Marco, who was nearby, looked miserable, his eyes bloodshot, and looked at me imploringly.
I ignored him and turned away. I felt not the slightest pity. On the way back, the car passed a busy intersection. I stopped at a small café and ordered a cappuccino.
I had never felt so at peace. Like an old rusty gate, a chapter of my married life had finally collapsed. I didn’t cry, I didn’t suffer. The tears had all dried up.
My phone rang. It was a message from an investigative agency. “We have taken a hair sample from the child. The DNA test result shows that there is no paternity relationship with Mr.
Ricci. ” Reading the message, I suddenly burst out laughing. The son the whole family had coddled so much was not Marco’s biological son. He had invested all efforts and all money just to raise another man’s child.
Heaven really has eyes. I immediately sent him a photo of the test result with the message: “You worked very hard to raise another man’s child. Congratulations. ” I could imagine how his face had turned white as a sheet at that moment.
Everything had been proven. They had plotted all sorts of schemes, but in the end, they were left empty-handed. They, who had been so proud, could still laugh now, raising another man’s child and having lost all their assets. That evening, I returned to my parents’ house.
My parents, just back from their trip, were surprised to see my suitcases. I confessed I had divorced. My parents sighed and scolded me for choosing the wrong man, but didn’t make a big deal of it. My mother said, “Anyway, it’s over.
Now be strong and focus on the company. ” I nodded with tears in my eyes. Having a family that supported me even in the storm warmed my heart. That night, I was bombarded with countless missed calls and messages from Marco.
“Answer me. I’ve been deceived by that woman. The child is not my son. ” I turned off my phone.
Deceived or not, it was his problem. It had nothing to do with me anymore. The next day, a video circulated on social media of him arguing with Giulia in the hospital atrium. In the video, he shouted, “You played with me?
Made me raise another man’s son. You even pushed my wife to file for divorce. ” Giulia hid her face in her hands, crying and screaming. “I only used you because you’re rich.
I never cared about your son. ” The viewers rejoiced and said, “Serves him right. ” I scrolled through the news with indifference. From the moment I signed the divorce decree, I had left it all behind.
That same day, I cleared all my things from the villa. Actually, the house was mine and I could have kicked anyone out, but I didn’t want to stay in a place full of dirty memories. I announced I would sell the villa. Friends asked, “Where will you live then?
” I replied, “I bought a small, cozy new apartment. You have to let go of old things to free your mind. ” With the money from selling the villa, I wanted to invest in a new project. That evening, I cleared the house with determination and changed the locks.
Someone knocked on the door. I peeked and saw the mother and son. I ignored them, and security came and sent them away. So it was over.
When I returned to my new apartment, my body was exhausted, but the sight of the simple space made me feel quite free. There was no hypocritical voice of my husband, no piercing glances of my mother-in-law, no unknown woman introduced as a cousin. I went to the balcony, felt the fresh wind, and closed my eyes. I felt as if I had set down a heavy stone.
I received another message from Marco. It was full of resentment and curses for leaving him empty-handed. I smiled and blocked his number. I spent the night alone, thinking about the last years of my marriage.
What had I gained? Probably my 2-year-old daughter, Mia, was the only precious treasure. The thought of her hurt, but at the same time, I also thought I had to protect her from in-laws who favored sons. I had left her with my grandparents all this time, and now I had even more reason to do so.
An idea came to me. I had to take her with me and start a new life as a mother. I had to respond to her with unconditional love. At that thought, my heart softened and the darkness of the past faded.
I was sitting in my parents’ living room, looking at the family photo on the wall. In the past, I had opposed my parents’ resistance and insisted on marrying Marco. My parents worried I would suffer, but they couldn’t convince their daughter and finally gave in. Looking back now, my parents had been right when they said, “Marry someone who suits you.
If you choose the wrong person, the price isn’t just tears, but also the loss of trust. ” I was lost in these thoughts, then I got up and stretched. Regret wouldn’t help me move forward. I had to shake it off with determination.
My parents respected my decision. My mother said gently, “Daughter, it’s okay to be divorced. The important thing is that you’re happy. There are many good men in the world.
Don’t tie your life to a scoundrel. ” I smiled and replied, “I don’t have time to think about others. For now, I want to focus on building the company, taking Mia with me, and raising her. I can’t leave her with grandparents forever.
” My mother patted my shoulder and said, “Yes, at 2 years old. It’s also sad that she’s only with her grandmother. When the house is ready, take her, we’ll help you. ”
That afternoon, I went to my uncle’s house, where my daughter was.
Holding Mia in my arms, tears welled up in my eyes. I felt the freedom of no longer being bound to that man, and strangely, my heart warmed as I hugged my daughter Mia, who knew nothing yet, laughed happily, and rubbed her face against my neck. I whispered, “My dear, Mommy will never let anyone hurt you again. ” After saying goodbye to my uncle and aunt, I brought Mia to my new apartment.
The small, cozy bedroom was decorated with a pink rug and dolls. Everything was simple but welcoming. Seeing the little girl trotting around and babbling, I felt as if I had opened a new chapter in my life, and my heart lightened. In the following days, I was incredibly busy with work at Solarius Spa.
After the fund withdrawal from the commercial branch managed by Marco, the financial report showed a considerable loss, but because my father had foreseen it and kept the majority of the shares, the company didn’t suffer serious damage. I convened an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting and announced a restructuring plan. Everyone looked at me with respect, probably because they saw that I had remained strong despite the divorce from a cheating husband. During the meeting, someone said softly, “Mrs.
Conti really has character. We completely trust her. ” I nodded. “Thank you.
”
After work, I returned to my office and sighed slightly. At least the domestic storm hadn’t knocked me down; on the contrary, it had made me more determined. My phone rang. The secretary reported that the security team had stopped Mr.
Ricci in the lobby. He wants to see you. I frowned. I thought he had given up, but he was there again.
I had no intention of meeting him, but I was curious what he was plotting. I said coldly, “Let him up. ” A few minutes later, the door opened and he entered. He looked emaciated, his face gaunt.
Marco took a deep breath and had tears in his eyes. “Elena, I’ve made a mistake. Only now do I realize I’ve lost everything. You and our daughter are no longer by my side.
” I crossed my arms. “You should know we’re divorced. Don’t expect pity. ” He begged, “But I want to see Mia, let me meet the little girl.
” I laughed sarcastically. “Since when do you care about the girl? At your mother’s instigation, you even ignored her as a daughter. ” He fell silent and lowered his head.
His voice was hoarse. “It’s my fault. Please, give me a chance. I have nothing left now.
I just want to give something back to the child. ” I looked at his broken figure and said coldly, “Have you forgotten? The girl doesn’t need a father like you, especially a father who ran after another woman to find a male child. ”
Marco clutched the chair and staggered.
I could imagine his life had reached a dead end. Giulia was gone, and the child wasn’t his biological son. Even his parents could no longer be a support for him. He staggered and begged, “Lend me some money, I want to leave Milan and start over.
I promise never to bother you again. ” I burst into a cold laugh. He had come to beg for money. It was truly pathetic.
The same man who had once proudly proclaimed he would run the company was now begging for a few euros to be able to flee. I shook my head. “No, I’m not a bank. Don’t come here anymore.
” He looked around the office helplessly and then stumbled out like a ghost. I got up and drew the curtains. I saw him staggering out of the company gate. His back was hunched.
Until recently, everyone admired him as a general manager and he behaved proudly. Now he was penniless and had nothing left. When you’re too greedy, in the end you lose everything. I returned to my desk.
I felt that everything was gradually approaching its end. One day, I was awakened from my afternoon nap by the sound of the doorbell. When I opened it, Giulia was there, holding a baby in her arms. She looked exhausted.
As soon as she saw me, she burst into tears. “I’m so tired. Marco beat me. He says this child isn’t his.
I have nowhere to go. ” I interrupted her. “Wait a minute. Have you forgotten that you betrayed me?
” She trembled and slumped to the ground. “I made a mistake. I thought Marco had a lot of money, but it turned out he only used me and made empty promises. Now my child and I have nowhere to go, no one to lean on.
” Even though I heard her words, I felt not an ounce of pity. In fact, she was also to be pitied, but she had chosen the path of destroying another’s family. I pressed my lips together. “You’ve come to the wrong place.
I have no responsibility to welcome someone who interfered in my marriage. ”
Giulia curled up with the baby in her arms and cried bitterly. “Please, don’t send us away. ” I said coldly, “Go away from here, I’ll call security.
” She knew I was serious. She slowly picked up the baby, turned around, and cried miserably. I kept a cold look. Those who sow wind reap the whirlwind.
Later, I heard rumors that Giulia had returned to her hometown with the baby. Her in-laws didn’t recognize her, and Marco hated her for deceiving him. They had become enemies. It was their business, and I was neither pleased nor interested.
My divorce from Marco was legally fully effective. The villa was sold without any problems, and the money was invested in the project. I had completely settled into my new apartment, raising my child and leading a stable life. Sometimes my parents came to visit me or invited me to dinner.
Life was strangely peaceful. One afternoon, after finishing work, I picked up Mia from kindergarten and went to a nearby park. While the little girl ran happily, I sat on a bench watching her. Suddenly, I remembered the time I lived with my in-laws.
Every morning I had to get up early, deal with my mother-in-law, face the work of the company, and in the evening tolerate indifferent words. And yet, I had considered it happiness. Looking back now, I had been really stupid. Fortunately, I had managed to wake up before I completely collapsed.
At night, when the child was sleeping, I sat at the desk and organized the company’s documents. Seeing the upward curve in this month’s profit report, I was suddenly proud. Losing a marriage wasn’t the end of the world. I had my family, my friends, and my career.
My heart was broken, but my two feet still moved forward. That was the path I had chosen. So time passed silently, and everything gradually stabilized. Sometimes I casually heard news about Marco, skimmed it, and forgot it.
Apparently, he was getting by with odd jobs. That didn’t surprise me. Once, I attended a party with a business partner and happened to be at the same table as a young director. He walked up to me and offered me a drink.
“Mrs. Conti, I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s an honor to meet you today. ” He was a man named Luca Martini.
I smiled politely but wasn’t too friendly. Probably my last marriage had made me cautious. After a few words, he was very impressed and wanted deeper collaboration. I replied lightly, “Yes, our company is starting a new project.
If you’re interested, we can talk anytime. ”
After the party, he personally invited me for coffee. As a social courtesy, on the way to the parking lot, he accompanied me and smiled warmly. “I hope I can talk more with you one day.
” I nodded silently and got in the car. I urged myself not to rush. Time would heal everything. For now, I didn’t want a relationship.
When I got home, I saw my daughter sleeping deeply and kissed her forehead. If I had given in before, I’d still be suffering in the shell of a false marriage. But now, I could live freely for myself and my daughter. Many women in the world should know that an unhappy marriage isn’t worth enduring.
True happiness lies in one’s own heart and comes when you have the courage to let go of what is harmful. At that thought, I smiled to myself. Life is long, and the dark years were over. In front of me lay a clear sky.
I whispered softly, as if to comfort myself. The choice had been wrong, but from now on, everything will be different. I officially returned to Solarius Spa. My life now revolved around work and my daughter.
Every morning, I woke up in the small but warm apartment, prepared a simple breakfast, took Mia to kindergarten, and then rushed to the company. Late in the evening, I picked up the child, had dinner with her, played with her, taught her songs, and read her books. The busy schedule was quite relaxing, at least I didn’t have to go home at night and see hypocritical faces or stress over my in-laws. One day, my mother called and asked how the two of us were.
I laughed and replied, “We’re fine, it’s simple and convenient. A cleaning lady comes on the weekend, so it’s not even tiring. ” My mother was reassured and urged me to take it easy and not overdo it with work. After hanging up, I smiled.
Even though I had failed once, I was now much more relaxed than in my marriage. Sometimes letting go of a false marriage is the only way to protect oneself. In the company, the situation gradually stabilized after the scandal with my ex-husband. The shareholders no longer gossiped and recognized that I had the ability to run the company.
The project in Lombardy was also progressing smoothly, and the happiest news was that we had signed a contract with a foreign partner and could expect enormous profits. Because of the language and complex contract conditions, I had to lead the negotiations personally. Thinking of how Marco, in the past, despite his poor language skills, had tried to interfere in this matter, I was really glad I hadn’t given him any power. If I had, the company would probably have gone bankrupt.
One evening, when I had just finished a late meeting, a message lit up. It was Luca Martini, the young business partner I had met at the last party. “Mrs. Conti, I hope I’m not disturbing you.
Have you eaten yet? I’ve sent the preparatory documents for the project. Please review them when you have time. ” With the message were photos of some documents with his company’s stamp.
I replied very briefly, “Yes, I’ll read them. Thank you. ” And to avoid continuing the conversation, I put the phone away. Luca Martini, from my assessment, was a rather active and attentive person.
Lately, he had been actively trying to discuss deeper collaboration with Solarius Spa. His way of communicating was always polite and he never talked about private things, but sometimes I perceived a special interest in his eyes. Knowing this, I was even more vigilant. After the divorce, I no longer fell into daydreams; instead, caution had made its way in.
I just wanted to focus on work, raise my daughter, and live in peace. The next morning, while checking documents, my secretary knocked, entered, and whispered, “Mrs. Conti, Mr. Ricci is here again and waiting in the lobby.
” I was surprised. I thought he had given up, but he was there again. I was fed up. “Tell him I’m not here and don’t let him up.
” The secretary nodded and left. He was probably still coming to beg for money. The same man who once seemed so mild now only seemed pathetic. A moment later, the secretary reported that he kept making noise outside and embarrassing the security guards.
I was so tired that I went down to decisively send him away. When I arrived in the lobby, he was sitting on a chair with an empty face. When he saw me, he got up hastily and stammered. “Elena, just a minute, just a minute, let’s talk.
” I crossed my arms and told him to hurry. He lowered his voice. “I’m full of debt. No one wants to hire me.
I’m unemployed. Could you find me a job or lend me some start-up capital? After all, we were married. ” I was stunned.
“You have the nerve to say that. After the divorce, I won’t give you a single cent. If you keep making noise, I’ll call the police. ” He wanted to talk again, but under my determined gaze, he lowered his head and staggered out of the lobby.
The security guards shook their heads seeing him. I took a deep breath to calm down and returned to the elevator. From that day on, he never showed up at the company again. That same afternoon, I went to pick up Mia from kindergarten.
When the little girl ran to me, hugged me tightly, and chattered, my heart softened. In the past, I had been afraid of raising a child alone, but now that I was out of the house of a stuck marriage, it wasn’t so scary at all to raise a child alone. I took the child to an ice cream shop and bought her a strawberry ice cream. Seeing the little girl laugh with ice cream on her mouth, I felt a simple happiness.
A message arrived from Luca. “Mrs. Conti, would you have time for a meeting? I have an idea about project expansion to discuss.
” I hesitated, but work came first. “Yes, let’s meet at 8 PM. I’ll send you the café’s address. ”
After work, I went home, asked the housekeeper to look after Mia for a while, and headed to the meeting place.
That evening, sitting across from Luca, I initially thought it was only about work. He explained the documents and spoke convincingly, but after 30 minutes, his gaze kept lingering on my face. Sometimes he stopped and hesitated. I noticed he had other intentions.
Indeed, after finishing the project discussion, he looked into my eyes deeply and said, “Mrs. Conti, honestly, I have deep respect for your charisma and abilities. I also know you’re divorced, I don’t want to be rude, but if you need someone by your side, I wanted to tell you that I can wait. ”
His confession surprised me, and my heart beat a little faster, but I immediately regained my composure and replied, “Thank you, but for now, I don’t want to open my heart.
I believe we can remain good business partners. ” Luca seemed sad for a moment, but didn’t pressure me. He smiled slightly. “I understand, I respect your decision.
If one day you need someone to talk to, I’ll always be here for you. ” After these words, he paid politely and walked me to the car. On the way back, I reflected. A capable and attentive man like that, if I still had trust, might perhaps be a good support, but with old wounds not yet healed, I couldn’t let myself go prematurely to feelings.
I put my hands on the steering wheel and swore to myself, I need more time. Maybe I’ll spend my whole life like this, only for my daughter and the company, leaving love aside. A woman who has failed once becomes that cautious. A few days later, the company organized a product launch.
The event was held in a large hotel with many guests, including the press. I went on stage and talked about our business strategy. I was full of self-confidence. When I smiled, camera flashes went off, and suddenly my gaze fell on a person in the crowd.
My heart seemed to stop. It was Marco, holding a glass of wine, staring at me with a jealous look. I took a deep breath and continued my presentation without flinching. When I finished the presentation and went backstage, a security guard approached worriedly.
“Mrs. Conti, this man entered without authorization. Shall we throw him out? ” I nodded.
“Yes, just tell him he’s not on the guest list, without making a fuss. ”
Not even a few minutes later, there was a commotion outside. Marco had made a scene and was kicked out. I didn’t know if he had come to embarrass me or to plot a scheme, but I didn’t care.
The event concluded successfully, and the foreign partners were deeply impressed. As I was about to leave, Luca approached and handed me a bouquet of flowers. He smiled and said, “Mrs. Conti, your presentation was truly convincing.
Your confident aura was impressive. ” I thanked him and looked at the crowd still present. I moved slightly to the side of the stage so people wouldn’t gossip seeing us too close. Before leaving, Luca said quietly, “I hope this joint project goes smoothly.
If you need anything, contact me. ” His sincere gaze warmed my heart. On the way back, my phone rang. It was my mother.
“Daughter, you’ve been very busy with the company lately. Come visit us with Mia. Grandma and Grandpa miss her. ” I replied that I would come on the weekend.
Time passed, and I focused only on work, barely dealing with my private life. My mother still worried that I might be alone and advised me to open my heart, because not all men were like the bad one I had met. Every time, I smiled and changed the subject. The wounds in my heart still needed time, but at least I was no longer full of hatred like right after the divorce.
I considered the past only as a lesson. However, I shuddered when I thought of Marco’s behavior. How could I have misjudged such a person? One evening at the park, while I was with Mia, I accidentally ran into my ex-mother-in-law, Gabriella.
She was carrying a shopping basket with an acquaintance. When she saw me, she was surprised. Mia had barely seen her in the past two years and didn’t recognize her grandmother. Gabriella stopped.
Her expression was complicated. I held my daughter tightly to my side and waited to see what she would say. In the end, she turned and walked away quickly. I heard her say indistinctly to her companion, “Let’s go, there’s nothing to say.
” I wasn’t surprised. She was probably ashamed or still angry that I had let her son leave empty-handed. Oddly, I felt light. I said into the air, “Good morning.
” She didn’t answer and kept walking. Mia asked me, “Mom, who is that? ” I stroked the child’s head and answered softly, “Just someone I used to know. ” Probably that was the last time I met my ex-mother-in-law.
My world gradually became peaceful. Morning and day for the company, evening for my daughter. Sometimes Luca bought me coffee and we talked about work. He respected my aloof attitude and never pressured me.
One day, he smiled softly and said, “I believe time will heal, no matter how long it takes, I’m ready to wait. ” Hearing this, my heart wavered slightly, but I changed the subject with a smile. I didn’t reject love, I just couldn’t trust anyone yet and was afraid of repeating the same mistake. But I realized I was no longer as hard as stone.
When I talked with Luca, I felt a certain security that differed from Marco’s calculating nature. His seriousness made me a little excited, but I urged myself not to rush and not to become blind. The old wounds weren’t healed yet, but deep in my heart, I thought that maybe one day I could give myself another chance if this person was worth it. After putting my daughter Mia to bed, I sat on the balcony drinking tea.
The night wind blew fresh, and the air smelled of grass. I remembered the moment of the divorce. I thought my life had collapsed, but now I was strangely at peace. This is what happens when a woman regains her freedom and takes her life into her own hands.
I sipped my tea, smiled, and wondered inwardly: I didn’t know what my tomorrow would be like, but it was enough that I was well now. I got up silently, closed the door, and returned to the room where my dear daughter slept. After stabilizing the company, I launched a business expansion project in a nearby city. This project required frequent business trips, and I had to be away from home for days.
Since I couldn’t bring the child with me, I had to find a solution. People in the company worried that I was pushing myself too hard, but I replied, “I’ll manage. The important thing is to seize a big opportunity. ”
On the day of the contract signing, I invited, in addition to the main shareholders of Solarius Spa, also Luca Martini.
His company was involved in the equipment supply sector. The event was held in a luxury restaurant on the outskirts. Looking at the billion-euro contract, I was proud. After the contract was signed, we toasted under warm lights.
Everyone was cheerful. I sipped the wine, turned my head, and met Luca’s warm gaze. He smiled silently, but in his smile there was respect. I returned a slight nod.
At that moment, a joy rose in me, making me forget all the pain of the past. I wanted to enjoy the pure happiness. After the party, some foreign partners wanted to go to karaoke for a second round, but I refused with the excuse that I had to go home urgently. Luca also left the party since he had to accompany me back to town.
When we were alone, he proposed, “Let’s stop at a café along the way, since your daughter is with your mother and I had time that evening. ” I agreed. The café was in the middle of a flowerbed and brightly lit. I sat at a table near the window.
Luca asked softly, “Mrs. Conti, aren’t you tired? You’ve been busy all day. ” I shook my head.
“I’m used to it. In the past, I worked twice as much and still managed. ” He nodded and said seriously, “Now I understand the saying that a woman becomes infinitely strong when she is independent. ” I laughed.
“It’s true. The important thing is not to place your happiness in someone else’s hands. ”
Luca reflected, then silently took his cup and said, “I just wish you wouldn’t be so defensive with me. I’m not Marco.
I sincerely want to walk the next path with you. ” His confession made my heart waver, but I kept a calm smile on my lips. I leaned back, looked outside, and said slowly, “A wounded woman is not only afraid that the new person will be like the old one, but also afraid of going down the wrong path again. Who can know?
” He seemed sad for a moment, then said, “I understand, but rest assured, I won’t pressure you. I’ll prove to you with actions that I’m different. ” He changed the subject and talked about work, making jokes. The atmosphere became relaxed again.
A moment later, we left the café together and headed to town. Along the way, he kept worrying about my health but didn’t bring up other private topics. His attitude reassured me, and it seemed that a new trust was being born in my frozen heart. When I got home, it was almost 10 PM.
I showered, got into bed, and hugged sleeping Mia. In the next room, my mother was sleeping peacefully. In bed, I thought of Luca, the company, and the whole journey I had faced in the last year. Everything, from betrayal to divorce to rebirth, flowed before me like a movie.
Now a new world was slowly opening up. It wouldn’t be entirely free of obstacles, but it was enough to hope. I kissed the child’s forehead and whispered, “My dear, Mommy won’t make any more wrong decisions. ”
A few days later, while everything was going smoothly, I received an urgent report from the auditing department that unclear traces had been found in the accounting books from the period when Marco managed the branch.
I immediately called a meeting to assess whether to report him for embezzlement. Even though he had nothing now, I couldn’t allow him to have damaged the company. The secretary said, “The amount of fictitious transactions in the branch is considerable. If you report him, it’ll be hard for him to get out of this.
” I hesitated. At first, I wanted to let it go, but a person like that only takes advantage. To warn others, I had to be decisive. In the end, I nodded and ordered the documents to be prepared and presented in court.
When the news spread, my ex-in-laws panicked, ran around to collect money, and even contacted my parents to ask for a settlement, but I refused. Not even a week later, the complaint was officially filed. Marco once again begged for forgiveness on the phone and promised to make everything right, but I didn’t accept. When he was well, he had stabbed me in the back.
Now I was only doing what was legally right. Apparently, he hid somewhere to avoid the summons, but in the end, he was arrested by the police. In the newspaper, there was an article with the headline “Ex-husband of Solarius Spa CEO indicted for financial fraud. ” I skimmed it with indifference.
That was probably the end of a greedy and betraying man. Time passed quickly. The company was on a new course and making a lot of profit. Mia was in kindergarten and had become quite confident.
Life went on peacefully. Luca still kept in touch, regularly checked on my mood, and discussed work. Sometimes he invited me to lunch, and I was no longer so defensive. Once, he proposed, “How about coming to the water park on Sunday with me and your daughter?
I’d also like to bring my nephew, it would surely be fun, even if everyone keeps to themselves. ” I smiled and said, “Yes, that would be nice! ”
That day, I brought Mia and he brought his nephew. The two children played excitedly, and we watched them closely, occasionally chatting about trivial things.
Probably anyone seeing us would have taken us for a family. I was stunned for a moment, but I ignored that feeling of warmth for a moment. It was a feeling I hadn’t had in a long time. In the evening on the way back, Mia chattered.
“Mom, Uncle Luca is really great. He even bought me ice cream and played with me. Let’s play with him again. ” Hearing the child’s voice, I had to laugh.
Probably the little girl liked him too. A message arrived from Luca’s mother. “If you have time, come and eat at our place. I’ve heard about you through my son for business and would like to meet you.
” I was frozen for a moment. Luca had already arranged a meeting with his parents. It wasn’t too early, was it? I hesitated and then replied, “I’m sorry, but I’m still a bit uncomfortable.
” The next day, I also spoke openly with Luca. He just smiled. “I understand, my mother is a bit hasty. Don’t worry, slowly, I’m in no hurry.
” His understanding attitude made him even more likeable in my eyes, but I still maintained a safe distance. Someone asked, “Mrs. Conti, Mr. Martini is so good to you, why don’t you give him a chance?
” I just smiled. “I’m not ready yet. I have to be sure before moving forward. I don’t want my daughter to be hurt because of a hasty decision of mine.
” Time flowed like water. Luca still waited patiently, and I worked constantly. I took care of my daughter and was no longer restless. After getting up once, a woman could think about love again, but one had to be really careful.
In the evening, I sat alone in front of the mirror and saw my face, much more alive than a year ago. In my eyes shone self-confidence. The last marriage was now just a memory of the past. The best thing I had gained was my daughter and learning to value myself.
Everyone has the right to be happy. Either you find the right person or you fight for your own happiness. My phone rang. It was a message from Luca.
“Mrs. Conti, aren’t you tired? Rest early. ” I replied.
“I’m fine, thank you. Goodnight. ” I pressed send and smiled. My gaze softened; his warmth had crept, unnoticed, into my heart and broken my defenses.
My daughter was sleeping deeply in her room. I went to the balcony and felt the peaceful night wind. I thought of tomorrow and the path that lay ahead. Maybe a new door opens when you’re brave enough.
Then I’ll be ready, no longer tied to mistakes. But tonight, I wouldn’t rush anything, everything slowly, as wounds heal slowly. I took a deep breath, closed the door, and went to bed silently. I swore to myself to let everything take its course and live in the present.
That alone was enough. After the pain of the past, Solarius Spa experienced a period of flourishing, completing large projects in two cities at the same time. The workload piled up, and I had to travel often to supervise. Despite the busy schedule, I always put my daughter first, and when I couldn’t get home, I made video calls every day.
My parents at first worried that I worked too hard, but when they saw my determination, they fully supported me. One afternoon in Milan, a torrential rain suddenly fell. I was sitting in the office listening to the ticking of rain against the window. My secretary brought coffee and reported, “Mr.
Martini will present the progress report today. You have other meeting appointments. ” I nodded and asked her to schedule the meeting for the last hour. I had to review the plans first.
His calm face appeared in my mind, and I felt reassured. Before I had examined the documents, my phone blinked. It was the branch director’s number. His voice was panicked.
“Mrs. Conti, there’s been a work accident at the construction site. A worker fell from the scaffolding and was taken to the emergency room. Insurance has been contacted, but the construction company is asking for a direct meeting with the client.
” Hearing this, my heart sank. If I didn’t handle this incident well, the company’s reputation could be severely damaged. I took a deep breath and immediately stood up. “Got it?
I’m coming right away. ”
All afternoon I spent with the site management team in the hospital, meeting the victim’s family and clarifying procedures. Leaving the hospital, I saw Luca under the canopy, holding an umbrella, waiting. When he saw me, he hurried over.
“I heard about the accident and thought there might be difficulties. ” One side of his suit was wet, betraying his concern. I clutched the documents and nodded slightly. “There was a problem, but it will be resolved well.
The patient is out of danger. ” He breathed a sigh of relief and led me to the car on the side of the road. He opened the door and said, “Get in, I’ll take you. ”
In the car, I sat, my body rigid with fatigue.
He cautiously turned on the heating and asked along the way, “What exactly is the situation? ” I leaned back and said hoarsely, “Insurance is responsible, and the construction company isn’t shirking responsibility either, but the victim’s family is large and they want the top boss to appear in person. I have to understand that. ” He tilted his head slightly and replied, “You did the right thing.
No one wants something like this to happen, but sometimes it’s hard to avoid risks. ” In every warm word of his, I felt sincere concern. On the way back, he stopped on the side of the road, bought something to eat, and brought it along. When we arrived at the company, I said with determination, “Thank you, from here I can manage on my own.
” He hesitated and said, “It’s raining hard, it’s dangerous. I’ll take you home. ” Before I could answer, there was an urgent call from my mother. “My dear, Mia has a high fever and is vomiting badly.
I’ve brought her to the pediatric clinic. ” Hearing this, I froze. My heart pounded. I immediately looked at Luca and said with a mix of worry and panic, “My daughter is sick, I have to go to the hospital now.
” Without saying a word, he headed to the pediatric clinic. We hurried to the pediatric ward. My mother was comforting Mia. The child’s face was red and her breathing labored.
I hugged the frightened child and called softly, “Baby! Mommy is here! ” The child opened her eyes tiredly and looked at me. She didn’t cry, just sobbed.
The doctor said it was acute pharyngitis and she needed an IV. I stood by the bed, my heart seemingly breaking. The child had never been so sick; she had probably caught a cold today in the rain and cold. Meanwhile, Luca stood silently at the door, took a glass of warm water, and gave it to my mother.
My mother looked at him in silence, but there were no signs of strangeness. That night, I nursed the child in the hospital. Luca asked softly, “Do you want me to stay? ” I shook my head.
“Thank you, but it’s fine, it’s late, go home and rest. You have a meeting tomorrow too. Grandma helps me, so it’ll be fine. ” He hesitated a moment, then gently took my hand and patted it.
“Then at least get some rest for a moment. Call if you need anything. ” After these words, he turned; as his figure disappeared at the end of the corridor, I silently squeezed the warm hand he had touched. The night passed, Mia received the IV and her fever subsided.
I was exhausted, but I breathed a sigh of relief. The next morning, the child was a bit more lively and wanted to go home. The doctor said she had to stay another day for observation. While I was handling the formalities, my mother sat by the bed stroking the child’s back.
She looked at me and said softly, “That young man who brought you here last night seemed polite and reliable. I think he’s fine. ” My heart beat a little faster. My mother had noticed and was trying to set us up.
I didn’t answer and changed the subject with a smile, but deep in my heart, I knew that Luca’s presence, appearing in my most difficult moment, had shaken me. When Mia had eaten some soup, I sat by the window of the ward and poured some water. Before I could drink, my phone rang. It was my secretary.
“Mrs. Conti, there’s a problem with the suburban project. The materials supplier suddenly wants to terminate the contract. ” I frowned and said, “Stay at the company and immediately get me in touch with the branch director.
I’ll try to come as soon as possible. ” After hanging up, I was perplexed. Just then, Luca appeared with a hot lunch. Seeing my complicated face, he asked gently, “What’s wrong?
” I briefly explained it to him. He understood. “Take care of your family. I’ll help you with the work.
We also have a small relationship with the materials suppliers. I’ll contact them and try to convince them. ”
I looked up, touched. This man always helped me silently, discreetly, without expecting anything.
I replied softly, “That’s really kind of you. It would be great if you did that. I’m in your debt. ” He waved his hand and laughed.
“Debt? If you’re fine and the child gets better, I’m happy. ” At that moment, I felt a deep warmth in my heart that drove away the loneliness I had felt for a long time. He turned and quickly called his partner.
His voice was clear and confident. Looking at his back, I wondered if it was really right to keep dodging. A slight smile appeared on my lips, but I composed myself. In front of me were my daughter and the company.
Two days later, Mia had recovered and was discharged, and the suburban project passed the crisis with Luca’s help. In the department meeting, the branch director said, “Fortunately, Mr. Martini negotiated, so we could continue to receive the materials. Otherwise, it would have been a big problem.
” I gave him a grateful smile; he nodded slightly, and in his eyes there was a certain emotion. Leaving the office, I deliberately stopped for a moment. “Mr. Martini, if you have time this evening, I’d like to invite you to dinner.
” He was surprised for a moment, but then immediately smiled and said, “Gladly! ”
That evening, I also brought Mia to a family restaurant. At the table, Luca skillfully chose the child’s favorite dish and comforted her. Seeing him teach the child to hold a spoon and play counting games with her, my throat tightened with emotion.
The daughter naturally called him Uncle Luca, chatted, and laughed. I watched them silently and felt the warm bond between them. Probably for her, he was like a close uncle. The dinner ended cheerfully with laughter.
When I wanted to pay, he stopped me, but I said with determination, “No, I invited, so I pay. ” He laughed reluctantly. “As you wish. ” Accompanying me to the car, he held Mia’s hand and said softly, “Uncle Luca has to go on a two-day business trip.
Yes, be a good girl, okay. ” She made a face, smiled widely, and waved goodbye. I stood next to him and met his gaze. My heart suddenly slowed down.
He said softly, “Thank you for giving me the chance to be by your side. ” Without waiting for my answer, he turned toward his car. I followed his steps and hugged Mia. I vaguely felt that the road ahead of me was slowly changing.
That night, after putting the child to bed, I sat in the living room and thought about the recent events and Luca’s tender behavior. For some reason, I thought I shouldn’t be so rigid anymore. Not all wounds need a long time to heal. If there was a valuable person, why not open my heart?
I distractedly picked up the phone and checked. Nothing had arrived. He was probably busy with travel preparations. I sighed slightly and sent a short message.
“Safe travels. Let me know when you’re back. ” And I turned off the phone. That unusual feeling of excitement wasn’t unpleasant.
A month later, the suburban project was finally on track, and all points were well controlled. Solarius Spa began to leave a big footprint in the market. Many partners appreciated me greatly. After a management meeting, we decided to add a sector for online commerce to support the construction sector.
Everyone was convinced this was a new leap. After the meeting, I returned home, and seeing Mia playing, my heart became bright as the sun. There were no more sad thoughts about my last marriage. Suddenly, Luca’s image appeared clearly before me.
Since the dinner together, he had been on a long business trip and hadn’t returned yet. I didn’t know what I was waiting for, but a part of my heart felt a little empty. While I was reflecting, my phone rang. It wasn’t Luca, but my lawyer.
“Mr. Ricci has been sentenced to 3 years in prison, suspended, and financial compensation for the embezzlement of public funds. The court asks for your opinion. ” I was surprised.
The trial had finally reached a conclusion. I shook my head. “No opinion, he brought it on himself. ” After hanging up, I remained silent.
The man who was once my husband was now a convicted criminal. In the end, he and his family had paid the price, and I also found some comfort. There was no resentment, just a faint sadness about the wrong decisions of the past. Anyway, I decided to put everything in the drawer of memories and think about it no more.
I fed Mia and took her to the playground of the residential complex. In the distance, my phone kept ringing. I left the child with my mother for a moment, ran home, and picked up the phone. Unexpectedly, Luca’s name appeared on the screen.
My heart beat a little faster. When I answered, I heard his calm and warm voice. “Mrs. Conti, I just arrived in Milan.
As promised, I’m letting you know I’m here. ” For some reason, my lips curled into a smile. “Yes, welcome back. Did the business trip go well?
” He laughed from the other end. “Yes, it went well. I also got a new contract for the company. If you have time tomorrow, I’d like to invite you and little Mia to a picnic.
” I swayed on my feet and said excitedly, “Probably we can. I’ll check my schedule. ”
The next morning, Luca came to pick us up by car. Unlike at work, today he wore a simple t-shirt and looked much younger.
Mia was excited in the car. The destination was an ecological tourist site on the river, about an hour from town. Along the way, I sat in the passenger seat while he drove and often turned to me to chat. When I fell asleep, he said softly, “In the few days I was away from Milan, I thought a lot about you and little Mia.
” My heart pounded, but I forced myself to control my voice. “You speak well. We’ve only just met before your departure. ” Luca smiled.
“You probably don’t know that a day when I don’t see you is longer than 24 hours for me. ”
Once there, we rented a boat and sailed along the river. The child excitedly dipped her hands in the water, and Luca held her cautiously. I stayed close, holding the life jacket tightly.
In the peaceful atmosphere, a fresh wind blew. He turned to me and looked at me seriously. “Mrs. Conti!
Give me a chance. ” I knew what he meant and trembled slightly. His gaze was very serious. A wave of warmth crossed my heart.
I had dodged many times, but this time I couldn’t. I asked myself, isn’t it time to forget the painful past and take someone’s hand? I took a slow, deep breath, looked into his eyes, and smiled softly. “I should try.
” At these few words, Luca burst into a happy laugh. Mia, who knew nothing, waved innocently. I placed my hand on his and for the first time clearly showed my intention. It seemed that all the darkness was fading away.
We returned, spread a blanket under a tree, and had a light lunch with Mia. Seeing him patiently peel fruit for the child, my throat tightened with emotion. Maybe I had finally found someone I could be with. In the afternoon, we went home, and Luca stayed a while before leaving.
When it was just me and the child, my mother asked jokingly, “Is it going well between you two? ” I was embarrassed, but I didn’t hide it. “I want to get to know him better first. I don’t want to hide anything from you.
” My mother beamed. “That young man makes a great impression. You can date him without worries. ” My mother’s support reassured me.
At night in bed, I hugged Mia and thought about the beautiful scenes of the day. It was truly unexpected that such a beautiful day would come with another man. A message arrived from Luca. “Aren’t you tired?
You have to go to work tomorrow. ” I smiled and replied, “I’m fine, tomorrow I have to be in shape again. ” “Rest early too. ” He sent a laughing emoticon.
Everything was so sweet and comfortable as flowing water. In the following days, at the company, we still maintained a serious working relationship, but when our eyes met, I blushed slightly. Employees probably suspected something, but no one dared to ask. In the evening, he would pick me up and we would have dinner together.
On the way back, he would stop under the house, tell me funny stories of the day, make me laugh, and never forget to say goodnight. In his constant care, I felt a reliable shoulder. My daughter also became more and more attached to Uncle Luca and sometimes asked to go play with him. I gradually realized that my dark past no longer weighed on me or tormented me.
I stopped thinking about my ex-mother-in-law’s schemes or blaming myself for my previous stupidity. Everyone can make mistakes. The important thing is to get up and find a different future. Meanwhile, the company situation remained stable and grew without major problems.
I had more free time to go to the countryside with Mia or visit grandma and grandpa. Every time, Luca quietly drove, helped carry the luggage, and took care of the child. My parents saw him with undisguised joy, but didn’t pressure me and respected me. I enjoyed this peaceful life and didn’t prematurely define the future.
One weekend, Luca invited us to dinner at his house. At first, I hesitated, but in the end, I accepted the invitation. His mother welcomed us warmly, asked no curious questions, and didn’t pressure us. Mia played in the living room with his nephew with toys.
His mother set the table and occasionally said with a sweet smile, “My son told me you can cook well, I have to learn. ” I replied with some polite words, but my heart was warm. I thought it would be nice if everything went so smoothly. Dinner took place in a serene atmosphere.
Luca occasionally put food on my plate, which made me a bit embarrassed. Later, when Mia got tired, he drove us home, his eyes shining. I leaned back in the chair and felt relieved, as if I had found a safe harbor. In the car, he looked at me tenderly and said, “Mrs.
Conti, are you okay? ” I replied jokingly. “Yes, Mr. Martini, drive carefully.
” We laughed together and loosened the tension. The car stopped under the house. As I waved goodbye, he suddenly grabbed my hand and looked at me deeply. “I hope that one day you’ll give me the opportunity to call you by a more intimate name.
Not Mrs. Conti. ” My heart pounded. I suppressed the excitement and nodded slightly: “I’ll think about it” and opened the door.
I picked up the child and went upstairs. That night, I hugged the child and was lost in thought for a long time. Could I love again, why not? Suddenly I laughed.
Happy days await those who have the courage to let go of the past. The next morning, his message arrived. “I’m waiting downstairs. I’ve come to pick up the ladies for breakfast.
” I smiled, woke Mia, dressed quickly. My reflection in the mirror showed a woman with her hair neatly tied up and a flushed face, different from the withered woman of before. Yes, I am Elena Conti. I can live well and deserve a precious love.
With this thought, I went down with Mia. When I opened the door, I saw him waiting with a radiant face. A new day, a new beginning. And I knew that at the end of the stormy path, my heart was finally ready to walk a peaceful trail.
No grand declarations, just silently appreciating the present happiness. That alone was enough to warm the life of my daughter and me.
