From Betrayed Wife to Nobel Queen

Since I was a kid, my parents drilled it in—you're gonna be a Corleone girl, Giovanni Corleone's property.

"This is just an alliance. Don't expect anything more."

That's what he said on our wedding night.

So I played the part—quiet, polished, dutiful.

Then year three hit, and suddenly Giovanni couldn't keep his hands off me. Every night, something new. I thought maybe—finally—he felt the same way I had all along.

Then I caught him kissing his stepmom.

Funny. Just the night before, he told me kissing me made him sick.

"I've been practicing with her—for your sake."

So yeah. All that heat? Just rehearsal for her.

So I ran. Took back my life—and our unborn daughter.

The Don lost his mind looking for me. Begged me to come back—with the kid.

But I would not stop for him anymore.

I turned and walked straight toward the stage that was always mine.

Tonight, my husband burned hot again.

His grip locked on my waist, whispers spilling against my skin, sinful enough to set my cheeks on fire.

After, I sank into Giovanni's arms, tracing lazy circles across his chest.

"Gio..." My voice was raw, worn from the heat.

A quiet "Mm." Eyes shut, arms pulling me tighter.

I smiled anyway.

Three years in, and he finally showed me passion.

Two months straight, our nights burned with it.

I stole a glance.

Under the dim lamp, Giovanni's face cut sharp, his throat branded with the bite I'd left. Nothing like the cold man I married.

He was the Don—untouchable, unstoppable. My fate was sealed before I even breathed my first, promised to him by his mother.

For as long as I can remember, I knew I'd end up his wife.

On our wedding night, he lifted my veil with dead eyes.

"Liliana, this is just an alliance." Even as he claimed me, his tone was pure business. "I'll handle my duties as a husband. Don't expect anything more."

He took what tradition demanded, never once looking me in the eye.

But now...

I smiled, leaning in for a kiss.

He turned away.

"Don't get cute." His arm stayed heavy around me, but his stare was cold steel. "You know I don't like kissing."

I froze. Whatever softness he'd shown vanished like smoke.

Then his fingers slid through my hair, a light rub on my head. "I'm gonna shower. Be good."

He rose and disappeared into the bathroom.

Water rushed. The sting eased, and I pressed my burning face into the pillow.

I grabbed my phone, scrolling through the menu I'd tweaked a dozen times.

Three years married, and I'd never once stepped inside the Corleone Tower. Giovanni kept me locked out of Family affairs, and I'd played the obedient wife.

But tomorrow, I'd surprise him.

A muffled voice slipped past the running water. I didn't mean to listen, but Giovanni's low chuckle cut clear.

"Got it. See you tomorrow at my office. No, she won't know... yeah, I can't wait to see