Love Crumbles on the Wedding Eve

In order to protect me, Don Salvatore deliberately announces that my fiance, Simone Pozzi, is his long-lost son.

Simone shakes with excitement when he sees the man in a bespoke suit stepping out of the Rolls-Royce that is parked outside my house.

Just as I'm about to tell him it's all a lie, he shoves me aside. He even brushes his sleeves in disgust, as if he has touched something filthy.

Simone says, "Stay away from me. Don't let your poverty rub off on me! Since I'm the Don's son, we'll call off our engagement. An illegitimate bastard like you isn't even fit to wipe my shoes!"

When I try to explain, he cuts me off by writing out a check and flinging it hard into my face. The sharp edge of the paper slices across my cheek.

"Take this one million dollars as our breakup fee and don't bother me again. We're no longer from the same world," Simone says.

I watch the check flutter down into the mud and quietly turn off my phone screen.

On the screen is a message Papa—Don Salvatore—has just sent me, "Just bear with it a little longer, Principessa. Papa will bring you home soon to take over the famiglia."

Simone is so determined to cut himself off completely. He might have the luck to claim a fortune that big, but not the life to enjoy it.

Papa was stunned to hear my words.

He then chuckled and said, "You're finally willing to let go of that precious CEO of yours now, Zoe? I've told you that someone his status is only good for you to fool around with before marriage. He's far from good enough to marry you.

"So, when are you planning to come back?"

I glanced at a nearby couple. They were wrapped in a tight embrace amidst a cheering crowd. I whispered, "In three days. I'll come back after I settle everything."

Perhaps sensing the weight in my voice, Papa replied seriously, "Don't worry. The Sortino heir is absolutely exceptional in both looks and ability. You won't be disappointed."

After ending the call, I stood stiffly in the bustling airport. I only turned and walked away after I saw the man I've loved for five years personally put a ring on another woman's finger.

This was the moment I'd dreamed of, but now I was no more than a bystander.

Someone bumped into me while I was distracted, and I fell to the ground. Passersby glanced at me with curiosity, but not Simone Pozzi.

He was still lost in the joy of the proposal, completely unaware of my presence.

Simone only gave me a call long after I left the airport. "Sorry, something came up earlier. Are you still at the restaurant? I'm on my way."

I glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's already 1:00 am, Simone. The restaurant's long since closed."

Simone hesitated briefly and then softened his tone. "Don't be mad, tesoro. Go to sleep.