My Husband Chose Her, So I Chose Survival

In my past life, I was the only daughter of the Gambino family in New York.

I had power, wealth, respect.

But I lost it all because of Lucas, my husband.

He brought Isabella, the widow of his fallen brother, into our home without even asking me.

I threw a fit, made a scene, and gave everyone exactly the story they wanted: the spoiled Gambino princess had finally gone mad.

Lucas filed for divorce soon after.

I did not beg him to stay. I was Leo Gambino's daughter. I would rather break my own teeth than plead with a man who had already chosen another woman.

But pride did not save me.

Soon after, our family fell apart.

Enemies moved in, my father was killed, and I ended up starving on the streets of New York.

Lucas, however, climbed to the top using our family's influence and became the new don of New York.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day Lucas first brought Isabella home.

"Lucas, listen to me. Get Isabella out of this house before Sophia wakes up. You know what'll happen if she opens her eyes and sees that woman here."

"Ma, I can't just throw her out. Vincent took a bullet meant for me. If he hadn't stepped in, I'd be the one in the ground. He's gone, and Isabella is the only family he left behind. I'm not leaving his widow out there with a target on her back. I'll talk to Sophia when she wakes up."

"You know Sophia. She won't see a widow. She'll see another woman in her house."

My eyes snapped open.

I went still.

Then the truth hit me.

I was back.

Ten years before everything went to hell.

None of it had happened yet.

This time, I would survive.

So would my family.

Anna, Lucas's mother, rushed to my bedside.

"Sophia, thank God you're awake. Don't worry, I've already made myself clear to Lucas. I won't let him bring another woman into your home."

"Ma, I've made my decision. Isabella stays under my protection."

"You ungrateful little—"

"Please... don't fight because of me."

A soft voice cut through the tension. Isabella stepped into the room in a plain mourning dress.

"I'm sorry. I never wanted to bring trouble to this house." She turned to Lucas, her eyes shining with tears. "Lucas, I know you're only trying to protect me, but I'm clearly causing problems for your family. I'll go. I don't want Sophia to hate you because of me."

She had barely taken two steps when Lucas caught her wrist and pulled her back.

"You're staying."

There was no room for argument in his voice.

I scoffed.

Only then did Lucas look at me.

"Sophia, I promise. Once Vincent's blood debt is settled, Isabella will leave. She can't be left alone right now—not while Vincent's killers are still breathing. She stays here for now. That's all."

I had lost control the last time.

I