My Legal Husband Took a Bride

When I finally lay my eyes on two marriage certificates, I finally realize that the certificate I share with my husband, Vittore Ferri, is the fake one. As for the other certificate, it's real.

The other certificate shows Vittore and Chiara Romano, the daughter of the Ferri family's former Consigliere.

So, it turns out that the husband, whom I've just married, has already married another woman a month ago.

I practically snatched the two documents out, spreading them side by side on the desk. Taking a deep breath, I began comparing every detail.

The names, the dates… There were three differences. The first was the woman's name. My name, Francesca Delle, was on one, and Chiara Romano's was on the other.

The second was the date. The date on my document was two weeks ago, while the one with Chiara's name was four weeks ago.

I fixed my gaze on the lower-right corner of the documents. The last thing that was different was the official seal.

Although they looked almost identical, they were undeniably different.

The lines on mine looked indistinct, and the gold embossing was patchy. Moreover, under the sunlight, it looked flimsy and cheap.

The seal on Chiara's, on the other hand, looked so sharp. As for the ink on the paper, it caught the sunlight and reflected a brilliant, unquestionable sheen.

In that instant, it became clear to me that the marriage certificate bearing Vittore's name and mine was fake.

My knees buckled as all my strength left my body, and I slumped to the ground.

Six years… I had been with Vittore for six years. That was more than two thousand days and nights together.

Two weeks ago, he had invited a man to our home, claiming that he was an official from City Hall who could handle our marriage registration on-site. I was thrilled out of my mind.

Nervously, I followed the official's instructions, handed over all relevant documents needed, and watched as he stamped the marriage certificate with an official seal.

I thought that moment marked the beginning of Vittore's and my happily ever after. I never imagined it was the start of his lie.

All of a sudden, Vittore's voice drifted in from outside the half-open door, along with the sound of another pair of footsteps.

"Send the dress to Ms. Romano's place. Don't forget the pink diamond ring I bought at the auction last month."

"Yes, Mr. Ferri. Ms. Romano seems a bit upset. She asked whether you could see her tonight—"

Vittore cut him off impatiently, "Let Chiara know that I'll come by later. The world doesn't revolve around her, so tell her to stop acting up and focus on what really matters."

"Understood."

As I heard the other person walk away, I sat stiffly on the chair. Then, I heard Vittore walking toward the study.

Just before the door was fully pushed open, I shoved both documents back into the safe as fast as I could, smoothed my hair, and