Ninety-Nine Times Too Many

When I was being harassed by the Romano family’s consigliere, my fiancé, Don Luca of the Villani family, was busy kissing and drinking with Gianna at a party.

To secure the partnership, I had no choice but to drink the glass the consigliere pressed against my lips.

My stomach churned violently, and I could barely breathe.

However, Luca never once looked at me.

Instead, he focused entirely on picking the lime slices out of Gianna’s drink, coaxing her gently into finishing it.

Once the party ended, Gianna casually mentioned she was bored, and Luca immediately made me get out of the car so he could take her bar-hopping afterward.

“She’s been helping me manage the accounts lately, so I’m taking her out to relax.

“You don’t even like bars, so don’t come along.

“And I’m staying with her tonight until she has fun. So we’ll postpone the wedding again, since I can’t make it to the church tomorrow.”

Our wedding had already been delayed for eight years. This was the ninety-eighth time Luca had canceled it on his own.

I simply nodded.

Since he was always too busy, maybe this wedding didn’t need to happen.

The convertible’s window was rolled halfway down as Gianna leaned out and apologized to me.

“Sorry, Isabella. I casually mentioned wanting to go clubbing, and Luca insisted on taking me out. He spoils me too much. But don’t worry. When he gets back, I’ll make him buy you a gift to apologize!”

Before I could respond, Luca smiled and rubbed her head.

“Gianna, you’re too innocent. You think everyone’s like you?”

“Don’t mind her. She’s probably about to pretend to be pitiful again and beg me to stay. I’m not falling for that act.”

So it turned out he had noticed the hurt on my face earlier. He just thought I was acting jealous again.

Usually, at times like this, I would’ve already broken down crying, arguing with Luca while trying to explain myself.

This time, however, I said nothing.

I simply nodded. “Okay. Have fun.”

Luca froze for a moment after hearing that, but soon his teasing expression returned.

“Good. At least you’re not making a scene.”

Then the car sped away.

Still, I noticed that before driving off, Luca thoughtfully lowered the entire roof because he was worried Gianna would feel stuffy.

I got carsick easily, especially in Luca’s car. He had never been willing to open the roof for me, though, only saying, “The wind will blow dust into the car. Can you stop being so dramatic?”

At that moment, I finally understood how obvious it was between true love and not.

I took the engagement ring off my finger and threw it into the dark waters of the Landford River.

Early the next morning, I went to the family headquarters to hand over my work.

Ever since Luca became the don of the family, I had been working as his secretary.

“You’re resigning? Does Luca know?” The committee members were shocked