Usurped by the Tutor

On the party of our seventh year anniversary, Luca Romano wheels me into the venue. Both of us are dressed to the nines.

Our daughter, Sofia Romano, suddenly leans into Luca's ear and says in fluent Bellavian, "Dad, Ms. Celia is eight months pregnant now. Once she gives birth to my little brother, will they be living with us?"

Celia Amato is Sofia's private tutor. At the moment, she's staring at us jealously from a short distance away.

Luca lowers his head and tucks in the blanket on my lap lovingly. Then, he replies in Bellavian, "I've made a vow to your mother that I will never betray her. So, once Celia is done with her labor, I'll send them to another country overseas. If you miss your little brother, we can visit them together."

Once he's done speaking, he tries to kiss me. I lower my head quietly to avoid the kiss.

Luca doesn't know that I understand Bellavian because I've grown up in Sisse, Bellavia since I was a kid. He also has no idea that my legs were fully healed a week ago, and that I've uncovered the evidence of his affair with Celia in the estate's wine cellar.

Of course, he doesn't know that I've promised my grandma that I'll return to Bellavia and take over the family business. Once all the paperwork is done, I'll set off on a lone journey, and I will never return.

I, Elena Costa, was sick of watching them put on an act. Placing my hands on the wheels of my wheelchair, I prepared to leave.

Upon catching sight of my actions, Luca Romano rushed over and grabbed the handlebars of my wheelchair. Leaning down, he asked concernedly, "Why are you leaving all of a sudden? Are you feeling sick?"

"It's getting cold in the evening, so I'd like to go back," I explained reluctantly.

"But today's our anniversary. At least wait until we've cut the cake…" Nervousness flashed across Luca's eyes.

I refused to meet his gaze.

Luca immediately proposed to drive me home, but Pierre Rossi, his Underboss, held him back. "Don Romano, the party's just started. It wouldn't be a good look for you if you leave early. In addition, there are a few men asking for your help…"

Sofia Romano, our daughter, tugged at Luca's sleeves. "Papa, I'd like to stay to play with Ms. Celia Amato for a bit more. Please, could we not leave with Mom?"

Luca's expression turned grim. "Don't mention her name before your mother."

"What's there to be afraid of? It's not like Mom understands Italian."

Bitterness brewed in my heart at Sofia's words. I pushed Luca toward Sofia.

"I can leave on my own. They need you here."

Immediately, I asked one of the helpers to wheel me away. I didn't even give Luca the opportunity to convince me to stay.

As Rachel pushed me out of the garden where the party was held, I saw Celia coming our way.