~Valeria’s POV
My breath hitched as Lorenzo Ricci's finger tightened around my wrist, his grip ironclad. I had seen this look in his eyes before—cold, calculating, dangerous.
"What are you doing in here?" Lorenzo's voice was eerily calm. I forced a soft laugh, tilting my head as if amused by his suspicion.
"You left the door open, and I was looking for my earrings. Thought I'd check in here."
"Earrings?" His dark eyes narrowed at me. I nodded, reaching past him to pick up the scattered papers. With practiced ease, I shuffled them back into the file without reading another word. "Do you really think I'd go through your boring business files? God, Lorenzo, how paranoid are you?"
His jaw remained tensed, but his grip loosed just a fraction. "You shouldn't be snooping around, Valeria."
I met his gaze, my most disarming smile displayed on my face. "And you shouldn't be keeping secrets you're afraid of being exposed." I traced my fingers lightly over his chest. "Or have you forgotten I'm your wife?"
"That's cute, babe," His thumb brushed my jaw. "But don't play games with me, ok? I'm Lorenzo Ricci."
I forced out a soft giggle. I stepped away as if I wasn't shaking inside. "Relax, I was just messing with you. Now, are we done with this interrogation? I need to shower."
For a long moment, Lorenzo studied me, his stare like a blade against my throat. I knew he was suspecting me but there was no way he'd be this calm if he knew that I was aware of his tactics.
Then, finally—he let me go. I stepped out of his study with a thundering heartbeat. I jogged to our bedroom and stepped into the bathroom.
As soon as I did, I locked the door and turned on the shower to drown out any noise. With shaky hands, I pulled out my phone and dialed Santino De Luca's contact. I didn't know why I trusted him, I just knew I desperately needed an ally.
The line finally clicked. "I was wondering when you'd call, Mrs. Ricci."
"Mr. De Luca," I kept my voice steady, a desperate attempt to reassure that I didn't just escape death itself. "I need your help."
He chuckled. "I’m listening."
"I want to know everything Lorenzo is hiding from me." My patience running thin.
A long pause erupted. Then, his voice dropped. "Meet me tomorrow night. 9 PM. The rooftop of II Bastione."
II Bastione—one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city.
"Okay," I agreed but spoke again, "But I want protection. If Lorenzo finds out—"
"He won't," He reassured me, and for some reason, it meant more than I thought it would. "But make no mistake, Valeria—if you betray me, I won't be as forgiving as your husband."
The call then ended. I exhaled shakily, gripping the sink. This was it. Tomorrow, I'd take the first step toward getting out. And toward destroying Lorenzo Ricci.
~The Next Morning
I played my role flawlessly, despite the heavy burden on my heart. I entered the banquet hall of Ricci's Corporation's headquarters alongside Lorenzo. I kept my expression neutral.
I had to figure out what Lorenzo had done. And I needed Santino's help to do it.
But first, I had to survive this nightmare.
When we entered the hall, several associate club/business owners were already there. To my surprise, Lorenzo's mother was there too. Beside her, smiling like she had already won, was Seraphina Marone.
My stomach twisted, but I forced myself to remain composed.
After a while of mingling with everyone, when the event was wrapping up, Lorenzo's mother clinked her wine glass.
She cleared her throat, looking around the room with a pleased expression. "Before we conclude, I have an important announcement. As many of you know, the Ricci family has always valued strong alliances. And today, I am pleased to officially announce that my son, Lorenzo, will be marrying Seraphina Marone in one week."
My body turned to ice. Hooray and Congratulations spread through the room, and Seraphina gave a demure smile, casting me the briefest glance—one filled with triumph.
This was the final betrayal. I had suffered for this man. I had carried his children. And now, he was replacing me in front of the entire world.
Instead of making a scene, I decided to smile, and exited the hall after informing Lorenzo that I was leaving.
The moment I returned to our penthouse, I grabbed my phone and dialed the only man who could help me now.
Santino De Luca.
He answered immediately as if he had been waiting. "I was wondering when you'd call again."
"Please help me track Lorenzo. His location, his meetings, his movements. Everything. I want to track his every move."
"I'll have the information in an hour."
The call then ended. I sat back, my heart pounding. In one hour, I would have proof. Proof of Lorenzo's lies. Proof of everything he ever did to me.
~ An Hour Later
My phone buzzed with a text from Santino.
-Ricci Tower—7th Floor. Private Suite.
-Attachment: A photo of Lorenzo entering a penthouse suite with Seraphina.
My fingers hovered over the dial pad. I pressed the call button to let him know I received his information.
He answered, but before I opened my mouth to speak, I froze.
A dark figure stood in the doorway of my bedroom, a gun held loosely at his side.
Enzo Moretti.
Lorenzo's most trusted man. His right-hand man. The look in his eyes told me exactly what was about to happen.
"You really think you could outplay the mafia, Mrs. Ricci?"
