Chapter 1: Chapter 1
The heir to the Chicago Mafia’s Kane family was set to marry into my family, the Romanos.
The night before our wedding, he demanded, “Sophia will wear a wedding dress identical to yours, standing as my second bride.”
Everyone expected me to rage, but I personally selected a gown for Sophia and even surrendered our wedding night to her.
Because in my past life, after I fiercely opposed this, Sophia was brutalized and leapt to her death.
Vincent Kane sneered, “This was her fate.”
Using my father’s casino shares, Vincent then became Chicago’s new underworld power and he betrayed my father to the FBI.
When I went into labor, he conspired with doctors, watching me bleed to death.
“Since you killed my true love, you’ll pay with blood.”
When I opened my eyes again, I was back at the moment he knelt before my father, begging consent.
This time, without the Romano family’s power, I’d like to see just how he’s going to find his footing in Chicago.
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1
“Papa, I agree to his arrangement.”
The moment the words left my mouth, Papa’s expression darkened.
The Romanos are one of Chicago’s Five Families, and I, a Stanford-educated jewelry designer, am its princess.
At the wedding, Chicago’s elite will be there, and even the Don from Las Vegas—my godfather—is flying in for the occasion.
This isn’t just a slap in my face; it’s a disgrace to the entire Romano family.
Vincent Kane, however, was overjoyed.
“Isabella, I knew you’d agree. We grew up together. You’re the kindest person I know, so I was sure you would understand Sophia’s situation.”
“Rest assured, the one I love most will always be you. After Sophia’s child is born, he will call you ‘auntie’ out of respect.”
I lowered my eyes, concealing the overwhelming hatred within.
The excruciating pain of being tortured to death in my past life, the image of my father’s cold, blue-tinged corpse—it all flashed through my mind.
Staring at Vincent’s hypocritical face, I fought the urge to rip his throat out with my bare hands.
I suppressed my murderous intent and, with a smile, helped him to his feet.
“It’s just a ceremony. As long as you’re happy, I don’t mind.”
Vincent froze, his eyes filled with suspicion as he stared at me. “Isabella, you’re not just saying that because you’re angry, are you? If you’re truly unhappy, then… then I can tell Sophia she can’t be part of this. I’ll marry you, and you alone.”
He watched me tentatively, but I caught the flash of venomous hatred deep in his eyes.
He knew perfectly well how crucial this marriage alliance was for him.
The feds had frozen the Kane family’s assets in their overseas casinos, completely severing their cash flow. One wrong move, and the entire family would be torn to shreds by loan sharks and enemies.
To fill that hole and survive the crisis, he had to rely on the help of my family, the Romanos.
In his past life and this one, he was always so captivated by Sophia’s fragile and deceptively helpless facade that he could never see his own situation clearly.
“Vincent, we’ve known each other for so many years. Do I look like I’m angry?”
“You know I’ve loved you since we were children. Marrying you is all the happiness I could ask for. And besides, you’re only doing this out of compassion, to protect Sophia. You’re so kindhearted—I’m proud of you.”
Vincent’s face immediately beamed, and he grabbed my hand.
“Isabella, I’m so happy you see it that way! It’s my honor to marry a wife as magnanimous as you.”
“It’s just…” Vincent paused.
“The wedding is tomorrow, and Sophia has nothing. Why don’t you let her wear the ‘Star of Sicily’ sapphire necklace your grandmother passed down to you?”
“Sophia doesn’t come from money. If she wears something too shabby, she’ll be a laughingstock for standing next to you.”
Papa’s gaze turned instantly icy, his hand subconsciously drifting toward the gun tucked inside his suit jacket at his waist.
But I just smiled and said,
“Wouldn’t wearing my necklace just embarrass Miss Sophia more? I’ll have my designer pull an all-nighter to custom-make a one-of-a-kind diamond necklace for her. I guarantee she’ll be the belle of the ball at the wedding tomorrow.”
“As for the ‘Star of Sicily’ you mentioned, why don’t you sign a formal loan agreement? We can treat it as you buying it from me as a wedding gift for your ‘sister.’ A token of your affection.”
Vincent hesitated. After all, the necklace was worth thirty million dollars, an heirloom from a former queen of Sicily.
Seeing his hesitation, I immediately added,
“Vincent, it’s just a formality. We’re husband and wife, so what’s mine is yours, isn’t it? The agreement would ultimately be yours anyway. I’m just looking out for you. A man giving his wife’s family heirloom to his mistress… it won’t look good if that gets out.”
“You’re right, Isabella. You’re always so thoughtful.”
Vincent swiftly signed the agreement, grabbed the necklace in a flash of excitement, and dashed out.
I turned to look at my father.
“Papa, what do you think about our family forming a marriage alliance with the Salvatores?”
