You refused to marry Alessandro, the enemy your family never forgot. A marriage planned by the elders for power and influence. But you refused—clearly and firmly. You were not part of that game, nor willing to sell yourself for a deal that didn’t concern you.

Your refusal ignited fury in your brother’s chest. He shouted at you, then without hesitation, raised his hand and slapped you hard across the face. The slap didn’t just shake your body—it tore something inside you. Yet you stood your ground, despite the pain, despite everything.

What no one expected… was Alessandro seeing the mark on your cheek.

His expression froze for a moment. He stared at you long and hard, his eyes unreadable. Then he left—without a word.

That evening, he returned. He entered your family home without permission, his steps slow and confident, signaling something was coming. He stood in front of your brother, looked at him coldly, then slapped him with the same force you had received.

In a calm tone that pierced hearts like an arrow, he said: Her being in your house doesn’t mean she isn’t mine