The Contract Ended, and So Did I

Everyone knows Francesco Greco, heir to the largest mafia family in Solerio, is a notorious playboy. Yet when he swears to God that he'll love me for the rest of his life, I choose to believe him. He lives up to his words during the first year of our marriage. The Greco heir, whose presence alone terrorizes others, clings to me like a loyal puppy at home. But by the second year, he starts returning home with one lover after another. Rumors of his scandalous affairs spread, and I become the laughingstock of Solerio. On our eighth anniversary, his 99th lover taunts me in front of everyone at dinner. "Don't sleep in the master bedroom tonight," she says. "Mr. Greco and I are going to have some fun there. Also, change the sheets. I can't stand how dirty your things are." Everyone expects me to break down under such humiliation. Instead, I smile and turn on my heel. Then, I dial Madre Greco's number. "Madre, it's been eight years," I say, my voice steady. "It's time for me to leave." Chapter 1 Everyone knew Francesco Greco, heir to the most prominent mafia family in Solerio, was a notorious playboy. However, when he swore to God that he would love me for the rest of his life, I chose to believe him. But by the second year of our marriage, he began returning home with one lover after another. Traces of their passionate lovemaking were everywhere, from the bed to the study, the couch, and even the dining room. So Madre Greco and I made an agreement. She said Francesco was still young and that I should give him eight more years. If he hadn't changed by then, she'd give me a sum of money and let me go. This year marked the final year of our promise. Clearly, Francesco hadn't changed at all. The moment I hung up the phone, he sauntered toward me with his 99th lover. "Mia, where did you put our wedding ring?" he asked. "Selena wants to wear it to tomorrow's banquet. Give it to her for now. I'll get you another ring, okay?" I felt my chest clench. He had spent a month designing that ring before we got married and had meticulously slipped it on my finger, saying I was the only love of his life. While I had been generous with all the lovers he brought home, giving them whatever they wanted, I treasured this ring and kept it close to me. This time, I simply nodded. "It's just a ring. If you want it, take it." Even Francesco looked surprised. "Why don't you come with us to the auction tomorrow?" he offered, trying to make things right again. "If you see a ring you like, you can buy as many as you want." I was about to refuse when his phone rang. As he turned to answer it, Selena Ricci sashayed over with a dark expression. "Mia, sometimes I feel a little sorry for you," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Francesco's already fed up with you. If I were you, I wouldn't have clung to him until now." The ambitious expression on her face was exactly the same as that of Francesco's previous lovers. I chuckled. "You just spent one night with some trash I no longer want. And that makes you so proud that you forget your place? "You think you're his true love? Funny. The previous 98 women all thought so too." Rendered speechless, Selena stomped her feet in anger and stormed off. After they left, I began packing my things. In seven days, Madre Greco would take care of everything, and I would leave. That evening, I went to a restaurant in Solerio that was popular among couples. I had wanted to come here with Francesco when we first married, but he always claimed that he was busy. Now that I was about to leave Solerio, I decided to enjoy the meal alone. To my surprise, I spotted Francesco and Selena as soon as I stepped through the door. He was allergic to seafood, yet their table was full of it. They didn't notice me as Selena laughed and fed him some dessert she had eaten half of. Her fingers brushed past his lips, and surprisingly, he blushed. Years ago, Francesco had acted exactly the same way, which made me believe in his sincerity and eventually decide to marry him. All this time, I had believed that he only had fleeting feelings for the previous women—that he wasn't serious about them. It wasn't until now that realization dawned on me. Perhaps he had been sincere with the other women and me—it was just that his genuine feelings for a woman were always short-lived and easily replaced. Chapter 2 "Caro, shall we take a photo together? I want to post it on social media," Selena said, pulling out her phone and preparing to take a picture of the two of them. Francesco hesitated for a moment. As the heir of the family, he couldn't casually post photos online. But in the next instant, he flashed a wide grin at the camera. I smiled bitterly. We had been married for ten years, yet every time I suggested taking a photo with him, he refused. It turned out that it wasn't impossible to bend the "no-photo-taking" rule. He just didn't want to take photos with me. Lost in thought, I heard a waiter's voice beside me. "Signorina, are you on your own?" I nodded. Selena also spotted me as the waiter spoke. Francesco froze, and a hint of embarrassment flashed in his eyes. It seemed like he hadn't forgotten all the times I had invited him to this place. He got up and walked toward me. "Since you're here, come sit with us. I had been busy with family affairs back then. I couldn't make time for you." He pulled out a chair for me, but I shook my head and went to the seat the waiter had originally arranged for me. "You two go ahead," I said airily. "I'm just here to eat." Throughout the meal, Francesco kept glancing my way, obviously distracted. Still, I ignored him. When they passed by me after their meal, he stopped beside my table and said, "Mia, your temper has improved a lot lately. "Don't worry. As long as you behave, you'll still be the future Donna of the Greco family." I smiled, not telling him that I was about to leave. … On the day of the auction, Francesco specifically sent someone to pick me up. I was about to refuse, but when I saw that one of the auction items was by Madre Greco's favorite sculptor, I changed my mind. When Francesco entered the room with Selena, who was proudly wearing my wedding ring, everyone in Solerio's upper crust cast me mocking glances. I paid them no mind and focused entirely on the auction. The moment the sculpture came up, my eyes lit up. I raised my paddle immediately as soon as the auctioneer began the bidding. "Five million, once. Five million, twice. Five million, three times. Very well. Now, let us congratulate—" Before he could finish, Selena suddenly raised her paddle. "Ten million dollars!" I spun toward her in disbelief. She tilted her chin at me, a taunting look in her eyes. I knew she didn't care about the sculpture—she just wanted to piss me off. Helplessly, I turned toward Francesco. "Mia, I told you. You can choose any ring you want today," he said, looking unfazed. "As for this sculpture, why don't you give it to Selena since she likes it?" Affection filled his eyes as he spoke, and Selena was so delighted that she kissed him on the spot. Her eyes gleamed with triumph as she looked at me. Francesco wasn't oblivious to her schemes. He just chose to indulge her. I suddenly remembered when he had first pursued me. He'd take me all over Solerio during the day, and at night, he'd drag me to auctions. He fought for every piece I liked or was merely curious about, even if it angered other families. "My woman deserves everything in this world," he once said. Now, he had walked all over me and made me become the woman whose sole existence was to highlight his affection for his new lover. Chapter 3 I forced myself to regain my composure, staring blankly at the auctioneer as he brought down the gavel. But just as it was about to fall, the sound system suddenly blared. Selena's sensual moans, calling Francesco's name over and over, filled the entire hall. Everyone's expressions changed at once. "Yeah, faster…" "Francesco, give it to me now…" Francesco's expression hardened. He sprang up in anger, not forgetting to shield Selena behind him as he barked, "Who was it? Turn it off now!" His subordinates rushed backstage, stumbling over themselves. Selena buried herself in his arms and wept, then suddenly jerked her head up and pointed at me. "Ms. Morelli, all I did was take a sculpture you liked. And this is how you get back at me?" she choked out. "I don't mind being humiliated, but Francesco represents the Greco family. You played our sex tape in front of so many people… Are you trying to humiliate the Greco family?" Francesco glowered at me. "So this was your purpose all along, huh? No wonder you were so obedient yesterday. And I thought you'd finally become more sensible." I felt my chest tighten. "Do you really think I did this?" I asked bitterly. We dated for three years and had been married for eight years. I thought spending this much time together meant he'd at least trust my character, yet his response proved me terribly wrong. "Who else would target Selena besides you?" he hissed. "Mia, I thought you knew how you should act as the future Donna of the Greco family. I didn't expect you still couldn't hold your own. "Listen, if you don't want the position, there are plenty of others who do." The look in his eyes sent a shiver down my spine. I sneered. "Fine. I don't want it. Let's get a divorce. You can have whoever you want as the future Donna of the family." Francesco's eyes widened in disbelief. But before he could react, Selena suddenly grabbed my hand. "Ms. Morelli, I'm sorry. This is all my fault," she sobbed. "You can hit me, scold me, or do whatever you want. Don't take it out on Francesco. He's already exhausted from his family affairs…" I looked at her, confused. I wondered what she was up to again. She suddenly lifted my hand, and in the next instant, she collapsed to the ground. Her hand flew to her face as she cried out in fear, "Ms. Morelli, I'm sorry! I'll leave Francesco if you tell me to. Please stop hurting me. "You're right. A small insignificant person like me isn't worth your effort… I should've known better." Francesco's expression immediately changed. He shoved me aside and quickly removed Selena's hand from her face. The originally flawless skin on her cheek now bore a bright red mark. "What did she do to you yesterday?" he fumed. Feigning terror, Selena glanced at me and said hesitantly, "Ms. Morelli said if I keep clinging to you, she'd ruin me completely…" He turned to me, his gaze cold. "Mia, looks like I've been too lenient with you over the years. That's why you're starting to interfere in my business." My lips trembled as bitterness surged in my chest. I knew it was pointless to defend myself now. No matter what I said, Francesco wouldn't believe me at all. "Someone put all these photos up," he ordered. "I'll personally hold an auction for Mrs. Greco today." My eyes widened, and my body was shaking with terror. Sure enough, when I looked up, my nude photos were displayed on the big screen. The nudity and my suggestive expressions sparked immediate whispers among the crowd. When we had been madly in love, he'd coaxed me into taking these photos. He had promised he would keep them safe, yet now he'd turned that promise into a weapon against me. I struggled against his grip, trying to talk some sense into him. "Francesco, it wasn't me!" I shouted. But he shoved me aside without hesitation, holding Selena close to him. "Keep an eye on her." Completely under his men's control, I could only watch in despair as the crowd picked at my photos. Tears streamed down my face, and the surrounding whispers and ridicule almost drowned me. Finally, Francesco raised the gavel and brought it down. "Congratulations to this gentleman for purchasing all these photos for one dollar." Chapter 4 When I woke up, I realized I was alone in the hospital. A nurse came over, visibly concerned. "You're two months pregnant. Didn't you know?" I froze as I took the medical record. I had no idea how I went home. All this while, my mind had been in a haze. In our eight years of marriage, I had fantasized countless times about Francesco returning to me, and us welcoming our first child, one born out of love. Neither had happened. Yet now, the child I had longed for came right when I had made up my mind to leave. I stroked my belly, a mix of emotions surging within me. No matter the timing, I should've given the child a chance to see the world. I made a silent promise to myself and didn't mention the pregnancy to anyone. I finished packing all my belongings and planned to leave with the child once Madre Greco's birthday banquet was over. Francesco hadn't appeared for the next few days. I stayed home, yet the rumors still somehow reached me. "I heard Francesco's about to divorce his wife for his current lover. This one seems really different." On the day of Madre Greco's birthday, Francesco returned unexpectedly early. He glanced at the suitcase behind the door and frowned. "What's that?" "Nothing." I brushed him off. "I'm going on a vacation in a few days." He nodded, though confusion flickered in his eyes. "By the way, Selena's pregnant," he said after a brief pause. "I'll be keeping the baby." My breath hitched, and even my heart skipped a beat. He'd always surrounded himself with women, but this was the first time he had ever gotten someone pregnant. The joy in his eyes made my heart ache, yet I suppressed my emotions and simply smiled. "That's good," I said. He finally broke into a wide grin. "I'm glad you're fine with it," he said, visibly relieved. "As for what happened last time… Let's just put the past behind us, okay? "You did go overboard a little, but I've taught you a lesson. As long as you behave, I promise you'll still be the future Donna of the Greco family." I nodded numbly, knowing he was implying I should not cause Selena any trouble. "Let's go to Grandma's dinner together, or she'll nag at me again," he said when I was about to leave. "Leave your driver with Selena so he can take her home." I didn't argue. After all, this was how things had always been—he used me to placate Madre Greco, while I cleaned up after him, foolishly believing in my empty fantasies of love. I took the gift I had prepared and got into the car. The vehicle was cruising down the road when Francesco's phone rang. He answered, and his expression immediately darkened. He swerved the car to a stop by the roadside, then grabbed me by the neck. "Selena's still pregnant. How dare you?" he snarled. I was bewildered, my face flushed from the pressure. "Even if you dislike her, you shouldn't have tampered with the car!" Realization dawned on me. Selena had gotten in a car accident tonight—and not just in any car, but mine. "I didn't do anything." But Francesco didn't believe me at all. He revved the engine, and the car lurched forward, crashing into the barrier. My vision swam as I clutched my stomach, desperately trying to wake him up. "Stop! It wasn't me!" I shouted. "I'm pregnant too! Don't do anything reckless." His concern for Selena's child made him completely lose control. He jumped out of the car, slamming the door. "You think I'll believe your lies at a time like this? Stay here and think about what you've done. You can only leave when Selena's safe!" The car reeked of gasoline. I frantically tried to open the door, but it was locked. I pounded the windows, screaming to get Francesco's attention. "Let me out! I really am pregnant!" I shouted, hoping he'd notice something off about the car. "I might die in here. Francesco, you idiot!" He was already out of my sight. The smell of gasoline grew stronger, and suddenly flames burst out. Hope vanished from my eyes as I watched the fire consume the car, my hand falling from my belly. … Soon after, Francesco finally arrived at the hospital. To his surprise, Selena only had minor injuries. Relieved, he quickly called his men to bring me so I could apologize to her in person. "Mr. Greco, your car exploded on the overpass," his subordinate said, his face pale. "When we cleaned up the scene, the only thing we found was a burned shoe. "It was Mrs. Greco's." Chapter 5 Francesco stared at the shoe, and the color drained from his face. "What did you say?" he croaked. "The car was fine when I left. How could it suddenly burst into flames?" His subordinate lowered his head, his forehead covered in sweat. Before Francesco could speak again, Selena padded out of her ward and asked weakly, "Is Ms. Morelli alright? "I remember the driver only glanced at his phone, and the car swerved out of control. Did the same thing happen to her?" Francesco's expression darkened. He turned to his subordinate and ordered, "Find her immediately. I know how cunning she is. She must've fled after her plan failed, and now she wants to pin the blame on Selena. "Bring her here. I want her to apologize to Selena in person!" His subordinate hesitated, wanting to say something. But the moment he glanced up, he caught the threatening look in Selena's eyes. He shuddered and simply nodded before leaving. "Why are you getting up? You should be resting," Francesco chided, masking his irritation with a gentle voice. Selena lay back down, her face still devoid of color. "Caro, don't blame Ms. Morelli. It's all my fault," she said weakly. "I didn't heed her warning and insisted on being with you. It's normal that she hates me. I don't blame her. "All I hope is that I can deliver this child safely. It's your first child after all, and you've waited so long." Affection filled Francesco's eyes as he gazed at her. "Selena, you're just too sensible. If only Mia were half as thoughtful as you… "But don't worry. I'll give you an explanation. I won't let her off easily. I spoiled her too much back then, so that's why she's been getting more reckless. She even had the nerve to hurt you! This won't happen again." Selena nodded with a smile. Francesco waited until she fell asleep before slipping out of the ward. He opened his phone, a strange anxiety gnawing at him. News of the explosion on the overpass was still everywhere, yet I had vanished without a trace. He tried to suppress the unease and turned around, only to bump into a nurse walking over with a report. He took it without thinking and flipped it open. When he learned that Selena was pregnant, he wanted to accompany her to the checkup, but she said she had already gone. As he looked at the small silhouette on the ultrasound, he felt his heart soften. "The baby is fine," the nurse said cheerfully. "Thankfully, it's already three months old. Otherwise, the situation could've been serious today." Francesco blinked, the smile on his face disappearing. "Three months?" He heard himself say. "Wasn't it two?" The nurse flinched at his sudden question but explained nervously, "Ms. Ricci is over three months along. We told her during her previous checkup." Realization struck Francesco before she even finished her sentence. He kicked open the door and threw the report onto the bed. "Explain. How many months are you actually pregnant?" he demanded. Selena stared at the report, her face turning white. "T-Two months! This must be a mistake. The hospital must've mixed it up. Let's go to another hospital…" She grabbed his hand in panic, tears spilling over. In the past, he would have softened instantly, but this time, he shoved her away. "Whose child is it? Tell me!" Selena trembled, unable to speak. Francesco looked as if someone had punched the living daylights out of him when his subordinate rushed in. "Mr. Greco, we still can't find Mrs. Greco, but we found this at your house." He glanced at the documents. They were my prenatal report and the signed divorce papers.