Chapter 3

A long time passed before I finally asked hoarsely, "You… Why do you want me to sign this?" A hint of regret flickered in Stefano's eyes for a split second. He gently drew me into his embrace and patted my back comfortingly. "Gina, I already told you that the daughter-in-law of the Farro family needs to have a clean background. She also can't be a high-profile person. Not only were you involved in so much conflict in the past, but you're also an illegitimate child. "Both your reputation and background are terrible. The family is worried you'll break the rules, but I came up with this plan to have them accept you," he said as he shoved a pen into my hand as if he were giving me a handout. "If you sign this, Gina, I'll bring you home to meet the Farro family during Thanksgiving." I subconsciously tightened my grip on the pen as my body began quivering. After I married Stefano, the members of the Farro family would occasionally humiliate me. I had endured everything for his sake. I had even worried that he would feel upset if he found out, so I had kept it a secret from him. To gain his family's approval, I had even abandoned my pride to curry favor with those who humiliated me. Stefano knew how desperately I had wanted to gain his family's approval, but he had allowed me to suffer their humiliation for three years. Now, he came up with this excuse to ensure that Antonia will face no obstacles on her way to becoming the successor of The Rosas. My silence seemed to make Stefano upset. He raised his voice and said impatiently, "You're an illegitimate child, Gina. You were never fit to be the successor." I had heard many people call me an illegitimate child over the years. But I had also always told him that Mamma was Papa's first wife and that she had only left him because he had lied to her. He would always hug and comfort me whenever I told him, promising that he would never behave like a bastard like Papa. However, Stefano had continuously insulted Mamma that day. Unable to hold myself back anymore, I told him the truth. "Mamma was never Papa's mistress. Antonia's madre is Papa's actual mistress. She—" "That's enough!" Stefano interrupted me sternly, his eyes shining with unbridled fury and hatred. "You almost cost Antonia her life that day, Regina Leone. But she chose to forgive you because she's just that kind. She has also never taken your actions to heart even though you've kept targeting her in the past few years. She was even kind enough to ask me to take care of you. "What about you? You're just an unpresentable illegitimate child, and yet you still want to take what doesn't belong to you." "He doesn't believe me," I thought to myself over and over again. It turned out that the understanding and respect Stefano showed me all these years were nothing but lies that he used to continue his farce. I could feel my heart trembling. I opened my mouth, but I couldn't say a word. Finally, I asked him in a quivering voice, "Are you included in the list of things that don't belong to me?" Stefano was momentarily stunned by my words, looking as if he had just realized that he had misspoke. His expression morphed into one of regret as he gently enveloped me in his embrace. "Why do you love to overthink, Gina? I'm your husband. Of course, I belong to you. Since you have a husband who dotes on you now, you should just stay home and be Mrs. Farro. There's no need for you to get involved with violence and bloodshed. "Besides, you can't argue that you don't owe Antonia. I'm right, aren't I? You should just forget about The Rosas." Stefano still insisted on putting on an act even though the situation had already come to this point. Feeling exhausted, I closed my eyes and gently pushed him away. "I won't sign it, Stefano. Nonno was the one who established The Rosas. It belongs to me. I won't give it up to anyone else." I had been too foolish in the past, mistaking a scheme for sincerity. I had already given up so much for a man who didn't actually love me. However, I refused to behave in the same way any longer. Stefano seemed to be infuriated by my resolve. He hurled the document onto the bedside cabinet and glared at me, enraged. "I've spoiled you too much in the last few years, Gina. That must be why you're acting so stubborn now. I guess it's time for me to punish you." He then walked out of the door and addressed his subordinates, saying, "Keep an eye on Mrs. Farro. She's not allowed to leave without my permission. Also, don't give her any food until she has learned the error of her ways."