Chapter 9

"Salvatore's right," Stefano said. "It's time for you to learn the rules, Regina." Stefano's and Salvatore's voices were cold and cruel. They stared at me as if they were looking at a criminal. Just then, Antonia fixed a gentle expression on her face and said, "Forget it. I'm the older one, so it's only natural for me to tolerate my sorellina's behavior. Besides, it's my birthday banquet tomorrow. I still want Gina to be there." The Farro fratelli stiffened at the mention of tomorrow. I also didn't miss the way a hint of hesitance and regret flickered in their eyes. However, their regret was short-lived and paled in comparison to their love for Antonia. "At the end of the day, you're the one who bullied Antonia. I won't punish you tonight, but I'll definitely punish you once Antonia's birthday banquet is over." They then turned around and left, taking Antonia with them. In the past, I would have been filled with terror as I chased after Stefano to apologize to him, begging him not to be angry with him. But now, I simply watched their retreating backs. "Antonia Leone, you'll never get what doesn't belong to you. As for the two of you, Stefano and Salvatore Farro, I'll never forgive either of you ever again," I declared calmly. They paused briefly before they continued walking toward the door. The door slammed shut behind them with a deafening bang, locking me in this room that was a chaotic mess. I didn't ask anyone for help as I retrieved the first-aid kit and began cleaning my wound. When I removed the glass from my palm with a pair of tweezers, I was suddenly reminded of how panicked Stefano would get whenever I hurt myself in the past. He would insist on personally dressing my wound even if it was just a little scratch. However, at that moment, he only cared about another woman when my palm was riddled with wounds. My phone chimed then, notifying me that I had received a message. It was from Stefano. "You scared Antonia. I'll make it up to her on your behalf tonight. I want you to personally apologize to her during her birthday banquet tomorrow." My heart throbbed in pain. Unable to stop the tears from streaming down my face, I replied to his message with a simple "Okay". Stefano had no idea that Nonno would be taking me away tomorrow. I wouldn't be attending Antonia's birthday banquet. I also didn't want Stefano and Salvatore anymore. … As expected, neither of them returned home that night. When dawn broke, the housekeeper reminded me that I had to attend Antonia's birthday banquet. I nodded before retrieving the fake marriage certificate and my pregnancy report from a drawer, placing both documents on the bedside cabinet. I then grabbed my own identification documents and strode out of the villa without sparing a single glance back at the place. Stefano called me just as I met up with Nonno's subordinates. I didn't want to answer him at first, but I accidentally connected the call when I tapped on the green button. "Where are you, Gina? It's Antonia's birthday today. As her sorella, you must attend the banquet." He sounded a little irritated. I could also vaguely hear Antonia's panicked voice on the other end of the line. I knew they weren't looking forward to seeing me. It was just that if I refused to relinquish my rights as the successor of The Rosas, Papa would never publicly announce that Antonia was the new successor. "I'm never going back," I said calmly. "Congratulations, Stefano and Salvatore. Neither of you has to put up an act in front of me again. I also have to thank you for faking our marriage from the very beginning. You've saved me the trouble of having to go through a divorce. "Also, please pass this message to Salvatore. I've left the present that he lost on the bedside cabinet in the bedroom." "What? What are you talking about, Gina? There must be some sort of misunderstanding," Stefano exclaimed in a panic. I hung up immediately. Stefano didn't give up and tried phoning me again, but I ignored all his calls. I didn't hang up and just let it ring, leaving the phone to the side and letting the battery drain until the device switched off. "Is it time for us to leave, Ms. Leone?" Nonno's subordinate asked. I shook my head and replied, "We have to wait for a little while more." I sat in the waiting room in the airport and only rose to my feet when I spotted two familiar silhouettes sprinting toward me. I grabbed my phone and hurled it at them with all my might, exclaiming, "We're over!" I then turned around and boarded the plane. Two masculine voices resounded from behind me, screaming, "Don't go, Gina!"