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Betrayed By My Fiance i Became the Dons Ugly Masked Bride FULL HD
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00:02Every day, I hid my beauty beneath an ugly disguise, all to escape an arranged marriage
00:08to Alessio Rosso, the notoriously looks-obsessed Mafia Don.
00:13The man I wanted was Luca.
00:16He'd only ever seen my fake, ugly face, and I believed he truly loved me for who I was.
00:22I don't care what you look like, Sophia.
00:25I love you, just the way you are.
00:27Then, just as we were about to exchange rings, his phone buzzed.
00:32One message from Isabella, his first love, the woman he'd never really gotten over.
00:37And suddenly, Luca was ready to abandon me at the altar.
00:40The entire capital erupted in whispers, but I wasn't going to cry.
00:44Honestly, I just started laughing.
00:46If a single text was all it took for him to walk-walk away, I was dodging a bullet.
00:49So, fine, now I could become Mrs. Rosso without a single regret.
00:53Luca, he froze for a second.
00:55If you walk out that door today, I'll marry someone else.
00:59Then he gave me a mocking smile I'd never seen before.
01:02Oh, come on, Sophie.
01:03Look at yourself.
01:05Who else would marry you but me?
01:08Isabella slit her wrists.
01:10They're in the ER trying to save her right now.
01:13I have to be there.
01:14Wait for me.
01:15I'll make it up to you.
01:16With that, he turned and ran out of the chapel without one moment of hesitation.
01:19The guest looked at me with pity and barely hidden contempt.
01:22I walked straight to the bridal suite without looking back.
01:27I sat down in front of the mirror and picked up a makeup wipe.
01:30Slowly, I swept it across my cheek, along with the thick makeup beneath it.
01:34Smooth, ball-less skin emerged underneath.
01:36By the time the last trace of my disc gone, my real face was staring back at me in the
01:39mirror,
01:40the kind of face that could bring a man to his knees.
01:42I had just finished removing my disguise when Luca called.
01:45She made it, Sophia, but she's scared.
01:48I need to stay with her tonight.
01:50Postpone.
01:50We can postpone the wedding, right?
01:52Put out a statement.
01:54Say you had a medical emergency, so we had no choice but to call off the wedding.
01:58Isabella can't take any more pressure.
01:59If people find out the truth, they'll blame her for wrecking our wedding and, well, you keep to yourself anyway.
02:04I keep to myself?
02:05Hilarious.
02:06So because I was ugly, I'm the one who has to take the fall for him ditching me at the
02:10altar?
02:10I was done listening.
02:12I hung up.
02:12My father walked into the bridal suite.
02:14He stared at my real face, his expression complicated.
02:20Sweetheart, after all this, was hiding your beauty really worth it?
02:25I looked at my reflection.
02:26I looked exactly like my mother when she was young.
02:29She never loved my father.
02:30Her family had forced her into a marriage alliance with him.
02:33Years of depression destroyed her health.
02:35She died when I was 14.
02:36Before she passed, she held my hand tightly.
02:38Sophia, your life belongs to you.
02:42Never hand it over to anyone else.
02:45So when I learned I'd been promised to the Rozo heir, I rebelled.
02:50Alexa was infamous for his accession with beauty.
02:53So I made myself look ugly and had my father send him those photos instead.
02:57I didn't want to be trapped in a loveless, arranged marriage.
03:00I refused to end up like my mother.
03:02I thought Luca would be different.
03:04I trusted him with all my heart, but he betrayed me without a second thought.
03:08If true love meant nothing, I might as well trade it for absolute power and wealth.
03:12Tell the Rozo family I've changed my mind.
03:14I'll marry Alessio.
03:15Once I accepted the arranged marriage, everything moved quickly.
03:21That evening, I went to the Rozo family estate.
03:27I was there to meet Alessio's grandmother, the family matriarch.
03:31The moment she saw my real face, she was stunned.
03:34This time, I didn't resist.
03:36I met her gaze and smiled.
03:37She noted repeatedly, praising me without holding back.
03:40Oh, darling, you're exquisite.
03:42Alessio is a very lucky man.
03:44I'll see to it that you have a wedding worthy of you.
03:46Then she gently slipped a sapphire ring onto my finger.
03:48The Rozo family crest was set into the stone.
03:50Every woman who has led this family has worn this ring.
03:53It carries the authority of the Rozo matriarch.
03:56And now, it's yours.
03:57Over the next half hour, we finalized the marriage arrangement.
04:00But just before I left, she lowered her voice.
04:03One more thing, darling.
04:04A face like yours is bound to draw attention.
04:07So, until the wedding, keep it hidden.
04:10I'm afraid your beauty might provoke jealousy and put you in danger before you reach the altar.
04:14I didn't want anything to jeopardize the marriage.
04:16So, I took her advice.
04:17I'd keep making myself look ugly until my wedding day.
04:21The next morning, I was packing my bags.
04:24I was leaving the home where I'd spent three years preparing for our marriage.
04:28Suddenly, the lock turned.
04:30Luca walked in carrying a container of seafood chowder.
04:33He gave me an eager smile.
04:35Still mad at me?
04:36Come on, look what I brought you.
04:39I stared at the container and gave a bitter smile.
04:42On our very first date, I told Luca I had a severe seafood allergy.
04:47Without a word, I tossed the chowdy into the trash.
04:50Sophia!
04:51I stood in line for two hours.
04:52Why would you-
04:53Then he saw the look in my eyes.
04:55Oh God, your seafood allergy.
04:56Baby, I'm so sorry.
04:57It completely slipped my mind.
04:59Save the apology.
05:00We're done.
05:02I pulled off my engagement ring and dropped it at his feet.
05:06He crouched down and picked it up, his fingers trembling.
05:09No, no.
05:10Come on, Sophia.
05:11I messed up.
05:12I know.
05:12We can reschedule the wedding.
05:14We can figure-
05:14I said no!
05:16Take whatever's yours and get the hell out.
05:18There is no wedding.
05:19Not anymore.
05:23He stared at me, his eyes turning red.
05:25Why, Sophia?
05:26Why are you doing this?
05:27Because I'm engaged to someone else, and my fiancé isn't too keen on me keeping my ex around.
05:31Shock and panic flashed across Luca's face.
05:33Fiancé?
05:33This is about last night, isn't it?
05:34You're trying to get back at me.
05:36Get back at you?
05:37Please.
05:38You're not that important.
05:40All right then, say his name.
05:42Who's this man you're supposedly marrying?
05:45Because we both know no one else would have you.
05:47I was about to say Alessio's name, when a timid cough came from the doorway.
05:51Isabella stood there, pale and fragile.
05:52She walked inside, her greedy gaze sweeping across the luxurious penthouse overlooking the
05:56entire city.
05:58Then her eyes landed on the wedding dress lying on the sofa.
06:01A year of my life, sewn by hand.
06:03Luca, this place is incredible.
06:05And that dress, it's gorgeous.
06:07Not that I'll ever get to wear anything like it.
06:09Sophia.
06:10Isabella made no attempt to hide the triumph in her eyes.
06:12I was so furious, I laughed.
06:14Let me guess.
06:16You want me to hand her the keys and throw in my wedding dress, too?
06:20Luca opened his mouth to answer, but his eyes went by when I snatched the scissors from
06:24the table and slashed the wedding dress in half.
06:27As the torn fabric drifted to the floor, I spoke slowly and clearly.
06:33If it's mine, I decide what happens to it, and I'd rather destroy it than let trash like
06:38you touch it.
06:38She's crazy, Luca!
06:41Completely unhinged!
06:43It's just a dress, Sophia.
06:44You could have just said no.
06:45Now, what are you supposed to wear when you get married?
06:47Not your problem.
06:48The Rosso family will see that I have a new one.
06:52Luca stiffened.
06:54The Rosses?
06:56You mean Alessio Rosso's family?
06:58The most powerful crime family in Europe?
07:01Sophia, come on.
07:03Alessio is famous for hating.
07:04His gaze swept over my face, and he stopped.
07:08But I knew exactly what word he had swallowed.
07:10Alerio despised ugly women.
07:11I was done wasting my time with Luca.
07:13I pulled out a makeup wipe, ready to remove my disguise.
07:15But Luca reached out to grab my wrist.
07:17Enough with the act.
07:18Wiping your face won't magically make you-
07:22My phone suddenly rang.
07:24I answered it.
07:27Miss Bellini, I'm calling on behalf of Madame Rosso.
07:29The wedding is to be held in three days.
07:31The room fell deathly silent.
07:33Every trace of color drained from Luca's face.
07:35No, that's not possible.
07:37The Rossos would never-
07:38Panic spread across Luca's face.
07:41Luca, don't fall for it.
07:43There's no way Alessio's marrying her.
07:45She obviously had someone make that call.
07:47This whole thing is just payback for you leaving her at the altar.
07:52Isabella swear up and down I was making the whole thing up.
07:55Alright, you've made your point.
07:56I left you for Isabella, and I know I hurt you.
07:59But dragging the Rosso name into this, you've taken it way too far.
08:03Luca's gaze swept over my disguised face.
08:05Alexo dates models and socialites.
08:07Why would he ever marry you?
08:09Just apologize to me right now, and I can still-
08:11Still what?
08:12Keep me on the hook until things fall apart with your precious first love?
08:15Luca, you really think you're my only option, don't you?
08:18That no matter what you do, I'll always be here waiting?
08:20He was speechless.
08:22His face shifted from pale to levied.
08:25Isabella immediately leaned against him again.
08:27Please, Luca, can we go?
08:29I don't want to make things any worse.
08:31She doesn't mean any of this.
08:33Once she calms down, she'll remember how much you've done for her.
08:37Luca took a deep breath and looked at me.
08:40I'll give you a few days, Sophia.
08:41When you're ready to be reasonable, call me.
08:44Then he wrapped an arm around Isabella and walked away without looking back.
08:48The night before the wedding, I received a message from Luca's best friend.
08:53Sophia, Luca's just too proud to admit it, but deep down it's always been you.
08:56Come to the Bellant tomorrow.
08:57He's going to frozen for everyone and give you the wedding he owes you.
09:01Wouldn't miss it.
09:02How could I miss it?
09:03My engagement ceremony with Alessio was also being held at the Bellert Hotel.
09:07As if she hadn't humiliated me enough, Isabella soon sent me a video.
09:11Once Sophia shows up, I'll get down on one knee for Isabella, right in Sophia's face.
09:15Let's see how long that little tantrum lasts.
09:17Luca sat among his friends with a glass of whiskey in his hand.
09:20Slightly drunk, he laughed contemptibly.
09:22Everyone burst out laughing and urged Luca to kiss Isabella.
09:25I didn't watch any further.
09:27I calmly turned off my phone.
09:28The next day, in the Bellant's top floor VIP dressing room,
09:31I slipped into a custom gown covered in nearly a thousand diamonds.
09:35Luca had sent me several voiceages.
09:38Sophia, knock it off.
09:40You said you'd be here, so where are you?
09:43I'm at Don Rosso's wedding with Isabella.
09:45If you're finally ready to be reasonable, wait out front.
09:47I'll come find you when I'm done.
09:48The moment his message ended, the massive doors in front of him slowly opened.
09:52Countless spotlights blazed to life, holding up my glittering train, obvious.
09:56My breathtaking face was revealed for all the world to see.
09:59Luca was still holding his phone, sending me messages.
10:01He froze as if struck by lightning.
10:03He stared at my face, then at the figure he knew so well.
10:07Sophia?
10:08No.
10:09No f***ing way!
10:10He charged toward me like a madman.
10:12But before he could come within ten feet of me, several bodyguards in black suits slammed him to the floor.
10:19Get that trash out of my fiancé's way.
10:22Pinned firmly to the floor, Luca stared at my face with bloodshot eyes.
10:25Sophia?
10:26He trembled as if someone had seized him by the throat.
10:28Sophia, just hear me out.
10:30I screwed up, okay?
10:31Walking out on you, rubbing Isabella in your face, all of it.
10:33I was an idiot.
10:34Just tell me how to fix it.
10:35He pulled the diamond ring I had thrown away from his pocket and held it up.
10:38Take me back, Sophie.
10:39We can still do this.
10:41We can get married right now.
10:42I love you.
10:44I swear I do.
10:45I looked down at him as if he were a piece of trash that couldn't even be recycled.
10:51You love me?
10:52Funny.
10:53You said you loved my soul.
10:54But one look at my real face and you only had eyes for Isabella.
10:57Cut the act, Luca.
10:58The only person you've ever loved is yourself.
11:00As soon as I finished speaking, a tall figure stepped up beside me.
11:03His crisp scent of cedar and tobacco surrounded me in an instant.
11:06His powerful, commanding presence enclipsed everyone else in the room.
11:10Alexio looked down at Luca with undisguired contempt.
11:13Since when does trash like this disrupt a Rosso wedding?
11:17And one more thing.
11:18His gaze shifted to Isabella, whose face had gone deathly pale.
11:22This pathetic little show is over.
11:24Throw them both out.
11:26At his command, several guards immediately grabbed them.
11:29They hauled Luca and Isabella up like they wait nothing.
11:32Sophia, you can't do this to me!
11:33Luca continued screaming like a madman.
11:35Isabella stood there in her cheap dress.
11:37Guests pointed and whispered, making their dispaced painfully clear.
11:40Finally, she broke down.
11:41She reached desperately for Luca's hand.
11:43Luca, help me!
11:45But Luca was drowning in regret and shock.
11:47Instead, he shoved her away hard.
11:49He didn't even look at her.
11:53The wedding of the century continued on the top floor.
11:56It was grand, lovish, and breathtaking.
11:59Every major figure in Europe's underworld had come.
12:02At Alessio Rosso's side, I accepted everyone's blessings.
12:06My place as the new godfather was now beyond question.
12:10That night, I was taken to the Rosso family's main estate.
12:13It was located in the heart of Sicily.
12:15Our bedroom was understated, yet undeniably luxurious.
12:19The air carried hints of cigar smoke and cologne.
12:22I had just changed out of my wedding dress.
12:25Then Alessio walked in.
12:26He unfastened his cuff clinks as he slowly approached me.
12:30A flicker of admiration and amusement crossed his gray-blue eyes.
12:34His long fingers casually tilted my chin up.
12:37Then he tossed a photo onto the vanity before me.
12:40It was the original photo from my marriage application.
12:43The one showing my ugly disguise.
12:45My heart jolted.
12:47Mrs. Rosso, the Rossos have eyes everywhere.
12:50Did you really think I wouldn't see through that disguise of yours?
12:53My clever little fox?
12:54My heart lurched, but I didn't let it show.
12:57I calmly met his searching gaze.
12:59My fingertip traced the stranger's face in the photo.
13:01A faint smile curved across my lips.
13:03And?
13:04You're only marrying me to honor a promise the old Don made, aren't you, Mr. Rosso?
13:09And if I'm going to bear the Rosso name, I won't do anything to tarnish it.
13:13My calm honesty seemed to catch him off guard.
13:17Amusement flickered through his dark eyes.
13:19Then he let out a low chuckle.
13:21Interesting.
13:22Instead of getting angry, he slid two things towards me.
13:25A solid black bank card and an ancient family seal.
13:28The Rosso crest was carved into the seal.
13:31This card has no limit.
13:32The seal lets you act in my name, my properties, plus stakes in several family businesses.
13:39I didn't reach for them.
13:40Alessio leant down.
13:42His hot breath brushed against my ear.
13:44His voice was intimate, yet dangerous.
13:47Take them.
13:47A Mrs. Rosso needs a little firepower.
13:51Let's not pretend this is about love.
13:53We're husband and wife on paper.
13:54But to the outside world, we stand together.
13:58Play your part well, Mrs. Rosso, and I'll make sure nothing in this world ever troubles you again.
14:02This was his way of drawing the line.
14:04Our relationship would never go beyond mutual benefit.
14:07Exactly what I wanted.
14:09I accepted the card and seal, then nodded calmly.
14:12Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Rosso.
14:15He watched me closely.
14:17The need to conquer me burned in his eyes.
14:19It felt almost tangible, closing tightly around me.
14:23Across town, Luca sat in the city's most exclusive underground bar.
14:27He knocked back glass after glass of hard liquor.
14:30His eyes were bloodshot.
14:31His mind kept replaying me in that wedding dress.
14:34That breathtaking face haunted him again and again.
14:37Only now did he realize what he had thrown away.
14:39A priceless treasure.
14:41And he had pushed me away with his own hands.
14:43Luca?
14:46Isabella came looking for him.
14:47Her makeup was flawless, and she wore a brand new dress.
14:50She tried her usual fragile act to comfort him.
14:53But the second Luca saw her, he remembered my face.
14:55Standing beside me, Isabella suddenly looked painfully plain.
14:58Her calculating expression made his stomach turn.
15:01Get the hell away from me!
15:03Never let me see your face again.
15:05Isabella stared at Luca.
15:06He was now completely obsessed.
15:08A vicious wave of jealousy and hatred toward me consumed her.
15:11The next day, Alessio took me to Geneva.
15:14Europe's leading financial figures were hosting a charity gala there.
15:18It was my first public appearance as Mrs. Rosso.
15:21I slipped into a burgundy mermaid gown.
15:23My hair was loosely pinned up.
15:25It revealed my long, pale neck.
15:27A temporary Rosso chest marked my skin.
15:30It was a symbol of power and status.
15:32When Alessio saw me, his gaze visibly darkened.
15:35The gala was filled with powerful underworld figures.
15:37These were the people who controlled Europe's economy.
15:39Alexio and I walked in arm in arm.
15:40The moment we entered, every eye in the room turned to me.
15:42I'd only ever seen these tycoons and dons in the f***.
15:44Now, they raised their glasses and greeted us first.
15:46Every one of them treated us with respect.
15:48Mrs. Rosso, you look like an angel.
15:50I smiled and handled every conversation with ease.
15:52Then I noticed someone out of place in the corner.
15:53Luca.
15:54The Rosso family had crushed one of his smuggling operations.
15:57Now he was begging everyone there to help him save it.
16:00He looked utterly pathetic.
16:01When he looked up and saw me, his whole body froze.
16:06Jealousy and resentment burned through him.
16:11I couldn't be bothered with him.
16:13I excused myself and escaped to the restroom.
16:15It gave me a break from all that fake socialize.
16:18But the moment I stepped out, someone seized my wrist.
16:22Luca dragged me into a deserted corner of the hallway.
16:25His bloodshot eyes burned as he pinned me against the wall.
16:29He reeked of alcohol and bitter jealousy.
16:31The smell made me sick.
16:33Sophia, tell me none of this is real!
16:38You only chose Alessio to get back at me, right?
16:41This whole marriage is just an act, isn't it?
16:43He had never looked more desperate.
16:44Sophia, I know I screwed up.
16:46I really do.
16:46I love you.
16:48It's always been you.
16:50Isabella means nothing to me.
16:52Come back and I'll kick her out of Italy.
16:55I'll make sure she never comes back.
16:56I even tried to touch my face.
16:58The face he now treated like some private treasure.
17:00I jerked my head away.
17:01Then I took a silk handkerchief from my purse.
17:03Slowly, I wiped the wrist he had touched.
17:04As if his hands had left filthy on my skin.
17:06Mr. ***, look at you now.
17:08Begging and wagging your tail.
17:10It hardly suits the man who walked out on me.
17:12Just then, I felt a haitly glares burning into me.
17:14She stood there staring at us.
17:16Jealousy had twisted her entire face.
17:18The next second, Isabella turned away.
17:21She slipped into a group of women from old European families.
17:25Some people look glamorous.
17:26But behind closed doors, they're absolutely filthy.
17:29She lived with a man for three years.
17:31Now she thinks that means she owns him.
17:35They lived together for three years?
17:37Are you serious?
17:38Didn't Sophia just marry into the Rosso family?
17:40Why would a family like that accept such a shameless woman?
17:44Several women eager to please Isabella crowded around me.
17:48They mocked me with thinly veiled contempt.
17:55Mrs. Rosso, we heard you lived with Mr. *** before you were married, no less.
18:00Does the Rosso family know?
18:01Wow, you certainly know how to play men.
18:04You kept *** hooked while seduing Don Rosso.
18:06I gave a cold laugh and started to respond.
18:08Then a large hand pulled me into a warm, solid chest.
18:11It seems the Rosso partnership list needs some cleaning.
18:14The moment he finished, his secretary stepped forward.
18:17He pulled out a tablet in front of everyone.
18:19Then he found each woman's family business.
18:21One by one, he struck them from the Rosso partner list.
18:24Every trace of color vanished from their faces.
18:26Both of them stood there, completely stunned.
18:28Like tossing out garbage, he flung a document at Luca's face.
18:32The pages scattered across the floor.
18:34Luca *** embezzled family money for Isabella.
18:37He even faked medical records to commit insurance fraud.
18:40This evidence could put you away for years.
18:45Alexio couldn't even be bothered to look at them.
18:47He simply tightened his arm around my waist.
18:49You dare gossip about Alessio Rosso's wife?
18:51Know your place, you pathetic trash.
18:53Security rushed in.
18:54Luca and Isabella were already lying helpless on the floor.
18:57The guards seized them and dragged them out.
18:59Everyone around us went completely silent.
19:02Alexio didn't stay another second.
19:04He guided me through the seatless crowd.
19:07The moment we left, he pinned me against the cold wall.
19:10His tall frame towered over me.
19:12The pressure from his presence was overwhelming.
19:15His gray-blue eyes locked firmly onto mine.
19:17His voice was low and dangerous.
19:19His gray-blue eyes locked firmly onto mine.
19:23Why didn't you handle them yourself?
19:25Were you waiting for me?
19:26My heart skipped under his intense stare.
19:29But I didn't let it show.
19:30I met his dark, unreevable gaze.
19:33Then my lips curved into a faint smile.
19:36My voice held a subtle challenge.
19:37You enjoy making an entrance, Mr. Rosso.
19:41I was simply setting the stage for you.
19:43Alessio let out a quiet laugh.
19:45He didn't ask anything else.
19:47His arm only tightened around my waist.
19:51It didn't feel like a warning.
19:53It felt like a silent claim.
19:54News of the gala spread quickly.
19:57By morning, it had shaken Southern Europe's entire underworld.
19:59Every major player blacklisted a family overnight.
20:02All their business partners canceled their contracts.
20:04Banks demanded immediate payment.
20:05Their stock plummeted.
20:07Then their cash flow collapsed.
20:08Luca's father, the elder Ms.
20:10He soon learned everything.
20:11His precious son had abandoned his bride for a scheming woman.
20:14Worst, he had publicly offended Alessio Rosso,
20:16the last man anyone wanted as an enemy.
20:18Ms.
20:18He suffered a heart attack on the spot.
20:20He was rushed straight into intensive care.
20:22When he woke up, he called an emergency board meeting.
20:24In front of every director, he stripped Luca of everything.
20:27His position, his credit cards, and his inheritance.
20:29Then he kicked Luca out of the family.
20:31Overnight, Luca went from golden boy to total outcast.
20:33As for Isabella, her true colors finally showed.
20:36She only cared about herself.
20:37Once she knew Luca had lost everything, she acted fast.
20:40She stole his remaining cash and luxury watches.
20:42The next day, she found herself another rich man.
20:45He was an overweight Arab businessman who made billions in oil.
20:48Luca went looking for her like a madman.
20:50Then, on a rainy night, he finally found her.
20:52She was sitting inside the businessman's room.
20:55The windows were fogged with suggestive steam.
20:57Through the glass, Luca saw Isabella laughing sweetly.
21:00She fed the businessman a peeled grape.
21:02Luca rushed over and pounded on the window.
21:04Isabella didn't even bother rolling it down.
21:06She stared at him through the glass.
21:07Then she silently mouthed two words,
21:09Worthless loser.
21:10At that moment, something inside Luca completely broke.
21:13He dropped to his knees in the pouring rain.
21:15The freezing water soaked him from head to toe.
21:17Then his mind returned to another rainy night.
21:19It had happened three years earlier.
21:21Luca had collapsed on a Turin street.
21:23His blood sugar had dropped dangerously low.
21:24I carried him through the storm to a hospital.
21:26I held the umbrella over him the entire way.
21:28Half my body was completely soaked.
21:30Now, Luca's tears disappeared into the pouring rain.
21:32They hit the ground without a sound.
21:33He finally understood what he had lost.
21:35But regret could never bring me back.
21:37By the time I heard what happened,
21:38I was in Alexio's study, reviewing an acquisition deal.
21:41It involved Eastern Europe's energy market.
21:43His elite team had spent several sleepless nights on it.
21:46Still, they couldn't find a way forward.
21:48It took me only 30 minutes.
21:50I found a critical flaw buried inside the contract.
21:53On the video call, dozens of top lawyers fell silent.
21:55So did every analyst.
21:57Alexio ended the call and turned toward me.
21:59The look in his eyes had completely changed.
22:01It wasn't just amazement at my beauty anymore,
22:03nor was it his usual amused confidence.
22:05He looked at me like a hunter studying his prey.
22:08At first, he had only wanted my beauty.
22:09Now, his gaze held admiration and obsession
22:11and a far deeper need to possess me.
22:13That night, he cornered me behind the study door.
22:15His towering frame completely blocked my escape.
22:18His crisp spent of cedar and tobacco surrounded me.
22:20It mixed with the raw heat of his body.
22:22Together, they formed an inescapable net around me.
22:24He braced one hand against the door.
22:26His other hand closed around my chin.
22:28The rough pat of his thumb brushed my soft skin,
22:30again and again.
22:31Mrs. Rosso.
22:33He leaned down until his lips neared my ear.
22:35His hot breath swept across my skin.
22:37Let's tear up our agreement.
22:39My heart skipped a beat.
22:41The next second, his possessive kiss crashed onto my lips.
22:44Let's discuss our real duties as husband and wife.
22:46It felt like he wanted to swallow me whole.
22:49I didn't kiss him back, but I didn't fight him either.
22:51As he tried to take control, I calmly opened my eyes.
22:54The moment our lips parted, I met his burning gaze.
22:57Mr. Rosso, my mother lost her life to an arranged marriage.
23:00My voice was cold as ice.
23:02She died waiting for a man who never loved her.
23:05In the end, she didn't even get a proper funeral.
23:09I won't become her.
23:10Under my icy stare, the fire in Alessio's eyes faded.
23:13His gaze became dark and unreadable.
23:15He didn't push me.
23:17Instead, he stepped back and gave me space.
23:20Then he turned toward the safe in his study.
23:22He removed a document and placed it before me.
23:24It transferred 10% of the Rosso family's core businesses.
23:27His long finger tapped firmly against the document.
23:29His low voice carried the weight of steel.
23:31I'm not asking you to surrender your life.
23:33I'm putting my cards in your hands.
23:35Sophia, the woman I choose stands beside me.
23:39Together, we rule as equals.
23:41At that moment, something shifted inside me.
23:43The heart I'd guarded for years finally cracked open.
23:46Just a little.
23:47I accepted the document.
23:48If I couldn't rely on a man, I'd rely on myself.
23:51I would never share my mother's fate.
23:52That resolve now burned inside me like wildfire.
23:55I used every resource Alexio had given me.
23:57I also knew the baloney businesses inside and out.
24:00Without delay, I launched a full takeover.
24:03My father and stepmother had already drained the company dry.
24:06Now it was nothing but a shell facing bankruptcy.
24:08Once the news broke, my father came running.
24:10He brought my stepwife with him.
24:12As always, greed came before family.
24:13I sat in the Don's office, overlooking the city below.
24:17The moment my father entered, he acted like my superior.
24:20Then his greed showed.
24:21Sophia, you're the Don's wife now.
24:24We're family.
24:25How can you attack our company?
24:28Tell your husband to invest in the baloney business.
24:30Help your brother get the company back on its feet.
24:32My stepmother quickly joined in with fake concern.
24:34Your father's right, Sophia.
24:36Your brother is the baloney family heir.
24:38You have to help him.
24:39I watched their pathetic little act with cold amusement.
24:42Then I slammed a file onto the table.
24:44These bank records are from mom's final illness.
24:47You took the money meant to save her.
24:49Then you bought your current wife a Hermes bag.
24:52This is your wedding invitation.
24:53You remarried before mom had been dead three months.
24:56And here's the security footage.
24:58You let her destroy mom's only keepsake.
25:00The emerald ring she wore her entire life.
25:02With every word, my father's face grew paler.
25:05When he saw the footage, his entire body shook.
25:08He pointed at me, his lips trembling.
25:10But he couldn't get a single word out.
25:12I stood and looked down at him.
25:13The Rosso family is canceling the entire takeover.
25:16The Balori company is already a sinking ship.
25:18Now, I'm going to let it hit bottom.
25:21My father clutched his chest.
25:23His face twisted with rage.
25:25You ungrateful monster!
25:26How did I never realize you were this vicious?
25:29Before he could finish, two guards appeared behind him.
25:32Alexio's personal security removed the pathetic pair.
25:34The door closed behind them.
25:37Suddenly, all the strength left my body.
25:39Yet I felt lighter than ever before.
25:42Mom, I finally made them pay for what they did.
25:45The office door opened again.
25:47Alexio walked inside.
25:49He didn't say a word.
25:50He came to my side and removed his suit jacket.
25:53Then he gently draped it over my cold shoulders.
25:55His gaze settled on my red-rimmed eyes.
25:57Feel better?
25:58A faint smile curved across his lips.
26:01The desire in his eyes burnt hotter than ever.
26:03Then maybe it's finally my turn.
26:05His possessive gaze closed around me like a net.
26:08There was no escape.
26:10That night, I didn't turn him away.
26:13Together, we surrendered to our desire.
26:15The next day, Alessio rented an entire luxury yacht.
26:19He threw me an extravagant private party.
26:22We sailed across the Mediterranean.
26:24The sea breeze lifted my burgundy dress.
26:26Champagne in hand.
26:27I stood among the crowd.
26:29Everyone treated me like a queen.
26:31Then I spotted someone who didn't belong there.
26:34Isabella wore a face full of heavy makeup.
26:36She clung to a bald Russian businessman.
26:38His money was new, and so would his status.
26:41Her greedy eyes scanned the party.
26:43She was clearly hunting for her next target.
26:46Then she saw me.
26:47Her carefully made-up face twisted with jealousy.
26:50She clearly hadn't realized this was my party.
26:53I couldn't be bothered with that pathetic clown.
26:56I turned around to find Alessio.
26:58He had stepped away for an urgent family call.
27:00Then a scream suddenly rang out behind me.
27:03Sophia, you b***h.
27:04I'm going to ruin that pretty face.
27:06Isabella charged at me like a madwoman.
27:08She gripped an ice pick in one hand.
27:10The terrified women around us scattered in every direction.
27:13I'd learned self-defense growing up in a crime family.
27:16Every move was already carved into my bones.
27:19The ice pick came within inches of my face.
27:21I shifted aside and caught her wrist.
27:23Then I twisted hard.
27:24I twisted her arm behind her back.
27:26Then I pinned her firmly against the deck.
27:28I looked down at her pain-twisted face.
27:31You think you can take me?
27:32No!
27:33My hand!
27:33You broke my hand!
27:35Tears and snot streamed down Isabella's face.
27:38Why do you get everything, Sophia?
27:40You're just a whore who slept her way up!
27:42Say that again.
27:44Alexio had returned without anyone noticing.
27:46His towering figure radiated terrifying rage.
27:49He didn't even glance at the screaming Isabella.
27:51His eyes stayed locked on me.
27:53For the first time, I saw fear in them.
27:55Once he confirmed I wasn't hurt, his gaze shifted.
27:59The full force of his rage fell on Isabella.
28:01He looked at her like she was already dead.
28:04He gave her no chance to defend herself.
28:07Instead, he addressed the approaching guards.
28:09Tie her up.
28:10Charge her with attempted murder.
28:12Hand her over to our friends at the prosecutor's office.
28:15I want her spending her life behind bars, regretting this every single day.
28:20In that moment, Isabella's dream of high society ended.
28:24So did the life she once knew.
28:25The ride home was unbearably tense.
28:28Alexio didn't say a word.
28:29He only held me tightly against his chest.
28:31His grip felt strong enough to pull me inside him.
28:33I could feel his heart pounding wildly.
28:35His body was trembling slightly.
28:37He had been terrified.
28:39The car entered our estate beside Lake Como.
28:42Still, Alexio refused to let me go.
28:44He held me until we reached the bedroom.
28:46Then he pressed me against the door.
28:47His lips brushed my ear.
28:49Sophia, never leave my sight again.
28:51At that moment, my frozen heart finally melted.
28:54I rose onto my toes.
28:56Then I wrapped my arms around his neck.
28:57I kissed his cold lips first.
28:59My answer was clear.
29:01My mother's tragedy would not become mine.
29:03Alexio froze for a moment.
29:04Then he took control.
29:06His deep, demanding kiss stole all my breath.
29:08Our lips moved together.
29:09Then he spoke against my mouth.
29:11His words left no room for argument.
29:13Mrs. Rosso, you're not getting away this time.
29:16I smiled, rose on my toes, and kissed the man who treated me like his whole world.
29:21Finally, I understood Mom's last words.
29:23She wasn't warning me against love or marriage.
29:26She wanted me to take control of my life first,
29:28then choose the man I could trust with my heart and build a life with.
29:31And this time, the choice was mine.
29:33I chose Alex, the one man I'd never run from.