Chapter 2

He gave many reasons: Sophia was traumatized by the kidnapping and couldn't handle more stress; he needed to devote himself entirely to Sophia's care for the foreseeable future and had no energy for a child; he feared Sophia might commit suicide thinking he'd abandoned her for the baby...

He came up with numerous excuses, but never once considered me.

My mind went blank, a piercing ringing in my ears cutting through my consciousness.

Before I could react, he forcibly dragged me to a private clinic.

Urgently arranging for the procedure.

Just as the doctor called my name, Sophia phoned: "Antonio, where are you? I'm so scared..."

Without hesitation, he abandoned me and rushed back to the estate.

I lay on the operating table, staring at the cold lights above, and in my daze, I thought I saw a chubby, pale baby smiling at me like an angel.

As the icy instruments barely touched my skin, I suddenly jerked awake and shouted, "Stop!"

"The baby... I want to keep it." I struggled to get up from the bed, my legs weak.

I had barely made it back to the Sicilian villa and was still in a daze when Antonio kicked open the door, his bloodshot eyes fixed on me.

"Isabella, why did you post that video online?!"

"If you have a problem, take it out on me. Why target innocent Sophia?!I am blindsided as he grabs his phone and hurls it at me with vicious force.

Warm blood trickles down my brow bone, the pain making my whole body tremble.

I pick up the phone and see the glaring news headline: "Mob Underboss Antonio's Steamy Outdoor Romp with Latin Dancer Sofia Caught on Tape"

The video is pixelated, but the comment section is filled with people cursing Sofia as a filthy homewrecker with no morals.

"I thought you were just spoiled and demanding. I never imagined you'd stoop to such a despicable act of revenge!"

"The kidnapping back then, and Sofia being drugged - you arranged all of that, didn't you?"

I stare at him in disbelief, eyes wide: "We've been married for six years. You know me better than anyone. How could you suspect me?"

"If you have evidence, call the police and have me arrested!"

His face darkens, a vein pulsing in his forehead:

"That would only remind Sofia of her traumatic past. She'd break down again, maybe even do something drastic!"

"Don't think I don't know. You're just jealous that Sofia snatched the dance competition trophy from you and shot to fame. It's your own fault for pigging out the night before the competition and ending up in the hospital, missing your chance!"

I close my eyes as tears stream down my face.

He never believes me.

Back then, for his sake, I defied my family's wishes and willingly became the first dance instructor at his nightclub.I stood by his side as he gradually expanded his nightclub empire.

To enhance the reputation of the nightclubs, I, typically low-key, decided to participate in a dance competition.

The night before the competition, I was rushed to the hospital, and ultimately Sophia claimed the championship.

Now, he's shifting all the blame onto me.

Six years of my sincere devotion have gone down the drain!

Sophia suddenly appeared, her pale lips pressed together, her voice trembling, "Antonio, what are you talking about? I'm so scared..."

Antonio immediately softened his angry expression, embracing her and comforting her in a gentle voice.

"Isabella, you'd better watch yourself!"

Antonio tossed out these words before leaving, holding Sophia's hand.

Sophia shoved past me, curling her lip and taunting in a low voice, "I have the Ricci family behind me. You're just a powerless little woman, how dare you compete with me?"

The Ricci family controlled the arms and drug trade in Naples, no one in southern Italy dared to offend them.

With just a word from the Ricci family, they could easily destroy a family business, let alone Antonio's nightclub empire.

I just sneered, picking up the divorce papers and addressing Antonio's retreating figure coolly, "Antonio, let's get a divorce."