Chapter 3

I picked up the microphone and smiled graciously at the guests.

"Alessandro is currently closing a vital business deal for the family. I will be handling the toasts on his behalf today. I hope you all enjoy yourselves."

The moment I spoke, the whispering stopped.

Donna Marta, sitting at the head table, gave me an approving nod.

The Rossi family held immense power, and their reputation was everything.

In moments like this, a wife couldn't panic. She had to show the poise of a true matriarch.

Victoria noticed Donna Marta's look, and a flash of irritation crossed her face.

[Disgusting b*tch. Just wait, I'll make sure you embarrass yourself during the toasts!]

Honestly, mind-reading was the best cheat code ever. It made everything so much easier.

During the reception, I elegantly lifted my gown and walked toward Donna Marta's table.

Victoria approached me under the guise of offering a toast, but her hand "slipped," and a full glass of red wine was about to splash all over my white dress. Thanks to my mind-reading, I anticipated it. I turned naturally to speak to a guest, flawlessly dodging her. The wine splashed onto the floor.

"Oh my god, Sera, I'm so sorry! I was just so happy for you, my hand shook," Victoria apologized instantly, her voice dripping with fake concern.

"It's fine," I replied coldly.

Carlo rushed over to support her.

But in his mind, he hissed: [What a useless idiot!]

All eyes were on us.

Donna Marta looked utterly displeased.

"Clumsy and embarrassing. Is this how a Colombo lady behaves?"

"I'm... I'm so sorry, Mother. It was an accident," Victoria stammered, though her eyes burned with resentment.

If I were her, I would keep my head down and live quietly in this life.

But since she wanted to make my life miserable, I wasn't going to sit back and take it.

Because of Victoria's little stunt, the wedding ended abruptly.

Donna Marta didn't give her a single warm look for the rest of the night.

But when she looked at me, her eyes were filled with pride.

She squeezed my hand and said, "Sera, I will make sure Alessandro comes home to be with you tonight."

Sure enough, Alessandro returned that evening.

He opened the door, loosening his tie, exhaustion written all over his face.

I quickly stepped forward to take his coat.

"Tough day, Alessandro?"

He only spared me a glance and didn't say a word.

In our past life, the servants whispered that Alessandro hadn't returned on his wedding night at all.

Victoria had spent the night alone in the bridal suite, becoming the laughingstock of the estate.

She had gone to Donna Marta to complain, only to get scolded for her own lack of charm.

While Alessandro was in the shower, I made the bed and poured him a glass of scotch.

Then, I grabbed some blankets and began fixing up the sofa for myself.

When Alessandro walked out of the bathroom, he stared at me, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

I quickly spoke up. "You take the bed. I'll sleep on the couch."

"Sera, what kind of game are you playing?"

He narrowed his eyes at me. Since his bathrobe was loosely tied, his muscular chest was slightly exposed.

I had to admit, he was incredibly fit.

I quickly averted my eyes.

"No game. We don't have feelings for each other. Sleeping in the same bed would just be awkward for both of us."

"If possible, I'd like to propose a partnership."

"What do you mean?"

"Our marriage is purely for family alliance. Many couples like us live separate private lives while keeping up appearances in public. I only married you for a stable life. I don't expect love."

Hearing my words, a smirk played on his lips. "You're smart."

"Fine by me. I agree."

I was just an ordinary girl. I didn't have the grand delusion that I could easily control a powerful man's heart.

Besides, in this family, his attitude toward me dictated how others treated me.

I didn't want to end up like Victoria in our past life—ostracized and hated by everyone.

That would serve me no good.

And considering how ruthless he had been to Victoria back then, I had no desire to provoke him.

A peaceful coexistence was the best path.

In this life, I just wanted to make my own money, build my own empire, and rely entirely on myself!