CHAPTER 2: Cecilia's Forced MarriageThe Ferretti family estate sprawled across five acres of prime Marina Azzurra real estate, its marble columns and manicured gardens a testament to old money and older cruelty. Inside the grand ballroom, decorated with white roses and gold ribbons, a wedding was about to take place—whether the bride wanted it or not.Cecilia Ferretti stood in the doorway wearing jeans and a simple white blouse, her face bare of makeup, her dark hair pulled into a careless ponytail. Around her, three hundred guests in designer gowns and tailored suits turned to stare."Madonna santa..." someone whispered."Is that the bride?""She looks like a servant!"At the altar, Connaro Lombardi waited in a custom Armani tuxedo, his handsome face twisted into a sneer. Everyone in Marina Azzurra knew Connaro's reputation—three previous engagements broken amid whispers of abuse, rumors of drug addiction, and credible allegations of assaulting women that his family's money had

CHAPTER 4: Lorenzo Defends His WifeThe cool night air of Marina Azzurra carried the scent of jasmine as Lorenzo guided Cecilia out of the ballroom, his hand gentle but firm on her elbow. Behind them, the Ferretti family stood in various states of shock and rage."My wife," Lorenzo said softly, the words rolling off his tongue with natural warmth, "are you hurt? Did any of them harm you?"Cecilia blinked. "Your... your wife? We're not—""We will be," Lorenzo assured her with quiet confidence. "I've made my declaration. In front of three hundred witnesses. You're under my protection now, Cecilia.""But I don't even know who you are!""You will." Lorenzo's smile was gentle. "In time, you'll remember everything.""REMEMBER?" Quintino Ferretti's voice shattered the moment. He'd recovered from the earlier slap, his face twisted with humiliation and rage. "The only thing she'll remember is watching me beat you into a coma, you worthless insect!"Lorenzo turned slowly, his expression cooling

CHAPTER 6: Confrontation at the MallThe Galleria Paradiso was Marina Azzurra's most prestigious shopping destination—five floors of luxury boutiques, crystal chandeliers, and the kind of oppressive elegance that made poor people feel unwelcome just by breathing the perfumed air.Cecilia led Lorenzo through the gleaming marble corridors toward Bellissimo, an upscale men's store she'd only ever window-shopped at before. The prices made her stomach churn, but Lorenzo had insisted, and she'd reluctantly agreed.Inside, a beautiful saleswoman named Valentina immediately gravitated toward Lorenzo, her professional smile widening as she assessed his impressive physique."Signorina, your boyfriend has an excellent build," Valentina purred. "He'll look magnificent in our new collection.""He's my husband," Cecilia corrected automatically, then felt her cheeks heat. Were they actually married? Yesterday had been so chaotic she still wasn't sure what was real."Lucky you," Valentina murmured, e

CHAPTER 8: The Birthday Party BeginsThe evening sun cast long shadows across the grand entrance of the International Hotel as Cecilia's electric scooter sputtered to a stop at the valet stand. The vehicle's engine wheezed one final time before dying completely, drawing immediate attention from the cluster of well-dressed young people gathered near the entrance."Oh my God, is that a scooter?" A woman's voice rang out, dripping with amusement.Cecilia climbed off the vehicle, her expression carefully neutral. Lorenzo followed, adjusting the cuffs of his new Armani suit with practiced ease. His presence commanded attention, but the damage was already done—their arrival had been witnessed."Cecilia!" Laura Marchetti glided forward in a champagne-colored cocktail dress that probably cost more than Cecilia's entire year's clothing budget. Her smile was bright and welcoming, but her eyes held a calculating gleam. "You actually came! And on... well, I see you brought your usual transportati