After His 13 Betrayals, I Chose to Marry the Mafia Boss

"Hey, Scarlett! What are you doing here?"

I turned as the silence disappeared, finding my father approaching with a wide smile. In his hand was a bottle of liquor.

I held my breath for a moment.

“Dad, let me stay with you here, just for a while. Right now, I don’t want to stay in the apartment.” My voice trembled, full of hope that he would understand how I felt. At least help me so I wouldn’t have to see Nolan right now.

Dad suddenly let out a mocking laugh.

“What’s wrong with you? I already told you I’m still waiting for Mr. Charles decision about the arranged marriage. In the meantime, you can be with Nolan, at least until my debt is paid off!”

“What? You don’t understand. Nolan has already called off our wedding. He humiliated me in front of everyone. You should be defending me, not—”

Dad stepped forward, his face sharply closing in.

“Shhh! Quiet, Scarlett! I’m your father! Don’t act like you can control everything. Wasn’t it you who rejected the arranged marriage for Nolan in the first place? And now, after three years, you want me to go back and persuade Mr. Charles for his son? It’s not that easy.”

I fell silent. My chest rumbled with uncontainable frustration.

“I already saw Nolan’s post with that stunning woman. Isn’t she a model? Scarlett, don’t be so sensitive. You should understand that the celebrity world is just like that.”

My father chuckled softly, as if his words had just placed me in the wrong and completely dismissed how I felt.

Every time I saw Nolan and Valerie on screen, whether they were smiling or hugging, my heart felt like it was crushed by a burning stone. Meanwhile, the comments from their fans made me feel like I didn’t mean anything at all.

[They’re the perfect couple, like today’s Romeo and Juliet!]

[Finally, Nolan’s with someone on his level. Not Scarlett. Honestly, she looks more like an extra.]

[Nolan’s choice is way classier this time. Not with that fashion designer! She should’ve never dreamed of being a star’s partner in the first place.]

Look at that! The world is laughing at me. And my own father is pushing my head further into the mud.

I knew that behind my father’s attitude, he didn’t support this relationship out of love but for profit. Nolan only became worthy once popularity and wealth came his way. If he had remained an ordinary man without a big name, my father would’ve kicked him out of my life a long time ago. All he ever chased was the transaction value of every relationship.

“I’m going to call Nolan. Let him pick you up tonight.”

Dad walked over and sat on the couch. He tapped his phone screen and held it to his ear.

“Nolan, Scarlett’s at my house now. She seems a bit under the weather, or maybe... her mood’s just off. Would you come pick her up?”

I glanced cynically as my father’s voice turned sugar-sweet for Nolan. My father always had a way of selling his drama just to make sure Nolan would come.

“Scarlett! You’re still standing there? Sit down now! Wait until Nolan arrives!” he snapped lightly, but with pressure, as the call ended.

I took a deep breath, half-heartedly, then dragged my body to the sofa and sat beside him in silence.

Twenty minutes later, Nolan’s car pulled up in front of the house. I got in without a word. During the ride, silence wrapped around us and neither of us started a conversation.

Until finally, I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Tell me! Why didn’t you credit my design? And about that actress’s dress… it turned out to be Valerie? Isn’t she a model?”

I suddenly bombarded him with questions. Nolan turned quickly, looking nervous.

“Oh, Honey. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was just trying to protect you. If I mentioned your name, the media would’ve dragged you everywhere. Besides, that dress wasn’t originally for Valerie. My original partner canceled, so… Valerie filled in.”

I turned back to the window, falling silent again. Nolan always had a reason.

Once we arrived at the apartment, Nolan opened the trunk and handed me a paper bag.

“I got something for you. Please don’t be mad at me.”

I looked at him sharply, then slowly took it from his hand.

Nolan gently stroked my arm, then leaned his face closer to mine.

“I’m sorry… I have to go again tonight. But I promise I’ll be back soon. You know, lately the entertainment world has taken up so much of my time. I hope you understand.”

I searched his face, looking for sincerity in his eyes. My gaze slowly dropped to his white blazer, and there on the collar, I saw a red lipstick stain.

Red lipstick, just like the kind Valerie always wears.

I held in a deep breath, then gave a small nod.

“That’s a limited edition dress. I’m sure you’ll like it,” Nolan added.

I forced a smile, thanked him, then stepped into the apartment as if I had forgotten what he had done.

As soon as the door closed, driven by curiosity, I immediately opened the paper bag. Instantly, my eyes fell on a blazing red dress—so revealing and flashy. Far from my taste. Nolan should’ve known that.

I reflexively brought it closer to my nose. Valerie’s perfume burst out, so strong and piercing.

Then my phone vibrated.

A video came in from an unknown number.

Clearly in the recording, Valerie was sitting on Nolan’s lap, laughing and caressing his face. Then she kissed Nolan’s lips passionately.

A few seconds later, they were already in bed, undressing each other.

And what almost made my heart stop beating Valerie was wearing that red dress. The dress that was now in my hands.

“Oh my God!” I instantly threw the dress to the floor.

My breathing quickened. My throat tightened.

“Damn it! So Valerie wore this dress while sleeping with Nolan? Why would Nolan give it to me? Bastard!”

I closed my eyes, holding back the rage and disgust that merged into one.

“I have to endure this. Just this one time.”