The Contract Ended, and So Did I

I forced myself to regain my composure, staring blankly at the auctioneer as he brought down the gavel. But just as it was about to fall, the sound system suddenly blared.

Selena's sensual moans, calling Francesco's name over and over, filled the entire hall.

Everyone's expressions changed at once.

"Yeah, faster…"

"Francesco, give it to me now…"

Francesco's expression hardened. He sprang up in anger, not forgetting to shield Selena behind him as he barked, "Who was it? Turn it off now!"

His subordinates rushed backstage, stumbling over themselves. Selena buried herself in his arms and wept, then suddenly jerked her head up and pointed at me.

"Ms. Morelli, all I did was take a sculpture you liked. And this is how you get back at me?" she choked out.

"I don't mind being humiliated, but Francesco represents the Greco family. You played our sex tape in front of so many people… Are you trying to humiliate the Greco family?"

Francesco glowered at me. "So this was your purpose all along, huh? No wonder you were so obedient yesterday. And I thought you'd finally become more sensible."

I felt my chest tighten.

"Do you really think I did this?" I asked bitterly.

We dated for three years and had been married for eight years. I thought spending this much time together meant he'd at least trust my character, yet his response proved me terribly wrong.

"Who else would target Selena besides you?" he hissed. "Mia, I thought you knew how you should act as the future Donna of the Greco family. I didn't expect you still couldn't hold your own.

"Listen, if you don't want the position, there are plenty of others who do."

The look in his eyes sent a shiver down my spine.

I sneered. "Fine. I don't want it. Let's get a divorce. You can have whoever you want as the future Donna of the family."

Francesco's eyes widened in disbelief. But before he could react, Selena suddenly grabbed my hand.

"Ms. Morelli, I'm sorry. This is all my fault," she sobbed. "You can hit me, scold me, or do whatever you want. Don't take it out on Francesco. He's already exhausted from his family affairs…"

I looked at her, confused. I wondered what she was up to again.

She suddenly lifted my hand, and in the next instant, she collapsed to the ground. Her hand flew to her face as she cried out in fear, "Ms. Morelli, I'm sorry! I'll leave Francesco if you tell me to. Please stop hurting me.

"You're right. A small insignificant person like me isn't worth your effort… I should've known better."

Francesco's expression immediately changed. He shoved me aside and quickly removed Selena's hand from her face. The originally flawless skin on her cheek now bore a bright red mark.

"What did she do to you yesterday?" he fumed.

Feigning terror, Selena glanced at me and said hesitantly, "Ms. Morelli said if I keep clinging to you, she'd ruin me completely…"

He turned to me, his gaze cold. "Mia, looks like I've been too lenient with you over the years. That's why you're starting to interfere in my business."

My lips trembled as bitterness surged in my chest.

I knew it was pointless to defend myself now. No matter what I said, Francesco wouldn't believe me at all.

"Someone put all these photos up," he ordered. "I'll personally hold an auction for Mrs. Greco today."

My eyes widened, and my body was shaking with terror.

Sure enough, when I looked up, my nude photos were displayed on the big screen. The nudity and my suggestive expressions sparked immediate whispers among the crowd.

When we had been madly in love, he'd coaxed me into taking these photos. He had promised he would keep them safe, yet now he'd turned that promise into a weapon against me.

I struggled against his grip, trying to talk some sense into him.

"Francesco, it wasn't me!" I shouted.

But he shoved me aside without hesitation, holding Selena close to him.

"Keep an eye on her."

Completely under his men's control, I could only watch in despair as the crowd picked at my photos. Tears streamed down my face, and the surrounding whispers and ridicule almost drowned me.

Finally, Francesco raised the gavel and brought it down.

"Congratulations to this gentleman for purchasing all these photos for one dollar."