Your Life Comes Before Mine

Carlo had never seen me like this before and was momentarily at a loss for how to comfort me.

His movements were a little clumsy, but his voice was incredibly gentle. "I'm sorry I was late. Please don't cry. If you stop crying, I'll do anything.

"Wen, seeing you cry breaks my heart."

Carlo was usually domineering, and anyone who saw him like this would be shocked. After all, who'd believe that a once-promiscuous Don could now humbly coax a woman?

The woman who hurt me was the same. She went completely mad seeing this side of Carlo, screaming, "Carlo, our engagement was something you agreed to and something my Nonno acknowledged! You can't just abandon me like this!"

Carlo didn't even glance her way. "Anna Fiore, if you want to make such a scene, I don't mind having a chat with your Padre."

Anna instantly shut up, not daring to make a sound.

Carlo picked me up and carried me back to the room. The family doctors came in shortly after to treat my wounds.

However, my tears wouldn't stop, and my body trembled uncontrollably from crying. Several doctors stood around me, helpless, and they had no choice but to turn to Carlo for help.

Carlo walked over and hugged me tenderly. "That azure necklace you liked before, I'll have someone buy it for you right away, okay?

"And you said you wanted to see the ocean. Once you're healed, I'll take you there, hmm? I'll buy you a villa by the sea so we can go whenever you want.

"Wen, do you miss your parents? I'll have someone bring them to you right away, alright?"

Lucaro couldn't help but speak up in a low voice. "They've been dead for a long time. How are you going to do that? You planning to dig them up?

"You've bought her all those things many times already. She doesn't care about them. Just hold her tightly in your arms. You've been together for three years and still don't know how to comfort her."

…

By the time my emotions had calmed, it was already dark.

Surprisingly, Carlo continued holding me without leaving my side. He even kissed my cheek after seeing me calm down.

"How about I take you to the seaside tomorrow to clear your mind?" he offered.

I lowered my head, gently refusing. "No, I promised the priest I'd go to church to pray tomorrow."

Carlo was puzzled. "It's supposed to snow tomorrow. The roads will be slippery and hard to walk on. Do you really have to go?"

I looked down and said softly, "After you were almost killed in that assassination attempt, I went there day and night to pray. I made a vow to go every month so you would be protected."

Carlo was moved by my words. "Alright, then. I'll go with you."

I closed my eyes, suddenly exhausted. My eyelids felt as heavy as lead.

Carlo gently tucked me in and slipped out quietly. Drowsiness gradually overtook me.

Just as I was about to fall asleep, I heard my phone chime. I reached for it but realized it was Carlo's phone.

Normally, I would never invade his privacy. But that day, for some reason, I tapped open the message.

"Don Altieri, how was it? Wasn't Anna's performance today great?"