"We all here know what sins and even scandals we've committed in the past. So don't be offended if I bring this up." Gladwin's statement received a silent response from everyone, and he took it as agreement. "Antony is acting like this because he feels regret. He doesn't want the mistakes of the past to repeat. He doesn't want Gianna to experience the same thing Flavia went through." Gladwin's words made everyone now turn to look at Flavia, who happened to open the door to the care room. "Ignazio and Antony made the same mistake, that is, both abandoned their daughters. And Antony thinks he can redeem Ignazio's mistake by doing the same thing he did in the past, which is to give Gianna a mother. "But Antony didn't consider further that everything—the reasons why Ignazio left Gianna, Gianna's mental state, and the solution Gianna needs—it's different from the way he dealt with Flavia. "Yes, Antony left Flavia when she was still young. Entrusted Flavia's upbringing to her parents, j
OLIVIA LOOKED AT IGNAZIO with an incredulous gaze. She demanded an explanation from the man without uttering a word, but Ignazio completely ignored her. "So, when will the wedding take place?" Ignazio asked more directed at his mother. His mother rose from her seat and wiped her tears roughly. "Who said I would allow Olivia to marry you?!" Mr. Altezza asked harshly, making the atmosphere in the room even more tense. "I don't need Uncle's permission to marry Olivia. She doesn't need Uncle to be her guardian because she's an orphan, isn't she?" Ignazio asked harshly, challenging his uncle, which left Altezza silent, whether consciously or not, Ignazio's words also hurt Olivia. They reminded Olivia of who she truly was. Even though Mr. Altezza referred to her as 'my daughter,' she remained an outsider brought in. "That doesn't change the fact that she is under my protection now," Mr. Altezza insisted. "So, do I have to reveal our secrets here first before Uncle will allow us to marr
Olivia fell silent and looked at Geremia with confusion. "I don't need to know about the 'scandal' Ignazio mentioned last night. I just want to know if you did something that offended him. "Something must have happened between you two for his ego to be hurt so badly," he continued with an investigative look. At first, Olivia looked at her foster brother, but then she averted her gaze. Honestly, she didn't know what caused Ignazio to be angry with her; all she knew was that she was frightened by his expression last night. "I've known Ignazio since we were babies. Although everyone thinks Ignazio changed since Gretta died, his basic nature is still there. "A person's character doesn't change so drastically in a short time. "There's an issue between you two that not everyone knows, isn't there?" Geremia asked accusingly, accompanied by a sharp gaze at Olivia. Olivia just lowered her head. "I saw Ignazio's ego hurt last night," he continued. "Ignazio is a caring type of guy, even t
THE WEDDING IS UNDERWAY. In the morning, Olivia was picked up by the family car and then taken to the hospital where Mr. Antony was being treated. Yes, Olivia and Ignazio's wedding was going to take place at the hospital, in a simple ceremony attended only by family members. As discussed earlier, Olivia and Ignazio's marriage would be conducted privately before being officially registered later. Or perhaps it had already been registered, Olivia didn't know. Until Olivia was picked up, her foster parents didn't say much. Olivia knew that her foster father still hadn't given his blessing for Ignazio to propose to her. But Olivia thought that he was doing all of this for the good of everyone, for the well-being of her foster father. Because Olivia was convinced that deep down, her foster father wanted Mr. Antony to recover. After briefly checking on Mr. Antony, Olivia was led to one of the bedrooms in that white room. There, Francisca and her makeup equipment were already scattered on
After an unknown amount of time passed, the door to the room was suddenly knocked, and someone walked in. Olivia turned her body and saw her foster mother approaching, showing her usual warm smile. How was it possible that her eyes could always provide shade and make Olivia comfortable even when she was troubled? Olivia remembered their conversation a while ago. "Remember, this marriage happens not only because of fate but because of choice. The choice you and Ignazio made. No marriage is easy, Olivia. Whether it happens with or without love. Whatever problems arise in the future, after you officially become husband and wife, you have to share everything." Her advice was more or less the same as Francisca's. "Don't burden yourself if you have problems. Ignazio has to know what you feel, what you want, and what you need, and vice versa. You have to be able to share everything—body, feelings, thoughts. Hopefully, in the future, your marriage, even if problems arise, you'll be able to
Ignazio stood with an uncertain feeling. He had been restless all night thinking about his marriage to Olivia. This wasn't his first marriage, but he couldn't deny feeling nervous. In the morning, his two cousins had come to pick him up, expressing their fear that Ignazio might change his mind at the last moment and choose to run away before the wedding took place. Crazy. Their thoughts were so random. If Ignazio really wanted to run, why didn't he do it days ago? He thought cynically. He was more than ready to face this marriage, especially considering the revenge he would exact on Olivia afterward, making a sly smile linger on his face. Ignazio leisurely took a shower, not rushing despite his cousins urging him to do so. Nevertheless, even though this wedding would be a simple affair, Ignazio still wanted to look perfect. As he stepped into the walk-in closet, he was surprised to find Xaverio and Luca there, invading his private space and teasing him by whistling when they saw hi
During the journey back to the white room, they once again became the center of attention. Some people—whether patients or hospital staff—paused their steps just to congratulate them, causing their progress to be impeded. However, seeing the smiles on Olivia's face and those of her family members, Ignazio thought it wasn't a big issue. Upon reaching the white room, Olivia was led back to the room where she had been prepared earlier. Meanwhile, Ignazio went to his father's care room and helped him lie down again, alongside Geremia, who started reinstalling medical equipment on his father's body. "When are you guys leaving?" Ignazio asked once his father was feeling comfortable. "Kicking me out, huh?" his father quipped with a mocking smile. "Yeah," Ignazio replied bluntly, eliciting a laugh from his father. "Tomorrow night," his father said then. "I need to talk to Olivia, please call her," he instructed Ignazio. Ignazio frowned, momentarily suspicious as he glanced at his father
"WHERE ARE YOU GOING?" Ignazio asked with a cold tone that sent shivers down Olivia's spine instantly."Uh-um...""So, are you planning to sleep separately from me?" Ignazio asked again, his eyebrows furrowed and his icy gaze making Olivia swallow hard."N-no, Sir. I...""Sir?" Ignazio exclaimed with a rather high pitch. "You address me, your husband, as Sir?" Ignazio asked with a displeased tone.Olivia felt increasingly awkward. "Uh-um... it's..." Why did Olivia suddenly become so tongue-tied? It's like it's not her at all. She sighed inwardly."Follow me," Ignazio commanded, and without waiting for Olivia's response, he walked away, heading towards his own room.Ignazio opened the door and held it open, waiting for Olivia to follow. With a wildly beating heart, Olivia stepped into the room, and shortly after, Ignazio closed and locked the door from the inside."Sir?" Olivia called nervously."Isn't that address inappropriate, my dear Olivia?" Ignazio asked with a sly smile, making