Chapter 3
Ella's POV
The Rossi family estate's grand hall sparkled magnificently.
Crystal chandeliers cast warm golden light across every inch of luxurious marble flooring. Guests dressed elegantly, champagne glasses clinking with crisp sounds. This was the Rossi family's celebration for Aria's safe return.
And I was seated in the farthest corner.
What a perfect spot. I smiled bitterly, glancing toward the head table where Vincent and Aria sat surrounded by everyone, like king and queen.
I wore a simple black evening dress, standing out awkwardly among these jewel-adorned society ladies. Not because I couldn't afford better, but because I knew that no matter what I wore, no one would care.
"Look at Vincent and Aria—what a perfect match!" Mrs. Rossi's voice carried clearly to my ears. "This is TRUE compatibility, a match made in heaven."
Other family elders nodded in agreement:
"Indeed, Aria has the noble Moretti bloodline."
"And she's so brilliant—her European business ventures are thriving."
"Most importantly, Vincent's feelings for her have never changed."
I sat in my corner like an invisible person, listening to their commentary. They spoke so loudly, as if intentionally making sure I heard.
"That Ella may technically be part of the Moretti family, but she's just an accountant's daughter."
"Three years, and she hasn't even given Vincent a child."
If you knew I was pregnant, what would your expressions be? I touched my stomach softly, irony rising in my chest.
"Mrs. Rossi is right," I forced a smile, joining their conversation. "Vincent and Aria are indeed perfect together. I completely understand everyone's feelings."
The elderly ladies looked at me with surprise, seemingly unexpected by my "sensibility."
"Ella, you're such an understanding girl," Mrs. Rossi patted my hand. "I'm sure you want Vincent to be happy too, don't you?"
Happy? His happiness means my pain.
"Of course," I nodded softly. "His joy is my joy."
As the lie left my lips, I felt a knife twist through my heart.
Halfway through the party, I witnessed a scene that shattered me.
Aria deliberately leaned against Vincent's shoulder, cooing sweetly, "Vincent, I'm still a bit tired. Attending such a grand party right after leaving the hospital is overwhelming."
Vincent immediately looked at her with concern. "Then let's go home early. Your health comes first."
"No, I want to stay with everyone," Aria smiled weakly. "After all, this party is for me. Just... could you get me a shawl? I'm a bit cold."
"Of course." Vincent immediately stood, bringing her a shawl and carefully draping it over her shoulders.
"Is this too tight?" he asked softly.
"Just perfect," Aria nestled contentedly in his arms. "Thank you, Vincent."
I watched this scene, complex emotions surging through me.
"Take it easy, don't push yourself," Vincent helped Aria sit down. "If you're tired, just tell me. We can leave anytime."
Aria nodded, her eyes glowing with happiness. "With you by my side, I'm not afraid of anything."
Guests around them watched this tender moment, exclaiming with admiration:
"Vincent treats Aria so well!"
"This is what TRUE love looks like!"
"They belong together!"
I sat in my corner, watching like this was a play that had nothing to do with me. Except the leading man happened to be my husband.
I excused myself and headed to the restroom.
I needed somewhere to face my haggard reflection alone.
The restroom was terrifyingly quiet, only the sound of dripping water. I stared at the woman in the mirror—pale complexion, exhausted eyes, and that forced smile.
This is me, Ella Rossi. A wife unloved by her husband, an outsider unaccepted by the family.
"Does anyone ask if you feel wronged?" I spoke softly to my reflection. "Does anyone care about your feelings?"
The woman in the mirror shook her head, tears welling in her eyes.
"How much longer will you endure?" I continued asking. "How much longer will you stay somewhere you don't belong?"
But I can't leave.
I took a deep breath, forcing out a smile. "Hold on, Ella. For... for this family. For the baby."
And for the person I can never forget.
Leaving the restroom, I heard familiar voices from a half-open room down the hall.
It was Aria's voice—she was on the phone. I intended to walk past, but her words made me freeze instantly:
"Listen carefully, clean up this mess properly. Don't leave traces like you did with the Rossi family's illegitimate child."
Rossi family's illegitimate child?
My heart stopped beating. Who is she talking about?
"That incident was three years ago—no one mentions it anymore. But this time you must be more careful. NO mistakes."
I hid around the corner, body pressed against the wall, hand covering my mouth to prevent any sound.
Three years ago? What incident?
"I told you before—he discovered too much about our operations. If I hadn't handled it quickly then, our entire business would have been exposed by now."
My legs began trembling, barely able to support me.
Handled? What does she mean?
My world spun violently.
The water glass in my hand crashed to the floor with a sharp shattering sound.
"Who's there?" Aria's alert voice called out.
I frantically turned and ran, my heart pounding like it would explode.
I ran to the estate's back garden, hiding behind a massive oak tree, hands covering my mouth as tears streamed down uncontrollably.
Impossible... this can't be...
But every word from that phone call echoed clearly in my ears. Illegitimate child, three years ago, handled...
I MUST find out the truth.
