Chapter 1

Because of the death of his first love, Don Stefano Giullani has hated me for eight years.

During those eight years, I make every effort to please him—I broker arms deals for him, handle smuggling routes, and even take bullets meant for him.

Even when he sees me barely clinging to life, Stefano only says, "If you really wanted to please me, you should have let the bullet hit somewhere fatal."

I press my hand over the wound and stare deeply at him.

Later, on the night our enemies surround the casino and it's raining bullets, Stefano pushes me away from him. He's riddled with bullets himself while saving me.

Before he dies, he shields me and gets me safely into the car.

Once the car door closes, he says softly, "In the next life, I don't want to meet you again."

After Stefano dies, his Madre slaps me hard across the face.

"Why wasn't it you who died? If I had known it would come to this, I would have let him marry Lucia!

"It's all my fault for forcing him to marry you. You deserve to die!"

She slaps me again, causing me to lose my footing and fall into the sea. Everyone just stands on the boat, watching in silence.

Seawater fills my nose, and when I open my eyes again, I find myself reborn eight years into the past—to the day before Stefano and I are about to get married.

This time, I will do as he wishes.

I'll stop clinging to him. I'll allow him and Lucia to be together.

Chapter 1

Roxanne's POV

My chest tightened when I saw that Stefano Giullani was still alive.

The current Stefano wore a black suit with the family crest on the cuff, and he still gazed at me with the same annoyance as before.

It was completely different from the mature, noble version of him in the future.

My nose stung as my mind flashed back to his mocking words in my past life.

"My Padre used my position as the heir to force me into marrying you. Roxanne Salvator, don't ever think that I will love you."

I came back to my senses and suppressed my sadness as I approached him.

If only I had been reborn back to the moment we first met… I would never have let Stefano see me then.

I said softly, "Stefano, you don't want to marry me, do you? The person you want to marry is Lucia Caruso."

Stefano's hand twitched slightly before he glanced coldly at me. Then, as if I had struck a nerve, he quickly looked away.

"Since you already know, why did you still say yes to my Padre? The priest is already waiting for us in the chapel. What use is there in saying any of this now?"

"We don't have to go," I said.

Stefano scoffed coldly. "What trick are you trying to pull now, Roxanne? I'm telling you, I'm not interested in going along with your drama.

"You go in. Find the priest and come out after you've signed the papers."

With that, he got into the car and shut the door without any hesitation.

My chest ached, and even breathing hurt.

I had liked Stefano for many years. I had liked him even before he met Lucia.

He once saved me from kidnappers and almost got shot doing it. At that time, I thought he must have liked me as well.

Because of that, I often showed up at his house.

His parents were very fond of me. They would often take my hand and say, "Stefano talks to us about you all the time. He even risked his life to save you, so he must really love you."

After hearing it so often, I believed it. That was why, when our families proposed we get married, I didn't refuse at all.

I even picked out my ring in advance.

It wasn't until Lucia got into an accident and I saw Stefano kneeling at her grave, sobbing and refusing to eat or drink, that I understood.

The person he actually loved was Lucia.

In my past life, before Stefano died, he also told me that he never wanted to meet me again in the next life. That made everything even clearer to me—perhaps my love for him was a kind of torment to him.

In my previous life, just before I died, a voice in my mind told me that after being reborn, I had to resolve Stefano's regrets. Only then would he not die because of me.

We would also have no further ties in this life.

When the priest asked me a question, I was lost in thought. I snapped back to the present and realized my hand holding the pen was shaking.

I smiled faintly at him, then lowered my head and wrote Lucia's name on the registration form.

As for Stefano's regrets…

In my past life, I had once unintentionally heard his conversation with his Consigliere, Mattia Romano. He regretted following his parents' arrangement, regretted marrying me, and more than anything, regretted not being able to save Lucia's life at the critical moment.

Writing Lucia's name on the registration form should be considered resolving one of his regrets.

Chapter 2

Roxanne's POV

When I exited the chapel, I saw Stefano in the car, smoking a cigar and looking over contracts. Upon seeing me come out, he put out the cigar and got out of the car.

He handed me the wedding ring, saying, "Put it on yourself."

I took it and put it straight into my pocket. I smiled faintly at him as I said, "I won't wear it just yet."

Stefano frowned. "Haven't you always wanted to wear a wedding ring? You even want me to put it on for you?"

I subconsciously tightened my grip on the ring.

In my previous life, Stefano's parents forced him to put the wedding ring on my finger. At the time, he looked unwilling, but I was so lost in the joy of marrying him that I didn't notice.

"That's not what I meant. I'm very happy that I married you. It doesn't matter when I wear it."

Stefano laughed coldly, then snatched the ring and grabbed my left hand. Without a word, he shoved the ring onto my ring finger.

"Don't use this to bother me again," he said flatly.

Just as soon as the words fell, Mattia walked over. "Don Giullani, tonight's banquet at the casino has been arranged. Would you like to go there directly, or…"

I observed Stefano's expression.

Back then, after we registered our marriage at the chapel, I hoped to stand openly by his side. I kept pestering him to take me around and announce my identity.

But Stefano only looked at me coldly and said, "You're already married to me. Is there a need for all these formalities? You'll make an appearance on the day of the wedding ceremony anyway. I don't have time to take you around.

"If you want to go to the casino, go by yourself."

Thinking about it now, maybe he only wanted to show Lucia around those places.

There was no need for me to bring it up again this time.

After getting into the car, Stefano said, "If you want to appear before the Famiglia earlier, I can take you on my rounds first. Don't come and annoy me with anything else in the future. I don't have the time."

I was somewhat taken aback, being unaccustomed to his sudden offer to give me what I had longed for in my previous life.

But then I thought about it again. Stefano had always been like this—someone who spoke harshly but was soft-hearted.

I could still vividly remember the three times he had saved me in my past life.

I was 18 years old then. After being targeted by kidnappers, I was dragged to an abandoned factory.

Stefano came alone to save me. He was struck in his left ear, rendering him partially deaf. To this day, he still wasn't able to hear in that ear.

The second time was a shootout at the docks. We were hiding inside a shipping container, and there were only enough bullets for one person to break out.

He gave me half and told me to go from the left side while he provided cover. After I left, he was caught by our enemies and nearly died. Only later did I find out that his bullets were blanks and that he had given me every chance to live.

If help hadn't arrived in time, he would have definitely died at the hands of our enemies.

But he wasn't so lucky the third time. I took a bullet for him, but he pushed me away at the critical moment and shielded me with his back, giving me a chance at survival.

Then, I watched helplessly as he died right in front of me.

At the thought of these things, I couldn't give up on him so easily. But more than that, I wanted him to live.

Stefano's offer now stunned me. When he noticed that I hadn't responded, he continued, "Since you don't want to go—"

"I'll go with you," I replied, cutting him off and smiling at him.

Stefano's expression relaxed slightly, although his attitude remained cold as he instructed the driver to head to the casino.

On the way there, we didn't speak. Stefano kept his head down, reading documents the entire time, until we were nearly at the casino.

Suddenly, a call came through.

Once he answered the call, he frowned. The moment he hung up, he immediately told the driver to stop the car.

Chapter 3

Roxanne's POV

Stefano turned to me and said, "Lucy is sick. I need to go. You—"

"You go ahead. I'll manage on my own," I said unhesitatingly before opening the car door and getting out.

Stefano was slightly surprised. He seemed to want to ask me something, but didn't do so in the end.

He looked at me and said, "You're acting very strange today. I'm warning you—I'm already married to you. Even if you're upset with her, don't even think about doing anything underhanded."

"I won't." I nodded without explaining further.

He shut the car door, made the driver turn the car around, and left.

It wasn't until the car was far away that the smile I had forced onto my face finally disappeared completely.

He had warned me like this more than once. But in fact, I would never hurt Lucia just because he loved her. Even if he hadn't said anything, I wouldn't have done it.

It was only that one time, when Stefano's parents and I accidentally came across some indecent photos of Lucia online. We later found out she had been making money from it.

I gave Lucia some money, hoping she could get herself on the right path. But when Stefano found out, he thought I had paid her off to leave him.

After Lucia's death, he had never let this matter go. He even kneeled before Lucia's grave in repentance for half a month. That torment ate at him for eight years.

At that time, I thought that if being with Lucia meant he wouldn't suffer, then I'd rather not love him and not marry him.

It was fine as long as he could live happily and peacefully.

In the end, I didn't go to the casino. Instead, I called a car to go back to the manor.

On the way back, I called my parents and told them I would return to Loxley in a few days to take over the Famiglia's business.

My parents had always hoped I would stay in Loxley and take over the business, but I had stayed in Sundale all these years for Stefano's sake.

It was time to go back now.

When I returned to the manor, Stefano's parents were in the middle of planning the wedding details. They pulled me in to discuss things the moment they saw me.

Stefano's Madre, Maria Rossi, said with relief, "As long as the priest has registered you two, we can rest easy. Stefano can distance himself completely from Lucia too."

I remained silent, feeling my eyes sting. Neither of those two things she mentioned was true.

Still, it wouldn't remain hidden from them for long, so I said, "Stefano and I didn't get registered. And I'm not planning on marrying him anymore."

"What?"

Stefano's parents were instantly thrown into a panic.

Maria quickly grabbed my hand and asked, "What happened? Did he mistreat you again?

"Roxy, don't listen to his nonsense. He's stubborn, but he actually cares about you deeply. It's been so many years, after all. Wouldn't we know best?"

Lorenzo Giullani, Stefano's Padre, nodded and immediately asked, "Did Lucia do something? She's no good! Once you and Stefano are married, he'll understand that naturally."

These words felt all too familiar. I had heard the same things in my past life.

Although they said it now, it didn't stop them from resenting me and regretting things after Stefano's death.

I pulled my hand back and shook my head with a faint smile. "He didn't mistreat me. I just don't want to get married anymore. Stefano loves Lucia. Even if I marry him, I won't be happy."

Maria was extremely frantic. "That's not true, Roxy! He just hasn't seen Lucia's true nature yet. Things will be different after you get married."

I knew perfectly well how things would turn out after I got married.

"I've already made up my mind. Besides, I need to go home and take over the Famiglia's business. My Famiglia needs me too."

I took a breath and steadied myself.

For Stefano's sake, I had given it everything I had. But in the end, I had forgotten that I had my own Famiglia and that I was needed by them as well.

"But… what about Stefano?" Maria asked.

"He'll live a happier life without me."

Hearing those words, Maria had no grounds left to argue, no matter how much she wanted to hold on to me.

I hugged her as tears streamed down my face. "I'll still come visit you in the future."

She patted my back and replied, "You're a darling. It's Stefano's misfortune to lose you."

Now that I had convinced Stefano's parents, I had resolved two of his regrets.

Chapter 4

Roxanne's POV

There was still one last regret, and it should be happening soon.

I remembered that in my past life, Lucia was caught in a car explosion. She had lost too much blood, and by the time she was sent to the hospital, it was too late. She had died.

But this had all happened a month after Stefano and I got married.

…

That evening, as I was packing my things, a call came in. Stefano's voice was low, tinged with displeasure toward me.

"What's the meaning of this, Roxanne? You got out of the car by yourself. And then you ran to my parents, saying it's Lucia's fault?"

"What are you talking about?" I asked, confused.

"If you hadn't gone back and complained to them, they wouldn't have called and yelled at Lucia! Then she wouldn't have been so distracted that she didn't notice someone had planted a bomb in her car!"

My mind went blank for a moment. How could this incident have been moved up to today?

I didn't say anything further. I just hung up the phone and went straight to the hospital.

When I arrived, Lucia was still in emergency surgery, while Stefano was still on his way.

Lucia was an orphan. Even after something like this happened, there was no one else besides Stefano who could take care of her.

Soon, the doctor issued a critical condition notice.

Lucia had lost too much blood, and there wasn't enough in the blood bank. If no one gave her a transfusion, she would die on the operating table.

"I'll give her blood," I said, voluntarily following the doctor to donate my blood.

The doctor stopped after drawing 500cc of blood from me, and when Stefano arrived, I was pressing down on the wound on my arm.

He looked toward the operating room with a worried expression. Then he saw my arm, and he frowned.

"There isn't enough donated blood. I don't know if the patient can hold on until more blood arrives," a nurse said as she prepared to leave.

I grabbed the nurse and held down her arm. "Please draw more."

"Are you insane?" the nurse exclaimed.

"Saving her is what matters. Save her first!" I pleaded, holding the nurse's hand tightly. "She's in critical danger. I'm fine."

Stefano's eyes flickered with surprise as he looked at me. "Roxanne, there's no need for you to play the hero."

"I'm fine. I would do this for anyone."

After all, Stefano was the same, for he had saved my life three times before. When I asked him about it, he also said he would've done it for anyone.

Right now, I just wanted to protect the person he loved. I'd just consider it repayment for his saving my life.

Under my urging, the nurse had no choice but to comply.

Halfway through the blood draw, I already felt dizzy, but I propped myself up and waited for it to end. When the nurse removed the needle, I couldn't hold on any longer and collapsed.

…

I wasn't sure how long I slept, but when I woke up, I was lying in a hospital bed.

Stefano was sitting by the bed. Upon seeing me wake up, he seemed to let out a breath of relief.

After a moment of hesitation, he said, "All of this is something you should have done anyway. If you hadn't gone to my parents, none of this would have happened."

My heart ached at those words. Stefano had never believed me. At this point, I no longer wanted to explain myself either.

It was fine to let him misunderstand me. That way, we'd have less involvement with each other.

Stefano looked like he had been sitting there for a long time. But I figured that it was probably just my imagination. He should have been over by Lucia's side.

Seeing that I wasn't speaking, he explained, "Lucy just fell asleep."

Just as I had thought—he simply didn't want to disturb Lucia's rest, so he stopped by on the way to check up on me.

I turned my head to the other side. With tears in my eyes, I choked out, "You can go now."

My voice was too soft, so it seemed he hadn't heard me. He had gone deaf in his left ear while saving me, after all, and it would never recover.

"Once you've recovered, I'll take you around the casino. There are a few arms dealers we work with that you should meet. I'll prepare the meeting gifts for you. You don't need to worry about it."

"There's no need." I refused once more.

But the fact that Stefano had brought it up on his own twice did surprise me.

"I know you're upset. I will do what I promised you," he said.

"This is what I owe you," I responded softly.

Then, I added, "Stefano, if it weren't for me, would you have married Lucia?"

I was terrified to ask, but I still mustered the courage to voice the question. My heart clenched uncontrollably, the pain so overwhelming that it was hard to breathe.

Stefano said nothing. After a long silence, he told me, "Get some rest."

"I understand. I won't cling to you. I only hope you stay safe and are with the person you love."

Stefano shouldn't have died saving me. He should have married Lucia. They should have raised a child of their own together. A man like him shouldn't have died for my sake.

I already owed him more than enough.

"What are you saying? We—"

He had just stood up when Mattia hurriedly pushed the door open. "Don Giullani, Ms. Lucia is awake. She's fussing to see you."

Stefano regained his composure, and a trace of joy appeared in his eyes. It was only when he reached the door that he remembered to say to me, "Rest first."

He paused for a moment, then added, "When I come back, I have something to tell you."

I nodded. Tears streamed down my face as I said, "I wish you happiness."

It no longer mattered what he wanted to say. I had already done everything I had set out to do.

My body had now become so unbearably heavy that even breathing wrenched my chest with pain. It felt the same as when I had fallen into the sea.

It was probably because I had resolved Stefano's regrets and was about to go back now, to the timeline I belonged to.

When I closed my eyes, scenes of Stefano and Lucia's wedding flashed through my mind. They smiled so happily, so blissfully.

I pulled out the IV needle, got up, and left the hospital room.

…

Third-Person POV

Stefano, sitting in Lucia's room, felt restless. He hadn't caught what Roxanne said at the end, but he felt that something wasn't right.

He stood by the window, agitated. Then he called Mattia and told him to arrange the best nutritionist for Roxanne.

Even after doing that, he still felt an inexplicable discomfort and heaviness in his chest.

He kept going over what she said at the end, but he couldn't recall the words. He blamed his deaf ear for it.

Without saying a word to Lucia, Stefano headed back toward Roxanne's room. Just as he stepped into the hallway, Mattia rushed over.

"Something bad has happened, Don Giullani! Ms. Roxanne… She…"

Stefano was immediately wracked with anxiety and grabbed Mattia's shoulders.

"Ms. Roxanne had just stepped out of her room when our enemies kidnapped her and pushed her into the sea! She's likely in grave danger!" Mattia reported.