Viella’s POV

I didn’t even remember when my eyes shut.

One moment Dante’s weight was pinning me to the bed, his breath dripping over my skin... the next, everything went quiet. My body was so drained emotionally, physically, mentally that it gave up before I could even curse him properly.

Somewhere in the darkness between sleep and consciousness...

I felt it.

The mattress dipped.

Warmth slid behind me.

An arm.

Wrapping around my waist.

A chin rested against the top of my head, breath steady and clam.

I knew who it was.

Even half-asleep, even exhausted to death - my body recognized him instantly.

Dante.

But I couldn’t move.

Couldn’t open my eyes.

Couldn’t protest.

Instead, I went back to sleep

---

Morning Hour

"AH-!"

I shot up and looked around the bed,

Empty.

"...Hah."

A shaky breath escaped my lips. "Thank god. I am NOT emotionally stable enough to face that cracked mafia man."

My fingers instinctively flew to my neck.

That sadist DEFINITELY left a mark.

I looked at the mirror and groaned. "Great. I look like I lost a wrestling match with a vampire."

Before I could finish processing last night’s chaos-

Knock.

Knock.

"Lord Dante, I brought tea for you."

A soft, sweet, angelic voice.

Alina.

Of course.

That fake innocent female lead. I could practically imagine her batting her eyelashes at the door, smiling like maniac

My eye twitched.

And then... my villainess brain activated.

A slow smirk crawled across my lips.

I stretched my neck deliberately.

Let my hair fall messily over one shoulder.

Tugged my shirt a little off balance.

Made sure my lips looked slightly swollen - thanks to a certain lunatic’s rough kissing.

But most importantly...

I brushed my hair aside so the hickey sat beautifully exposed.

"Perfect," I whispered. "Let her choke."

The doorknob clicked.

Oh?

Not even waiting for permission?

What a delusional desperate shi-

How cute.

The door opened and Alina stepped in with a tray, her usual angelic smile frozen as her gaze swept to the bed...

Then to me.

Then to the very obvious red mark on my neck.

Her eyes widened.

I pretended to gasp softly, fluttering my lashes

"Oh... good morning, Alina," I said sweetly. "You’re early. Dante isn’t here right now."

Her face paled, but she kept the fake smile glued on.

"I... I didn’t know you were in this room."

I hummed. "Oh, of course you didn’t. After all...

Dante bought me here middle of the night... As he can’t stay away from me you know"

I leaned back, letting my messy hair fall, my smirk widening.

Her fingers tightened around the tray.

Oh, she was fuming behind those doll-like eyes.

Good.

I crossed my arms, stretching just enough for the mark to be clearly visible again.

"What’s wrong?" I asked innocently. "You look a little pale. Tea too hot?"

Her smile trembled.

"Viella... you... and Lord Dante..."

"Ah give me the tea instead" I tilted my head "I am feeling bit weak and tired all over my body"

I lowered my voice to a whisper dripping with wickedness.

"As He tired me out."

Clatter.

She almost dropped the tray.

God, the satisfaction.

I leaned forward.

"So... what’s in the tea?"

"H-Huh?"

"I mean is there any special ingredient in it for Dante?"

"You-"

Before Alina could spit out-

She dropped to her knees suddenly. Making the tea fell over her body.

"I- I am s-so-sorry, Lady Viella... I apologize for upsetting you..."

My eyebrow shot up.

Huh?

What’s with this Oscar-winning sudden change?

Just a second ago she looked ready to stab me with the tea tray, and now she was trembling on the ground like a kicked puppy?

I opened my mouth to interrogate her shift in personality-

But then I felt it.

A shadow.

A presence behind her.

I looked up...

And there he was.

Dante.

Leaning casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, gaze locked only on me

Like Alina wasn’t even here.

Oh shoot. When did he get here??

Alina quickly stood up the moment she noticed him.

"L-Lord Dante-"

Dante didn’t even spare her a glance.

His eyes were glued to me.

His voice was low, cutting, absolute.

"Leave. Me and my fiancée needs to talk and send someone to clean these mess up you made"

Fiancée..There he goes again.

Alina’s face went blank-all her fake sweetness melting off.

She shot me a sharp glare

I waved at her cheekily.

Her nostrils flared.

Then she stormed out

And that’s when I realized...

Dante was still there.

Still staring.

My throat dried.

I forced myself to look at him-

Only to see his gaze wasn’t on my face.

It was lower.

On the slight curve of my collarbone showing from my intentionally messy shirt.

Oh god.

Heat crawled up my neck instantly.

I slapped my hands over the opening and pulled the fabric up

His eyes lifted slowly.

Dante’s lips curled.

"Seems like you slept well," he murmured, voice dipping dangerously low. "Since I tired you out."

I froze.

He didn’t...

He didn’t hear all that, right??

But his smirk only got deeper.

My face felt like it was on fire. WHY HE REPHRASED IT LIKE THAATTTT

I coughed violently-too violently.

"AHEM-I-I need to use the restroom-YES-RESTROOM-urgent-important-bye-"

I practically sprinted.

Didn’t even look at him.

Just slammed the bathroom door shut and locked it

The second the lock clicked, my legs gave out.

I slid down the door.

Hands covering my burning face.

"Oh my god... oh my god... he definitely heard... EVERYTHING."

I buried my face deeper.

After what felt like a whole century of hiding in the bathroom, I finally gathered the courage to come out.

I cracked the door open first- slowly,

Empty room.

"Thank. God."

I slipped out of the bathroom

Knock. Knock.

I flinched

A maid stood there, not Dante.

Thank the heavens. I would’ve died on the spot.

"Lady Viella," she bowed. "Lord Dante has ordered me to accompany you to breakfast. He has an important meeting and cannot join you."

I nodded. "Alright... give me a few minutes to get ready."

She bowed again and left.

The moment the door closed, I sagged against the wall.

"Thank god he’s OUT. Finally some peace."

I changed into something comfortable, loose, and most importantly - high-necked.

There was no way anyone was seeing the mark Dante left.

I could still feel it sting a little and my face heated at the memory.

Nope.

Not thinking about that.

Repressing it instantly.

---

Downstairs, the entire mansion was chaotic.

Maids rushing.

"Um... what is up with everyone?" I asked the maid walking beside me.

She stiffened.

"Milady, we... we are not allowed to talk to you without lords permission. I apologize"

I didn’t force her further.

Instead, I followed her to the dining table

All the dishes were once again my favorites.

I blinked.

This man is trying to fatten me up like a sacrificial cow.

But whatever.

Villainess or not, food is food.

I grabbed a croissant.

Then another.

Then basically attacked the breakfast like I hadn’t eaten in years.

While drinking juice, I noticed everyone rushing outside to line up.

Huh?

Is someone coming?

Probably some mafia VIP.

Or Dante’s scary uncle.

Or-

"Omoooo my babygirl~~~!!"

I choked.

I spit out the juice so violently, it nearly hit the maid.

I stood up instantly, eyes shaking.

No...

NO...

PLEASE NOT NOW-

And then I saw her.

Bright pink dress.

Feather boa.

Diamond sunglasses.

MISS FLAMINGO.

AKA

Dante’s grandmother.

"Nonna..." I whispered horrified.

Her eyes sparkled as she spotted me

"Oh mio Dio! My sweet, sweet granddaughter-in-law! Look how beautiful you are!"

She spread her arms wide.

I contemplated running.

But she already barreled toward me

This day...

was going to be hell.

She hugged me so tight my spine nearly cracked.

"I truly thought you died when I saw the reports," she breathed squeezing me harder. "My poor heart almost stopped. But when Dante told me you survived-ah, grazie al cielo-I felt alive again."

I forced a smile

"Ah...ha...ha... yeah..."

She pulled back, holding my cheeks between her palms

Her expression softened for a second-

Then sharpened

"I knew," she said quietly, "that someone was behind that attack."

"I will find them."

Her fingers stroked my jaw gently...

"And when I do... they will learn what happens to people who try to touch something I’ve chosen."

I blinked.

Chosen...?

She smiled wider

"You," she whispered, tapping my cheek, "are exactly the kind of girl I want for our bloodline. Pretty, smart, stubborn... ." Her voice darkened. "Imagining Someone tried to steal you from us, tesoro. I won’t allow that. Ever."

why does it feels like a threat?

Then

"No one harms the woman I’ve set my eyes on as my granddaughter-in-law. No one."

"And listen carefully, dear...

Even you don’t get to vanish from this family ever again now."

I stared at her.

She stared at me.

I gulped.

I am not just screwed.

I am COOKED, BURNED, BURIED.

And of course-

When I dared to look up...

Dante was standing behind her.

Smirking like the devil who just found his favorite toy cornered.

---

Nonna turned back

Then she looked at Dante...

And her whole face softened

"My little lion," she murmured, "I am so proud of you."

Dante nodded respectfully.

Then Nonna’s gaze shifted to Alina.

Alina froze.

"You," Nonna used her classic cold tone, "take my suitcase to my room. Now."

Alina bowed she hurriedly grabbed the suitcases, and dragged them away.

Even from here, I could see her hand shaking with fury.

Good.

I smirked.

Exactly the reaction I wanted.

When I looked back up, Nonna was... smiling at me knowingly.

Dante stepped closer, standing right behind me.

"Nonna, you should rest now," he said, placing a hand on my waist "Besides... I have things to discuss with my fiancée."

She nodded, unbelievably satisfied seeing us together, and left us alone.

Great.

Before Dante could even breathe out a word, I attempted my escape-

One step.

Half a step.

A millimeter.

His hand wrapped around my waist didn’t barged

"Running?" he murmured, leaning down.

"No-" I squeaked.

He bent to my ear.

"Don’t you think," he whispered, voice low and sinful, "I should carry you? My fiancée must be Exhausted as I tired her out whole night"

"Dante-no-WAIT-"

Too late.

He swept me up effortlessly, bridal style, ignoring my suffering, and carried me straight toward his room.

I panicked internally the whole way.

He kicked the door closed with his shoe, cornered me against the wall, and I swear he can hear my heartbeat as well

His hand slid to the fabric hiding my neck, he removed the cloth I had wrapped around my neck.

The hickey is exposed.

He stared at it like it was his greatest masterpiece.

"You should never hide what I give you mi amore," he murmured, nose brushing my cheek. "I made it so everyone knows who you belong to."

My breath hitched.

"If I find you trying to hide them again..."

He leaned in, lips brushing the bruised skin.

"I will give you more. Everywhere. So many that you won’t be able to cover them even if you tried."

I froze.

He kissed the mark leisurely, almost proud.

Then he pulled back, eyes dark and hungry.

"Don’t play new tricks," he warned quietly. "And don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because Nonna is here."

And with that-

He left.

Just walked away after emotionally assassinating me.

I stood there in shock, then finally whispered:

"...Who the hell does he think he is..."

I crossed my arms.

"Just a stupid male lead with a handsome face-"

I kicked the air.

"-stupid... mafia... male lead- tsskkk!"

Ignoring my frustration, I forced myself to focus on the actual plan.

Making Alina jealous and angry mission is successful

Since she’s pissed, she’s definitely going to run straight to that shady writer soon.

Which means I’ll finally get a chance to follow her and dig out more info.

But.

BUT.

How the hell am I supposed to follow her when this overprotective, obsessive, mafia tyrant won’t let me leave this golden cage??"

I rubbed my face aggressively.

Ugh.

I don’t even have my phone.

Or my man.

Or any freedom.

And Lily?

That girl probably died somewhere or turned into a plant. Useless.

"Damn it," I muttered, collapsing onto the bed

I stared up at the ceiling dramatically.

"God... please... just this once... give me a way out. PLEASE. I swear I won’t complain again if you help me. I promise I’ll donate 100 moisturizers!! Extra hydration, I swear!"

I clasped my hands dramatically

Then-

Knock. Knock.

"...Come in,"

A maid stepped inside, bowing politely.

"Lady Viella, Lady Bianca has ordered us to prepare you. She wishes to take you out for shopping." (Dante’s Grandma)

My soul lit up

A WAY OUT!!!

I sat up fast

"100 moisturizers it is," I whispered in pure spiritual gratitude.

The maid blinked at me, utterly confused.

"...Pardon?"

I waved it off dramatically.

"Nothing. Prepare the car. Prepare the clothes. Prepare the universe. I’m ready."

The maid nodded slowly, probably questioning my sanity, and left.

I jumped to my feet, victorious.

"I’m free... I’M FINALLY GOING OUT," I whispered to myself.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TO BE CONTINUED