I was forced into an arranged marriage with one of the most feared mafia bosses in the country. Not for love. Not for power. For an heir. That was the agreement between our families. Massimo never hid it either. He wanted a wife who would give him children, carry his last name, and look perfect standing beside him. Nothing more. But there was one thing I never gave him. My consent. Every time he tried to get closer, every cold conversation that turned into expectation, every quiet demand hidden behind his calm expression— I always said no. At first he acted like it didn’t bother him. Then irritation turned into distance. His family noticed. To them, I was useless. His mother whispered that I trapped him for money. His relatives looked at me like I was some gold digger who had manipulated her way into their world. They didn’t care that I never wanted this marriage either. Massimo never defended me. Months passed like that. Then came the gala. A room full of politicians, rich families, expensive dresses, crystal glasses, and enough cameras to destroy anyone’s reputation. Massimo stood on stage. And beside him— was another woman. Beautiful. Elegant. Comfortable next to him. Too comfortable. He took the microphone. His eyes found mine in the crowd. “I think it’s time to stop pretending,” he said calmly. “I want a divorce.” The room went silent. People turned to stare. His family looked satisfied. Someone even smiled. Then the woman beside him picked up a glass of red wine and handed it to Massimo with a soft smile. That’s when I noticed it. Her hand. The slight shaking. The powder residue near the rim. And the way she watched him drink— not lovingly. Expectantly. My body moved before my mind did. I walked forward. Everyone watching. Massimo looked annoyed the second I stepped between them. Before he could say anything— I slapped the glass out of his hand. CRASH. Wine and broken crystal exploded across the marble floor. The room froze. Massimo stared at me coldly. “What the hell are you doing?” I looked directly at the woman. Then at him. And said— “That wine is poisoned.” Silence. Complete silence. Nobody moved. Nobody breathed. The woman’s face lost all color. Massimo’s annoyed expression slowly disappeared. And for the first time since our marriage— he looked at me like he was seeing me for the first time.