Our Love Withered Before the Petals Fell

The entire casino exploded into noise.

"Reserved? Don Lanzi just has to say the words, and any item can be locked in no matter the price!"

"Oddio! Ms. Noemi actually got Don Lanzi to step in personally?"

"No wonder she dared to compete with Ms. Tania. Turns out she had the Lanzi family backing her. Is she going to become the Lanzi family's Madre?"

Noemi froze for a second, then her shock turned into pure delight. She asked shyly, "May I ask where Don Lanzi is? I'd like to thank him in person."

The Underboss nodded respectfully. "Don Lanzi is occupied. He will meet you at the proper time."

Only then did Noemi turn to Tania with her chin slightly lifted. "Tania, are you going to continue gambling with me?"

She tilted her head innocently. "Oh, right. I almost forgot. Don Lanzi already reserved the wedding dress. Even if you win again, it won't matter. In this world, no one has more say than Don Lanzi."

Tania's expression didn't change. She slowly turned toward Simone beside Noemi. He stood in the shadows, his gaze calm and unreadable.

But when he looked at Noemi, the corner of his lips curved faintly.

The casino was still buzzing when Tania turned and walked out first.

Outside, dozens of black Maybachs lined the street. The emblems bore the exclusive crest of the Lanzi family.

One by one, bodyguards stepped out, each carrying an elegant tray.

On them lay priceless gifts—rare pink diamond jewelry, antique paintings, couture gowns, and even the title deed to a private island.

"My God! Are these all from Don Lanzi to Ms. Noemi?"

"Hundreds of millions of dollars just to make her smile?"

"Look at Tania, though. She fought so hard to win and in the end got nothing. She didn't even get the wedding dress. Who would actually marry her?"

The surrounding guests erupted into whispers, their gazes pricking Tania.

She walked toward her car without any expression, though her fingers slowly curled tight.

"Tania, wait for me!" Noemi hurried after her with Simone following close behind. "Tania, look at all these gifts. They're way too much. I feel bad taking them."

Tania glanced at her coolly. "Feeling bad now? You already accepted them."

A look of hurt crossed Noemi's face.

Simone's throat tightened as he prepared to speak up for her, but at that exact moment, Tania's phone began to ring.

She answered, and her best friend Rita Ludovici's voice came through. "Talia, there's a street race on Ridgeway Road. You in?"

"Yeah." Tania agreed without hesitation. She hung up and went straight for the driver's seat.

"A race? I want to go too!" Noemi immediately clung to Simone's sleeve, acting cute. "Simone, I've never seen racing before. Come with me, please?"

Simone looked at Tania, asking her if it was fine with his gaze.

Tania let out a sneer and pulled open the car door. "My car doesn't take outsiders."

With that, she drove off.

"Why is Tania so petty?" Noemi's eyes reddened as she looked at Simone. "I just wanted to join the fun…"

Simone said nothing. He switched cars, opened the passenger door, and said to her, "We'll just follow behind her."

…

After getting out, Noemi and Simone walked behind Tania. Their conversation carried clearly to her ears.

"Simone, do you think Don Lanzi really wants me to marry him? I heard the Lanzi family's Madre is incredibly respected."

"It's very possible," Simone replied gently. "You're so wonderful. You deserve the best of everything."

"What about you?" Noemi suddenly turned to him with an intense gaze. "Would you give me your blessing if Don Lanzi proposed to me?"

Simone smiled. "As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

A dull ache spread through Tania's chest.

It was unmistakable. Simone's gaze held a world of tenderness for Noemi, yet it offered Tania nothing but a frozen detachment.

She curled her lips in a bitter smile.