Until the Marriage Contract Ends

[Clara’s POV]

I forced down the bitterness in my chest and squeezed out a smile, trying to ease the awkwardness.

"By the way, are you free tomorrow? I booked a private club on the Upper East Side three months ago. I heard their signature dishes at the Blackwell Club are amazing. I’ve always wanted to try it with you."

Luca was holding his phone. He was just about to nod when an apologetic smile crossed his face. "Sorry, Clara. I have to deal with a territory dispute tomorrow. I probably won’t have time."

As he spoke, he quickly transferred a sum of money to me. "Go with Zoe instead. Buy whatever you want. Don’t save money for me."

I stared at the transfer notification on my screen, forcing down my disappointment, and replied softly, "Okay."

The next morning, when I woke up groggily, the space beside me was already empty.

I reached out and touched it. It was cold. He had clearly been gone for a long time.

On ordinary days, we always had breakfast together. We talked, or read the news, side by side.

Today, that routine was broken. I sat alone at the dining table, staring at the empty seat across from me. My heart felt just as hollow.

After breakfast, I spent the entire day packing up my personal belongings.

The villa was filled with traces of Luca and me.

The lavender I had planted myself. The scented oils I made by hand, just so he could sleep better at night.

The portrait hanging on the wall which a renowned Italian painter had been specially commissioned to create for me.

Now, all those symbols of love felt like mockery.

In the afternoon, I arranged to meet my best friend, Zoe Laurent, at our usual spot, planning to say a proper goodbye.

Instead, I saw Luca and Elena standing at the entrance of the restaurant.

Elena was draped in his coat. They were talking about something, laughing easily.

In Elena’s hand was a handbag—the only one of its kind in the world.

My mind went blank. It felt like something had stabbed straight through my heart.

So they had come to this restaurant too. So he had bought that bag for her.

I hesitated, wondering if I should change locations to avoid the awkwardness.

Fortunately, they left.

The moment Zoe saw me, she pulled me into a tight hug, then gently cupped my face, her eyes full of concern.

"You look exhausted. Luca runs a mafia family, yet he can’t even take care of his own Donna?"

I smiled and shook my head without answering.

Zoe pulled me to sit down and ordered our favorite desserts. "It’s almost your birthday again. What did Luca prepare for you this year?

"Last year, thanks to you, we celebrated in Hokkaido. I enjoyed the free vacation. Where to this year? Hawaii? Or—"

She suddenly stopped. "Clara… why are you crying? Did Luca treat you badly?"

"It’s nothing," I said. "Luca and I are divorced. I’m leaving soon."

Zoe froze, staring at me in disbelief. "Why? Haven’t things always been good between you two? He even asked me a few days ago where you might want to go. He was planning a surprise birthday party for you."

Hearing that, I cried even harder.

Yes. I had believed he loved me, too.

However, that three-year agreement and the way he treated Elena made me realize I was nothing more than a shadow.

I leaned against her shoulder, my tears spilling uncontrollably.

Zoe didn’t ask any more questions. She just patted my back gently, comforting me.

After the meal, when I returned home, I looked at the empty villa, took a deep breath, and began preparing for Luca’s birthday celebration. This would be the last time I ever did this for him.

[Luca’s POV]

Clara seemed to be in a bad mood today.

I personally pan-fried her a steak, but she still looked uninterested.

I remembered something her friend Zoe once said, that when Clara was unhappy during school, she liked to shop. So I transferred money to her.

Still, she didn’t look any happier.

Was it because I had turned down her invitation for the next day?

I told her I could go with her the day after instead, but she said it was fine. She had already made plans with Zoe.

The next morning, I got up early. I hid the ruby necklace she had admired a month ago under her pillow.

When she woke up and saw it, she would definitely be thrilled. After all, she liked red.

Ten years ago, when enemies had kidnapped her, she was wearing a red cloak. Despite her little face being dirt-streaked, she was still so adorable.

God knows how happy I was when I found out the marriage arrangement was with her.

Unfortunately, she had kept her face tense, as if she was dissatisfied with the engagement.

I was afraid she would refuse it. So I immediately prepared a divorce agreement set three years later.

I told her that both families had decided on the marriage. Even if she wasn’t satisfied, she had to accept it for now. After three years, we would separate. That was why I handed it to her in advance.

Nevertheless, I played a small trick. I deliberately made the safe damp, blurring the text on the agreement.

Three years later, she would still be mine.

Elena said she wanted to treat me to dinner. I deliberately chose the same restaurant Clara had mentioned yesterday, planning to pack her favorite dishes to bring home afterward.

I also picked up the bag I had asked Elena to help buy three months ago. I would give it to Clara once I got home. That should cheer her up, right?

Even if she still wasn’t happy, it didn’t matter.

I had secretly prepared a gown for her. It was a dreamlike crystal dress by the world-renowned designer Master Moni.

She had been longing for this dress for all year. Once she put it on, she would definitely be delighted.

After all, what girl doesn’t love beautiful things?