hapter 5 Threats
Bella’s POV: If I didn’t know Madam Carmela well, I would definitely think that everything she said and did during her visit to the Leone residence today was intended to slander me and drive me out. I know she despises me for becoming the godfather’s wife, thinking I’m unworthy of him, but Madam Carmela has the pride of an upper-class lady deep in her bones; she disdains to engage in slander. So, she merely concocted accusations of my infidelity based on a custom-made white shirt. How ridiculous. “Bella, has the title of the godfather’s wife gone to your head? You are nothing but a lowly, vulgar person, a mere tool purchased with money to shield my son from rumors.” I’ve heard such words countless times since I entered Leone residence. I touched my swollen cheek, looking defiantly at Madam Carmela, “Madam Carmela! Are you slandering me just based on a custom-made white shirt? At the Parista Fashion Week, female models wore men’s white shirts on the runway to showcase androgynous beauty. Is it so strange that I wear this?” I knew that this was not the time to back down or show fear, not when my mother needed my protection. I couldn’t let the godfather or Madam Carmela suspect anything. My gaze swept over the servants and the butler present, finally resting on Madam Carmela, “I’ve been in the Leone family for three years. I haven’t even seen the godfather’s face. He didn’t appear on our wedding day, and as a powerful godfather, he often stays abroad. Can you guarantee that the godfather hasn’t fallen for another woman, betraying this laughable marriage?” “You! How dare you speak of my son like that!” Salvatore, the godfather, has always been Madam Carmela’s pride. My words enraged her further, and she raised her hand to slap me again, but this time I easily caught her wrist. I wasn’t foolish enough to let someone slap me twice. “Madam Carmela, you are my elder, and I accepted your slap, but don’t forget how I entered the Leone family. If we really start arguing, it would be bad for both of us.” I was drugged and brought into the Leone family initially. If not for my mother still being held by the Rizzo family, how could I willingly stay in the Leone family for three years as a disrespected godfather’s wife, shielding Salvatore from so much gossip? “You’re threatening me?” Madam Carmela’s eyes widened, her well-maintained face twisting with anger. For three years, I’ve had enough of everything at Leone residence! I should have my own life; I should pursue my happiness! “No, I’m merely giving a friendly reminder. If you have nothing else, I’m leaving,” I sneered coldly, releasing Madam Carmela’s hand. I refused to waste more time here talking nonsense with Madam Carmela. What I needed to do was pack my things quickly, leave Leone residence, and then take my mother away from the Rizzo family to start a happy life just for us! “Bella! How dare you disrespect me! I will tell my son! I will make him punish you severely!” Madam Carmela threatened. I stopped in my tracks, turned back to look at Madam Carmela, and reminded her again, “Madam Carmela, the godfather and I are already divorced.” I looked at Madam Carmela curiously. Didn’t she understand what I said? I had clearly stated that the godfather and I were divorced today, “Shouldn’t your most pressing task now be organizing a wife-selection banquet for the godfather?”