Chapter 1 Valentina

"I love you too, Babe." Matteo responded to the heartfelt confession that didn't come from me. I stood trembling at the slightly ajar door as I saw Bianca lean in to kiss him on the lips, my blood ran cold when he reciprocated, fiercely meeting her lips with extra fervor.

I clenched my fist, my nails drawing blood as I stood with a shattered heart at the door. I should turn away but I don't. I couldn't bring myself to. I made to barge in and confront them but stopped when she pulled away to get her bag.

"We get her drugged today, huh?" Bianca had a snide smile on her face.

Who? Get who drugged?

"Yeah. It's high time I get a divorce and be with you Love." Matteo grabbed her butt but she pulled away.

My knees buckled and I held the door post for support. Today is my 25th birthday and this is what I get coming to my husband's office to celebrate.

Bianca giggled, hitting his chest lightly. "I can't wait, Babe." She leaned in again and I couldn't watch, tears blurred my vision. I felt the air get forcefully taken out of my lungs as I rushed to the side to stifle my tears.

In between loud wet kisses I heard their malicious plans...

"A surprise birthday party..."

"I have that planned already."

"You really need to stop kissing me and let me concentrate, Matteo. I'll offer her the drink and you will take it from there. Get her laid by the guys I hired. I confirmed that they are all HIV positive..."

What! My eyes widened in terror, my heart thrummed painfully in my chest. So this was it? This is what I get, a surprise birthday present from my husband of 3 years and my college best friend.

This is what I get after putting an end to my acting career because he found it uncomfortable. Right there, my eyes widened in realization. Right after I quit my acting career, his agency signed Bianca as an actress and soon, she became a top star.

Rage blinded my vision. It felt hard to breathe.

"After all you married her because her family was indebted to the mafia Lord."

"I know right." His voice was thick with desire.

"The bitch! She just needed to avoid being offered to the Mafia Lord in place of her wretched family's debt."

"You know I was forced to marry her because of her family's ties with mine."

"You don't love her right?"

"Not a bit."

I needed to leave before my heart got torn apart from the explosive pain I felt. Staggering like a drunk, I made my way to the elevator, ignoring the questioning eyes of the staff.

I got into my car feeling too sick to drive but I did either way, almost getting myself hit by another car. On getting home, I wrenched my guts out in the toilet after which I went straight to bed. My eyes were already puffy and I had no strength left to cry or think.

"Hey Babe." His voice drew me out of my subconscious but I only jerked up when his lips landed on mine.

"Hey? What's wrong?" He stared at me in confusion and for a second, I thought I had imagined everything I saw in his office.

The hurt was back, it almost blinded me and I felt like digging my hands into his innocent looking eyes.

"Nothing." I forced out the word and made to smile.

"Happy Birthday Babe." He leaned in again to kiss me but I dodged like his lips would kill and saw the frown on his face.

"You weren't home when I woke up." I replied instead, forcing my voice to be normal.

"I had to meet an important client." He said seriously and I almost barked out a laugh but I nodded instead.

"Well, that's about to change. Get dressed, I'm taking you out." He smiled at me like I am supposed to smile back and wag my tail in appreciation.

"I feel sick, I can't..." I started but the darkening of his gaze stopped me.

"The venue is at room 306, starlight lounge. It's 3 p.m, you need to be there before 6 p.m." He spoke as if in a business deal before standing up.

"See you there...Babe." He added like an afterthought.

When he got to the door, he paused before turning back to me. "Don't be late." He smirked and shut the door behind him.

I sat still, eyes red and wide, lips trembling, teeth chattering as I felt the chills run down my spine.

No! I have to do something about this.

I sat with my trembling fingers to my teeth, nibbling them off while I thought of what to do. I needed to do something about this and I needed to do it fast else I would be ruined.

My eyes sparkled at the thought that I had and without stopping to think, I ran towards my closet, took out a red bag and brought out a black card with my heart pounding in my chest.

Picking up my phone, I dialed the number I haven't dialed in 3 years.