Chapter 1

My husband, Dante Moretti, the Godfather of the Moretti family, commissioned the world's most exclusive perfume from a top French perfumer.

He named it "Serenity."

At the family's annual charity gala, broadcast live to the world, he told the press with a look of deep affection, "My wife has trouble sleeping. Only the scent of 'Serenity' can bring her peace."

The whole world envied his devotion to me.

I was once moved by it, too.

But as Dante held me in his arms in front of everyone, I caught the faint, unmistakable scent of jasmine on him.

After the gala, I sent him a text.

【Dante, let's get a divorce.】

…

The news of the Moretti Godfather's priceless gift to his wife was on every headline.

Our names were trending everywhere online.

【My husband won't even buy me a Sephora gift card, but Dante Moretti spends millions on a custom perfume for his wife. The comparison is killing me.】

【When are Dante and Ilara having another kid? I want to be the godmother.】

【Did Ilara Vance save all of Chicago in a past life to deserve a man like Dante?】

Dante always loved showing off our perfect marriage in public, and I'll admit, I once fell for his act of devotion.

But I couldn't lie to myself anymore.

As soon as he got my text, he called.

"Darling, stop playing around. You can have anything you want, but don't ever say the word 'divorce' again. It would kill me," his voice was deep and magnetic.

"Dante, I'm serious."

"Just tell me what you're mad about, and I'll fix it, okay?" Dante’s voice was impossibly gentle.

"I hate the smell of jasmine."

There was a moment of silence on the other end. "That's it? That's what this is about?"

"Yes, that's it."

Dante finally remembered my aversion to jasmine.

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart. It was my mistake. I wasn't paying attention when Sierra was getting things ready. Don't be angry. You can do whatever you want to me when I get home."

I wonder when his personal assistant became just "Sierra" to him. He probably didn't even notice.

Years ago, Dante had ordered every single thing related to jasmine removed from our estate, right down to the silver dinnerware engraved with jasmine flowers.

For a whole week, every scented product was replaced with rose, my favorite.

How could a man that careful make a mistake like wearing jasmine perfume?

The garden outside my window was bleak and lifeless in the winter cold, just like my marriage.

It wasn't long before Sierra called me herself.

"Mrs. Moretti, I'm so sorry. It was my fault for not being more careful. I'm the one who upset you. Please don't blame Mr. Moretti. I'll be more attentive in the future."

Sierra spoke in a soft whisper, like a breeze that could disappear at any moment.

I knew Dante had to be right there with her. "The future?" I sneered. "What other little tricks are you planning for the future?"

"Alright, Ilara, that's enough. She's just a young girl, and she's apologized. Show a little grace."

Of course. He jumped to her defense immediately.

I could hear quiet sobs through the phone. Sierra sniffled, "It's okay, I'm fine. Ilara can say whatever she wants about me, as long as she doesn't take her anger out on Mr. Moretti."

"Okay, stop crying. It was nothing, it's over," Dante's voice was gentle as silk, but it felt like a knife in my heart.

It carved a bleeding wound right through me.

"Just leave me alone." I couldn't listen anymore and tossed the phone aside.

It buzzed twice. A new message lit up the screen.

It was from Dante.

【Are you feeling better now? My queen is getting more demanding every day. You're making my life so hard.】