Chapter 3

At the station, I learned the neighbors had complained multiple times.

Security had come twice. They hadn't toned it down at all.

"Who organized this party?"

After the guard asked, everyone looked at Isabella. No one spoke.

Isabella stepped forward, arm out, shielding everyone behind her.

"It was me. Nothing to do with her."

"Sir, if you're going to punish someone, punish me."

She said it nobly, but her arm was trembling. A regular hero.

Before the guard could speak, Lorenzo pulled her back.

"Sir, Shamo invited us. She's the homeowner."

I turned to Lorenzo in disbelief.

Alessandro chimed in.

"That's right. We were all invited by Shamo."

Seeing the two of them, the others followed.

I looked at them and spoke slowly.

"Do you two know that disturbing the peace at night, after multiple police warnings, can get you detained?"

They went silent.

They knew. That's exactly why.

They couldn't bear to let Isabella suffer. So they made me, the innocent one, take the fall.

In that moment, I didn't want to engage anymore.

"Sir, I have evidence."

Ignoring their protests, I showed proof I was at the office late.

After leaving the station, I expedited my visa application online.

Booked a flight to Europe in five days.

At home, I listed the apartment with an agent and started cleaning up.

The room was full of little things Alessandro had given me.

Except the proposal ring, I'd never accepted anything valuable from him.

I used to think these were proof of our love.

Now they felt like slaps across my face.

Maybe Alessandro gave me a gift, then immediately opened their group chat to broadcast.

How easy I was. How much I loved playing the innocent.

Thinking about it, I shoved everything into the trash.

Just as I was about to take it downstairs, the police came again.

"Miss Shamo, under Article 88 of the Public Order Regulations, you're suspected of repeated noise disturbances. If confirmed, you face five days of administrative detention."

I followed them, confused.

In the car, I learned this wasn't their first party at my place.

Alessandro had my key.

Every time he and I made progress, they celebrated by throwing a party at my place.

Lorenzo's assistant built a whole chain of evidence,

proving I often invited them over and repeatedly disturbed the peace.

At the station entrance, I ran into the group escorting Isabella out.

Lorenzo saw me and walked over.

"Shamo, sorry for the trouble. When you get out, we'll get married."

"Isabella's proud. A punishment would affect her life and work."

"But you're different. Once you're out, you'll be Mrs. Lorenzo. Quit your job. I'll support you."

Isabella whistled.

"Sister-in-law's amazing. Five days in jail for a lifetime of security. Worth it!"

I ignored them and walked into the station.

Following procedure, I called my boss and explained.

He came immediately and cleared everything up.