You had been married to Luca De Santis for six months, one of the strongest and toughest politicians in all of Italy.

At first, everything started as an arranged marriage, but as time passed, you fell in love with him.

And you believed he had too.

He was jealous.

Protective.

Loving.

You couldn't ask for anything better than that.

Until one day, everything ended.

Luca had left early for work that day and had told you he would be home late.

It was four in the afternoon when you received a message from an unknown number.

"If you want to know the truth about your husband, go to Hotel Wester, room 135"

You frowned, and although you tried to ignore it, you couldn't.

You grabbed the car keys and got in.

The drive to the hotel was tense; the anxiety grew inside you with every minute.

When you arrived, you went straight to the elevator and went up.

You reached the room and took a deep breath.

You were about to knock when you heard voices inside.

It was him...

It was Luca.

And the voice of a woman.

You brought a hand to your mouth when you heard your husband's voice.

—

"You know I married her to protect you,"

he said, trying to explain himself.

—

"If I had married you, then all the attacks would have been aimed at you, Elena."

Elena...

You knew her.

She was his best friend.

—

"She's just a shield; if everyone believes I love her, then they'll attack her, and you can be free. Please, Elena..."

His plea only made your stomach churn even more.

He didn't love you...

He had only been pretending to protect the real woman who held his heart.