He Took My Love 99 Times. The 100th Time, He Lost Me Forever. Chapter 02

He Took My Love 99 Times. The 100th Time, He Lost Me Forever. Chapter 02

I didn’t go back to the Castellano estate. I moved into the Exchange’s safehouse for the time being.

The next morning, Dante brought Serena to the Exchange again.

In three days, she would compete in the final audition for the Aurelia Royal Ballet. She said she didn’t feel secure.

Once the scan finished, the screen showed:

[Remaining Affection: 1%.]

[This transaction will result in permanent zeroing.]

Dante stared at the line without confirming.

For the first time, he hesitated.

“There’s only one percent left.”

Serena’s eyes reddened, and she forced a smile.

“Forget it, Dante.”

“Nina has already helped me ninety-nine times.”

“I can’t let her stop loving you for good just so I can have a career.”

“It’s okay if I lose the finals. We can pretend all those years of rehab and competition never happened.”

She said she was giving up, but the tears fell one after another.

She turned to leave.

Dante caught her arm.

The broker beside them spoke up.

“Mr. Castellano, this one percent has been attempted three times before.”

“Because of an unidentified block, the system has never been able to complete the transaction.”

“And we still haven’t found the cause.”

Dante was quiet for a moment.

Then he asked:

“Is there anything besides Affection that can be traded?”

The broker pulled up the other tradable assets.

“Health can be traded.”

“Ten points of Health converts to ten points of Security.”

Dante visibly relaxed.

“Then use Health.”

“You’ve always been strong. Losing ten points won’t hurt you.”

Serena pointed to the Health option, her voice sweet.

“Nina, I only need a little security.”

“Once I’m in the Royal Ballet, I’ll never forget what you did for me.”

“I don’t agree!”

Dante’s face turned to stone.

“You’ve already helped her ninety-nine times. Do you have to ruin her at the very last step?”

He clamped my hand in his and forced it toward the Confirm pad.

I fought to pull back.

My nails raked across the back of his hand, drawing blood. He did not let go.

“After this one, I’ll take you home.”

“I won’t take anything from you again.”

The instant my fingertip touched the pad, the terminal chimed.

[Transaction complete.]

[Annalise Vale: Health −10.]

[Serena Moretti: Security +10.]

Dizziness crashed over me.

My vision went black.

I pitched forward into the console, and my forehead struck the sharp metal edge.

Blood welled up and ran down my cheek onto the floor.

Dante’s expression changed.

He bent instinctively to catch me.

But Serena suddenly cried out that she felt dizzy.

He paused for only a heartbeat before turning to hold her instead.

I was taken back to the Castellano estate.

When I came to, the living room was already full.

Donna Isabella kept Serena pressed close to her side and announced, smiling, to the assembled relatives:

“Our Serena is joining an international company. What an honor for the Family.”

“From now on, Dante will accompany her on the entire tour.”

Someone looked at me and asked, with deliberate malice:

“And what about Annalise?”

The Donna gave me a disdainful glance.

“What has she ever brought the Castellano Family, besides helping Serena?”

“Still, the Family won’t throw her out.”

“She knows Dante’s habits. She can stay and look after him and Serena. It suits her.”

The table laughed.

Aunt Lucia raised her voice on purpose.

“Quite right.”

“She knows what Dante likes to eat and how he likes his shirts pressed better than any maid.”

“When Serena goes to the galas with Dante, Annalise can stay home and cook and clean.”

“One outside, one inside. Very efficient.”

Another capo chimed in.

“Is maid work enough, though?.”

“We can’t let her hold the title of Signora for nothing.”

The Donna answered even faster.

“I’ve already prepared for that.”

“Annalise, sign this declaration.”