A Year of Punishment

The day my mafia boss husband, Zann Lima, went bankrupt, a car accident crippled both his legs. He was paralyzed from the waist down.

I inherited his astronomical debt, and with it, the responsibility to care for him for the rest of his life.

For an entire year, I was beaten by debt collectors until I vomited blood, yet I couldnt bear to buy painkillers.

I collapsed from exhaustion working eight jobs a day, yet I couldnt bear to take a day off.

Every penny I earned went toward keeping Zann alive.

I believed this was loves steadfast devotion, until one night, when I was delivering drinks at a club.

I stumbled upon the man who was supposed to be sitting and waiting for me at home in his wheelchair, now clinking glasses with his guests, who all revered him as Don!

Chapter 1

I immediately clamped my hand over my mouth, terrified of making even the slightest sound.

Inside the private suite, Zann Lima was dressed in a black bespoke suit, perfectly tailored to accentuate his tall, slender frame. He looked nothing like the listless figure who had been confined to a wheelchair.

A cigar rested between his fingers as he lounged casually against the sofa, bantering with his men while emanating the commanding presence of a mafia boss.

Don, youve kept up the act for a whole year now. Neve Steele has worked down to the bone to pay for your treatments. She barely looks human anymore. This should be enough of a punishment, shouldnt it?

One of the men asked cautiously.

Zann sighed helplessly.

I never wanted this either. But she brought this on herself.

If she hadnt lashed out at Wandi back then, that worsened her depression, I wouldnt have gone to such lengths.

Hows Ms. Silva now? another man asked with concern.

Zann tapped ash from his cigar, his voice uncharacteristically gentle as he replied, Much better. But the doctors say she still cant handle emotional shock. Otherwise, shell relapse.

Cold spread through my veins from head to toe.

So this entire year of suffering, everything that I had endured, was nothing more than his punishment for me.

Wanda Silva was his childhood friend. Ever since I married Zann, she had clung to him relentlessly.

Her parents died saving Zanns parents, and because of that, he had always indulged her excessively.

Simply because I had defended myself against her insults, she had claimed to have depression and even threatened suicide.

I clutched my chest, gasping for breath as tears blurred my vision.

My fists clenched so tightly my nails dug deep into my palms, using the pain to keep myself upright.

Wandi spent a year overseas, recuperating, before she was willing to forgive Neve. In a couple of days, Ill stage a medical miracle, stand up again, and let her resume being the Donna. This year is a penance for her willfulness.

Each word of his was uttered coolly, piercing deeper into my heart.

But it has been a year. Will she buy it? someone asked hesitantly.

Zann smiled in confidence and said, That fool? She believes everything I say. She loves me too much to ever doubt me.

My body trembled violently. I was barely holding myself up.

He had always known about my sacrifices, yet treated me merely as a puppet to be manipulated at will.

Another man couldnt help but speak up on my behalf.

Don, just days ago, she sold the wedding ring to raise money for your medicine.

A year ago, she sold the necklace that was your token of love

Now that shes sold the ring too, shes truly at the end of her road

Isnt this punishment too harsh?

Zanns face hardened instantly.

Shes my wife. I know what Im doing! This punishment is about to end.

Wandi is highly sensitive. Even a day less of punishment could trigger her condition!

I staggered backward as my tears finally broke free.

Everything I had done, in his eyes, was to avenge Wanda.

And I was nothing more than a fool he could trample on.

I sank my teeth into my lower lip, hard enough to draw the metallic taste of blood and spread through my mouth.

Laughter suddenly erupted from the private suite.

Someone asked, unable to bear it any longer, Don, arent you afraid Neve will leave you once she finds out the truth?

A flicker of panic crossed Zanns eyes, though gone as quickly as it came. He regained his composure once more.

The cigar twirled once between his fingers.

She loves me too much for that. How could she ever leave me?

The thing is, Neve is too willful. She took advantage of my love for her to bully Wandi, showing none of the grace of a Donna.

I clutched my chest as though struck by a sledgehammer.

Staggering backward, I slammed straight into the manager carrying a tray of drinks.

The shattering of a bottle worth tens of thousands pierced the din, crimson liquid winding across the marble floor.

Watch where youre going! the manager lashed out, slapping across the face.

I slammed onto the ground. Shards of glass embedded in my palms, yet I felt no pain.

All eyes instantly turned toward us, including the ones belonging to the person I loved the most.

Later, Zann and Wanda emerged from the private suite.

She wore a white dress, delicate as a fragile lily, tilting her head to smile at him.

Wandi, why did you come back on your own? Zanns voice softened instantly.

Are you tired? Ive arranged for the best rehab team. Well start your recovery as soon as we get home.

Wanda nestled into his embrace like a spoiled child, and he immediately tightened his arms around her, as if afraid she might shatter.

I knelt in blood, hair tangled, and face hidden.

The manager had been yelling.

Cant you watch where youre going? Can you even afford to compensate for this bottle?

Zanns footsteps faltered for a moment.

My entire body tensed, nails dug deep into my palms.

If only hed glance down once, he would recognize the battered, disgraceful woman as his own wife.

But he didnt.

He merely swept a fleeting glance over me, kneeling on the floor, and paused for a moment before withdrawing his gaze. He was walking further away with his arm wrapped around Wanda.

Enough, he said coldly.

Dont recruit trash like this again. Its an eyesore.

Wanda leaned against his shoulder, turning back to flash me a triumphant smile.

She had recognized me all along.

Zanny, lets go, she said sweetly.

Alright, he said as he pinched her cheek affectionately.

Well have the chef make your favorite dishes when we get home.

I watched their intertwined figures disappear down the hallway, and suddenly I burst into laughter.

Laughter spilled from the blood-tinged corner of my mouth, echoing sharply through the empty hallway.

A year of my devotion meant nothing compared to one wounded look from Wanda.

He spent a year pretending to be crippled, all to vent his anger for another womans sake.

The manager continued his tirade of insults as I staggered to my feet.

The wine I croaked hoarsely. Ill pay for it.

Zann was already far away when Wanda tugged his arm and pouted, Zanny, my feet are so sore.

He bent down instantly and swept her into his arms as effortlessly as lifting a feather.

As I watched this scene, my nose suddenly began to bleed, splattering crimson droplets onto the white floor.

W-why are you bleeding from your nose? the manager recoiled in alarm.

I wiped it away haphazardly, murmuring with a bitter smile, Looks like I wont last much longer either.

Chapter 2

When I pushed open the door to the rented apartment, there was a loud clatter from the kitchen, as if something had shattered.

I stood in place, watching as Zann sprawled beside his overturned wheelchair, straining to pull himself upright.

His face was flushed red, sweat soaking his forehead. The instant he saw me, his eyes reddened, his voice trembling with tears.

Eve, I wanted to whip up something for you, but Im so useless

He looked like a broken patient, completely stripped of the cold commanding presence he had exuded as a Don at the club earlier.

For a fleeting moment, I remembered the man he used to be before his farce. He was as proud as a wild eagle, arrogant and unrestrained.

Yet now, to punish me, he was willing to humiliate himself this way.

I walked over silently and lifted his wheelchair before kneeling to wipe his face and hands clean.

These practiced motions had become muscle memory, almost instinctive, for I had done them for the past whole year.

Suddenly, he grabbed my wrist with startling strength.

His gaze fixed on the palm of my hand, seeing the gash, and panic flickered through his eyes.

Who hurt you?

I met his eyes, enunciating each word evenly, I cut myself when I knocked over a bottle of wine at the club.

His hand jolted as if burned, and he released me at once.

His jaw clenched. His gaze shifted nervously as he averted his gaze from mine.

Later that night, lying in bed, I heard his hushed voice beyond the door.

Wandi, Ive prepared the biggest cake for your birthday party tomorrow. Do you like it?

His voice was tender, dripping in saccharine.

Wandas sweet, cloying laughter came through the phone.

Zanny, youre so good to me. But tomorrows also Ms. Steeles birthday

Zann hesitated before replying, Its fine. Ill make it up to her with another gift.

Once the punishment ends, Ill give her the best gift out there!

Lying in bed, listening to their conversation, my heart turned to stone.

He had remembered my birthday perfectly, yet chose this very day to celebrate another womans birthday.

Silently, I rose and went to set his supper and medicine on the table before leaving.

At the hospital, the doctor looked at my test results and sighed.

Your brain cancer has progressed too far. You have at most two or three days left.

Nodding calmly as if I had long anticipated this outcome, I said, Alright.

If I die, send my ashes to my husband.

Here. This is a strong painkiller. It will ease your suffering. When its effects wear off, you will

His sentence was left hanging, but I understood.

When the medicine ran out, so would my life.

The next morning, I wheeled Zann to the hospital for his follow-up appointment.

He gripped my hand tightly, his fingertips trembling slightly. With a tinge of hope, he said, Eve, do you think this session might bring good news?

Of course, I said in a lowered gaze to hide the sarcasm in my eyes.

The doctor greeted us at the hospital with theatrical delight.

Ms. Steele, good news! Weve developed a breakthrough drug for paralysis. Mr. Lima has been approved for a trial with a ninety percent chance of recovery!

Zanns eyes instantly reddened. He grabbed my hand tightly as he choked emotionally.

Eve, did you hear that? Ill be able to walk again! I can spend the rest of my life with you! Once Im better, Ill make sure you become the most esteemed Donna once more!

Silently, I watched his performance with a heart as cold as ice.

The doctor spoke up in a timely manner, Mr. Lima, I need to conduct a thorough examination. Itll take about three hours to determine if you qualify for the trial. Ms. Steele, please wait outside for now.

I nodded and turned to leave the consultation room, stopping at the corner of the hallway.

Not long after, the elevator doors opened.

Zann emerged from the room in steady steps, dressed in a crisp suit, with not a trace of disability remaining.

He strode into the elevator and pressed the button for the basement, where the Dons private car waited.

As the doors closed, I smiled coldly.

Just then, my phone buzzed, and I glanced down to see it was a message from Wanda.

[Come to the villa. Zanny has a surprise prepared for you.]

Chapter 3

I rushed to the citys most luxurious villa district. This had once been our love nest, Zanns and mine. Now, it overflowed with guests, bright and jubilant.

Wanda stood before a six-tier cake, wearing a glittering tiara on her head and a couture gown flowing around her. Like a princess, she clung to Zanns arm.

She closed her eyes, clasped her hands, and smiled blissfully as she made her wish.

I wish to always stay by Zannys side.

Zann gazed at her with adoring eyes, a tender smile drawn.

He then retrieved a velvet box from his pocket.

My breath hitched.

I knew that box all too well.

Inside was a necklace, the token of our love he had given me on our wedding day.

A year ago, I had to sell it to cover his medical bills.

Back then, hed promised hed buy me something better someday.

Yet now, that very necklace rested around Wandas neck.

She touched it, feigning hesitation as she said, Zanny, thank you for granting my birthday wish.

But didnt this belong to Neve? Wont she be upset

A flicker of guilt crossed Zanns face before he quickly regained his composure.

Its fine, he said calmly. She wont mind. Ill get her a better one.

Applause thundered through the villa as I stood at the edge of the crowd, watching as my heart was carved raw.

He had already redeemed our token of love all along, just not for me.

I stumbled out of the villa as my phone began to vibrate frantically in my palm.

Wandas messages came one after another, each word like a knife.

[I recognized you at the club that day. Zann Lima is mine, and so is the necklace. Youre nothing but a stray dog.

[You might as well go die, Neve Steele.]

My nails dug into my palm as I stared at the screen. The taste of blood filled my mouth.

By the time I stumbled back to my apartment, night had fallen.

The strong painkillers were almost worn off. The doctor said once the effects were gone, my time would be up too.

The moment I opened the door, Zann greeted me as he rolled over his wheelchair. An apologetic smile appeared on his face as he said, Eve, I qualify for the clinical trials!

Ill be able to walk again soon!

Then, Ill reclaim the Lima family! And youll be my Donna once more!

I stared at the unappetizing plate of aglio olio, charred shrimp shells clinging to it, with my emotions tangled beyond words.

Noticing my blank stare at the dish, he scratched his head awkwardly.

It might not look great, but it should taste okay.

Then he pulled out a crude, handmade string necklace.

Eve, look. I made this necklace for you. Once my legs are healed, Ill find a way to buy back your necklace, he spoke in regret etched on his face.

I accepted it, fingertips brushing its rough surface. My heart felt as if something was stuck in my throat.

After a moment of silence, I didnt call him out.

I simply sat down and forced down the aglio olio, salty and bitter, bite by bite.

Early next morning, Zann rose before dawn. He changed into clean clothes and said to me energetically, Eve, Im going to the hospital for surgery, and will come back anew. Ill make you the most dazzling Donna. Just wait for me.

With a bitter smile curling my lips, I looked at him and replied, I will.

After he left, my brain cancer flared up.

A wave of excruciating pain washed over me as my vision turned black and I collapsed to the floor.

In my hazy consciousness, I seemed to have returned to our childhood.

Zann was braiding my hair, holding a piece of candy, smiling warmly as he said, Neve, when I grow up, Ill build you a castle and make you the happiest princess.

Trembling, I mustered my last ounce of strength. With bloodstained fingers, I slid across the screen to send my last message.

[Zann, Im not waiting anymore. My life repays you and Wanda. Bury me with my parents.]

Each word drained every ounce of energy from my body, as if pouring all the grievances, agony, and despair of the past year into that brief message.

When the message was sent, every shred of burden was lifted.

I closed my eyes, utterly drained.

My phone rang ceaselessly beside me.

Was Zann calling? Or more taunting messages from Wanda?

I could no longer hear. It didnt matter anyway.

All I felt was exhaustion, so utterly tired, and all I wanted was to sleep and never wake up again.

Chapter 4

In the hospital, the red light outside the operating room went out.

The doctor removed his mask and gestured OK to Zann.

Relief washed over him. He ripped off the monitoring device and headed straight for the exit.

Feigning weakness and feeling frantic inwardly, he was desperate to rush back to the apartment to see me.

The moment he stepped out of the hospital doors, a luxurious SUV abruptly pulled up before him.

The car door swung open, and Wanda rushed toward him with tears streaming down her face while clutching a custom-made cake.

Zanny, you promised to make up a special birthday trip for me! Have you forgotten my depression isnt fully healed yet?

Her sobs shook her body like a willow in the wind, her frame trembling as if a breeze could knock her over.

Zann frowned deeply. Looking at the pitiable sight of his childhood friend, he was in a tangled mess.

He had indeed made that promise. And her depression had always weighed heavily on him like a heavy stone.

He sighed, bound by responsibility, and ultimately nodded.

Wanda immediately broke into a smile and proceeded to carefully help him into the car.

A faint perfume scent filled the cabin, but it stung his senses.

Zann pulled out his phone, intending to text me to say his surgery went well and to tell me not to worry.

Before he could type, however, Wanda suddenly clutched her chest as her face turned pale.

Zanny I feel sick. Carsick.

As she spoke, she collapsed onto him, and the red wine in her hand spilled and splashed directly onto his phone.

What are you doing! Zann snapped, pushing her away.

Wanda fell right back into his arms due to the momentum, sobbing even harder.

Im sorry, Zanny. I didnt mean to. I just felt so sick

Zann stared at the woman sobbing heartbreakingly in his arms, then glanced at his black screen as his irritation simmered over.

Its fine, he said after taking a deep breath to force himself to calm down.

Its not your fault, its okay.

His gaze, however, drifted through the car window, fixed on the distant horizon.

Silently, he repeated my name, Eve, Eve

He reassured himself that he was merely accompanying Wanda on a trip. Upon his return, Id surely rejoice at his recovery.

While he bent down to wipe the wine from his clothes, Wanda deftly swiped his phone from his pocket.

Her fingers danced on the screen, unlocking it in a flash. Her gaze locked on my final message, each word as if written with every drop of blood and every ounce of strength I had was poured into it.

Her lips curved into a cold smile. Without hesitation, she deleted it.

She proceeded to block my number, turn off all notifications, and slipped the phone back into his pocket.

All these were done in merely seconds, yet they had altered everyones fate.

The vehicle continued down the road toward the airport, yet Zann felt a hollow emptiness in his chest, as if something vital was quietly slipping away.

Again and again, his hand brushed the phone in his pocket, yet he never found the courage to turn it on and check.

Wanda saw it all, panic flickering in her heart, but she hid it behind chatter and laughter while clinging to him.

That night, she woke screaming from a nightmare and threw herself into his arms.

I dreamt you left me, Zanny I was so scared she said in a trembling voice.

Zann sighed helplessly, patting her back gently.

Dont be afraid, Im here, he said softly.

Yet, his gaze drifted through the car window, fixed on the pitch-black night sky.

He silently murmured to himself again, Eve, what are you doing right now? Do you miss me?

During the day, Wanda had deliberately planned visits to remote places under the guise of adventure.

No signal, no messages; the poor network reception had rendered Zanns phone nearly useless.

He tried several times to contact me, yet he failed each time.

Wanda kept brainwashing him, saying, Neve loves you so much. She must be waiting for you at home. She wont blame you.

His resolve was slowly fading as her words temporarily suppressed his doubts.

Without realizing it, he sank deeper into the web of lies Wanda had woven around him.