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“Get on your knees and kiss my boots!” Stella commanded. Everyone watched in silence, their eyes fixed on Isabella. Isabella covered her cheek with one hand, her eyes misty. Stella Ronald, the eldest daughter of the powerful Ronald Klesh family, had just slapped her across the face. It was Alessandro’s birthday party, and New York City’s wealthiest families had gathered to celebrate with him. Among the guests were eligible bachelors, all hoping to catch Alessandro’s attention and perhaps win his hand in marriage. Stella was more aggressive than the rest. She followed Alessandro everywhere, irritating him with her loud, tiresome stories. Isabella couldn’t take it anymore. She stepped between them. “You’re bothering my husband, Stella. Give it a rest,” she said. That was when Stella slapped her. “You’re nothing but a cheap loser who got lucky enough to be near Alessandro. Know your place, you piece of trash.” The sting burned across Isabella’s cheek. She clenched her jaw. “I was only trying to” “I know exactly what you’re trying to do,” Stella snapped. “You’re acting like a jealous wife. Don’t get your foolish head stuck in the clouds. The only person you’re fooling is yourself.” Before Isabella could answer, Stella pointed at her polished boots. “You’ve offended me tonight. I was having a wonderful evening until you barged in. Get on your knees and kiss my boots!” In New York City, kissing someone’s feet was a humiliating punishment for an offender. It was known as the Kiss of Shame. Isabella glanced at Alessandro, hoping he would come to her aid. But he only looked away, his arms crossed and his lips pressed into a thin line. Isabella’s heart sank. Her marriage to Alessandro was loveless and unconsummated. His grandmother, Evelyn Hart, had arranged the marriage. She had seen something good in Isabella and decided she would make the perfect wife for Alessandro. The problem was, Alessandro hated her. Isabella worked for the Hart family as a servant, earning just $250 a month for doing chores and running errands. She wasn’t the kind of woman Alessandro found attractive, but out of respect for his grandmother, he had gone along with her wishes. “Isabella, you fool,” Alessandro said sharply. “Who asked you to get involved? Do you have any idea what you’ve done? You’ve embarrassed me and the Hart family in front of everyone.” Isabella’s voice cracked. “But I was only trying to help. She was bothering you.” “Nobody asked you,” he barked. “Sheesh, take a hike, would you? Quit being noisy. It’s none of your business whether she bothers me or not. Go wash dishes in the kitchen or something.” Humiliation seeped into every part of Isabella. She lowered her head and apologized. “I’m sorry, my beloved. I didn’t mean to cause you any trouble.” Alessandro groaned and walked past her. “I’ve told you repeatedly not to call me that. It’s cringeworthy, and it makes my skin crawl.” As he left, Dante, Isabella’s father-in-law and head of the Hart family, stepped forward. “Stella,” he said, placing a hand on her shoulder with a tight smile. “I saw what happened. Pay no attention to my useless son-in-law. I’ll deal with her.” Stella sneered. “I won’t be satisfied until that loser kisses my boots.” Like his son, Dante disliked Stella. She was an annoyance who got on everyone’s nerves. Even so, the Ronald Klesh family was one of the most powerful in New York City, with considerable political influence. Stella was also the family’s future leader. Dante couldn’t let her leave Alessandro’s birthday party in a foul mood. It could jeopardize favors and alliances the Hart family might need from the Ronald Kleshes. “Certainly. Leave this to me,” Dante assured her. Then he turned to Isabella and slapped her without warning. The crack of his hand against her cheek rang through the hall, sending a chill down everyone’s spine. “If you know what’s good for you, kneel,” Dante said, his eyes narrowing. “Kiss Stella’s boots and make her happy, or I’ll make you regret it.” Isabella’s eyes widened. This was the second time she had been slapped and the first by her own father-in-law. Across the hall, Alessandro watched her with an expressionless face. Finally, Isabella dropped to her knees. She crawled forward and pressed her lips to Stella’s polished boots. The hall filled with whispers and laughter. “I can’t believe she’s actually kissing her boots. I have to record this.” “Ugh, I’m disgusted. How can a loser like that be Alessandro’s wife? She’s more like a family pet.” “I heard she earns $250 a month serving the Hart family. Even that wouldn’t feed my dog breakfast.” “What a pathetic fool. Alessandro should divorce her. He deserves better. She’s a disgrace.” Alessandro couldn’t bear to watch Isabella’s humiliation. He turned and left the hall. Isabella kept her head down. Her nails dug into her palms, and her teeth clenched bitterly. The Kiss of Shame had sealed her reputation as the useless, trashy daughter-in-law of the Hart household. Stella smirked, enjoying the laughter at Isabella’s expense. She looked down at Isabella as if she were a bug she could crush beneath her expensive boots. When Isabella finished, Stella turned to Dante and patted him on the shoulder. “I feel better now. You handled that perfectly.” Dante grinned. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to ruin the relationship between our families.” “It would make more sense if you gave me your son's hand in marriage,” Stella said with a knowing smile. “I’d make an amazing spouse better than that piece of trash.” Dante sighed. “Unfortunately, we’re stuck with her. But I’m sure Alessandro will make his decision when the time is right.” “I can be patient,” Stella said, her lips curving into a smile. “Alessandro will be mine soon. I won’t give up on him.” Dante turned sharply toward Isabella. “Get out of here. G o help in the kitchen.” Isabella gathered what little dignity she had left and shuffled toward the kitchen.