A woman mocked for her weight catches the eye of a powerful mafia don who sees her differently from everyone else. As he pulls her into his dangerous world and claims her as his wife, she must navigate rival criminals, judgmental outsiders, and her own doubts about whether his fierce devotion is real.
Vito's mother, Rosa, shouted as she hurried toward us. She pulled Bella into her arms. Come here, sweetheart. You're getting on that boat, just like I promised. No one lays a finger on you, not while I'm here. My heart ached as I watched Vito and Rosa shield Bella behind them.
For ten years, I'd done everything I could to please the Marino family. I memorized every birthday and prepared gifts. Whenever I visited, I rushed to cook and clean, desperate to win Rosa's approval. I even memorized all of Bella's likes and dislikes.
But what had I gotten in return? They always assumed I was throwing a tantrum. They believed I should be grateful that Vito was willing to marry an old, ugly, fat girl like me.