On the northern coast of Italy, in the Lake Como region famous for its majestic mountains and aristocratic villas, stood a mansion called Villa Argento. For years, the place had been a symbol of the Bellucci family's glory.

The neoclassical building faced directly onto the lake, surrounded by rose gardens and a bronzelayered fountain. Inside there was a hall three stories high, corridors full of classical paintings, a library of rare books, a glasswalled study, and a dining room capable of seating dozens of guests.

Villa Argento was not just a home. The place was the emblem of Matteo Bellucci's success, a man who built his wealth from zero, with no parents supporting his back.

At thirty years old, Matteo had become one of the most successful young entrepreneurs in Italy. He was born into a poor, toxic family, with no inheritance, no family company, no noble title. Through hard work and the courage to take risks, he turned failure into lessons and ambition into a business empire.

At twentysix, Matteo married Cassandra, a beautiful woman who was elegant and skilled at drawing attention. To the outside world, Cassandra was the ideal partner: graceful, always supportive of her husband, and never causing problems, but in truth Cassandra only married Matteo for his wealth.

A year later, Matteo married again, this time to Melanie. Unlike Cassandra, Melanie had a quiet beauty and an unpredictable temperament. She rarely showed emotion, but accepted Cassandra's presence without resistance, because Melanie did not love Matteo and only cared about herself, her need for upkeep and expensive things.

As Matteo's wife, her needs would be met.

Five months after that, Matteo married Julia, a gentle woman with soft speech and an attentive manner, but in truth Julia was a cunning woman who used her innocence to enjoy Matteo's wealth — a typical selfish gold digger.

For several months Matteo observed the three of them. Strangely, not one of the three women objected to the marriage. They lived side by side peacefully, often eating, shopping, and attending social events together.

Matteo considered his family perfect, but Matteo did not know that the three women were only using him. The reason they did not fight or cause drama was because the three women did not love him; all three shared the same goal: Matteo's wealth.

Until one day, a small accident brought him together with Haewol.

Haewol was a polite and friendly man, with a background unknown to Matteo, including the uniqueness of the body of Haewol.

Matteo's car hit the vehicle belonging to Haewol, and the losses that had to be paid far exceeded the ability of Haewol. Feeling responsible, Haewol ultimately gave his life to Matteo as a spouse.

The marriage took place without love, attraction, or warmth. Matteo never tried to get to know Haewol or build a relationship with him. Matteo treated the marriage like a meaningless formal document. Matteo never slept with his husband Haewol, nor touched him.

Meanwhile, Haewol lived in Villa Argento and handled various household needs as a form of responsibility for the debt that could not be paid.

A year passed. Matteo began to think about his future. He had four partners: three wives — Cassandra, Melanie, and Julia — and one husband, Haewol. But the longer it went on, the more unnatural his family's calm felt.

There were never any arguments, demands, protests, or fights for attention. Everything seemed too perfect. Matteo realized that this was not what a real family was like — no fights, no demands for affection, only an unsettling calm in that grand mansion.

Suspicious, Matteo devised a secret plan. For months, Matteo planned to fake bankruptcy: he moved his personal assets, founded a shell company, transferred shares, and opened accounts in various countries.

On paper, the Bellucci business empire began to collapse. Financial reports showed losses, investors withdrew, stock values fell, and news of the bankruptcy spread.

Life at Villa Argento changed. Spending was cut, luxury goods were no longer bought, social events were canceled, and the expensive cars disappeared from the garage.

A full month, Matteo stayed silent. He only observed and waited.

Until finally, the day he had been waiting for arrived.

The sky over Lake Como was covered in gray clouds when all the family members gathered in the main room of Villa Argento. Matteo stood before Cassandra, Melanie, Julia, and Haewol with a sharp gaze.

Matteo watched every change in their faces.

Because what he wanted to see was not merely a reaction to the bankruptcy, but the real faces of the people who had been living in Villa Argento all this time — faces hidden behind smiles, loyalty, and the comfort bought by Bellucci wealth.

Matteo picked up a cigar from the table without shifting his gaze, then slowly, with calm movements, Matteo brought the cigar to his lips.

"My company is bankrupt. All assets have been seized," he said in a flat tone while lighting the cigar at his lips.

"No more luxury cars, good food, expensive things, or beauty treatments. Even this mansion will be sold to cover my debts," he said in a flat tone, letting out a heavy sigh, staring with an unreadable gaze at his three wives and his husband.

"Tomorrow, we move to a cheap apartment on the edge of town," he said flatly, letting his words hang, then he added the bait.

"If anyone doesn't want to, I'll give each person who wants to leave $50,000, from my remaining savings. Interested?."