I was taken aback by their final statement. Did my father really kill Mama? How could this be? I glanced at Marco, but he remained fixated on my father as the police escorted him away. But Mama passed away from an illness, right? Wasn't that the truth? Did it mean that my suspicions about my father were correct?The weight of this realization hit me, and I instinctively covered my mouth."What? I never killed Olivia! I would never hurt my wife!"I observed my father's resistance as the police guided him out of Marco's office. It was hard to comprehend as he vehemently denied any involvement in Mama's death."I am innocent! I did not cause Olivia's death! I am the one being wronged here! Why are you arresting me?" My father's words were directed at Marco. "Moretti, you're a heartless monster! You hold me captive without any evidence! Release me! I am innocent..."His plea was abruptly cut short as the office door shut.The room fell into silence, and I remained in a state of shock, eve
That evening, I conveyed the message from Papa to Marco. He reassured me, promising that he would ensure nothing unfortunate happened and that Papa wouldn't escape justice. He vowed to prevent Papa from getting away."You know, I used to pray for liberation from Papa's abuse. And now that he's imprisoned, I still struggle to find inner peace. It's as if, even though I know he can no longer harm me, his presence continues to haunt me." It's a part of my traumatic experience. If you have endured a lifetime of pain, I can't fathom the depth of it. Despite undergoing therapy, there are certain memories that are challenging to erase.Marco enveloped me in a tender embrace, our hands intertwining as he gently caressed my thumb. A smile formed on my face. It's still surreal to comprehend that he loves me. It all feels like an enchanting reverie."We each carry our own inner scars, Maddie. If you haven't experienced trauma, consider yourself fortunate. It's common for people to dismiss the st
The next morning, as I woke up, I realized Marco was no longer beside me. My instinct told me he had probably left for work. But there was a heaviness weighing on me, the residue of the conversation we had the previous night. I was grateful that he had opened up to me, allowing me a glimpse into the painful memories he carried. However, it also saddened me deeply to think that such a tragic event had shaped his childhood.To imagine a young child, barely ten years old, compelled to witness the murder of his own grandparents - it was beyond comprehension. The sheer brutality and trauma inflicted upon him remains unimaginable.Despite our different upbringings, the experience of watching loved ones perish right before your eyes, especially when they sacrificed themselves to protect you, leaves a profound scar. I wish I could have conveyed to Marco that he bears no blame for what occurred. But the truth is, no matter how many reassurances I offer, he continues to shoulder the burden of g
I WAS OVERCOME with sadness upon hearing the news. The question, "When are you leaving?" weighed heavily on my emotions. Lucille and Renzo had become close to me, and now I was faced with the sudden news that Renzo would depart. I couldn't help but inquire further, asking, "And for how long?"Renzo reassured me, saying, "I'll still come back as your guard, Ma'am. I just don't know how long this assignment will take."The uncertainty of his return lingered in my mind. I expressed my genuine disappointment, replying, "Oh, that's quite unfortunate, Renzo."As I leaned back in my office chair, a wave of sadness washed over me. I looked at Renzo with a sorrowful expression, and he responded with a restrained smile, saying, "Take care, Ma'am Maddie. Until we meet again."And so, that's how it unfolded. Now, Carter and Finley are my new guards, but I find myself disliking them. My disappointment stems not only from knowing how much Marco trusted Renzo, but also from finding the replacements
My head throbbed as I gradually regained consciousness, my senses awakening in tandem. To my dismay, I found myself bound to a chair, my hands tightly restrained behind my back. Though my feet were free, I pondered why they hadn't tied them as well. Above me, a glaring light illuminated the room, reminiscent of those interrogation scenes from dramatic soap operas.Without missing a beat, I discreetly pulled out a small cutter nestled up my sleeves, a tool I always kept at the ready for situations just like this. Its inconspicuous nature allowed me to bypass metal detectors effortlessly, and its concealment was equally effortless.Just as I began attempting to sever the ropes binding my hands, the door abruptly swung open, interrupting my covert endeavor. My focus shifted to a man who stood before me, his face partially obscured. I furrowed my brows at him, my expression betraying no hint of the escape plan I was secretly concocting."Hello, Mrs. Moretti," he greeted me, his words ring
As I grappled with my emotions, one thought consumed me: I had always sensed there was more to Marco and his organization than met the eye. My knowledge ran deep, but my unease persisted. Why did this man's words unsettle me? It felt as though he possessed insider information, guarded secrets Marco himself hadn't revealed.Then, with a chilling shift in his gaze, he shattered my preconceptions. "Your father isn't responsible for your mother's death. He lacked the means to commit such an act. And no, my dear, Aunt Olivia didn't succumb to an illness," he revealed, his voice dripping with mystery. My heart skipped a beat upon hearing those words. "She was murdered."The revelation struck me like a bolt of lightning, crackling with a mixture of shock, confusion, and grief. Questions swirled in my mind, demanding answers. Who would want to harm my loved ones, and why? Suddenly, the veil of ignorance was lifted, thrusting me into a dark and treacherous world I never knew existed.Ronan sto
Most of their inquiries revolved around the conference explosion. It occurred to me that they weren't there because of Marco's call, but rather to uncover what transpired at the hotel. "Ma'am, we really need your statement," one of the officers insisted."My wife can't recall anything. Let her rest," Marco replied, hoping to buy some time.The house staff hurriedly guided me indoors. Marco remained outside, engrossed in conversation with the police.Suddenly, Lucille's name crossed my mind. "Where is Lucille?" I inquired, turning to one of the staff members."Sir Marco has the latest information on Miss Lucille's condition, Ma'am."I felt conflicted. Should I confront Marco? Ronan's words still lingered in my mind, and I was determined to uncover the truth. Ultimately, I decided to base my beliefs on whatever Marco would tell me.I was in my room, and the household staff had been assisting me with bathing and changing since I wasn't in the right condition. Suddenly, Marco entered and
"Why are you apologizing?!" I freed myself from his grip and took a step back. The pain in his eyes was evident as he noticed my retreat. "Marco, there's no need to apologize. You didn't hurt Mama, right? It's not your fault!"I clung to this defense, desperately convincing myself that Marco had no involvement. Everyone else was mistaken, and I refused to believe my own instincts or what Ronan had told me. I secretly hoped Marco would prove me wrong and show that I was misguided to entertain the doubts cast upon him.Marco's head dropped, shattering my hopes. Overwhelmed with emotion, I sobbed as he took a deep breath and eventually met my gaze once more."I don't want to lie to you, Maddie," Marco confessed. His words crashed into my world, leaving me devoid of strength. I crumbled to the floor, lost in my thoughts.Tears streamed down my face as I stared at Marco, his words echoing in my ears. He had confessed, confirming the unimaginable - he was the one who had taken my mother's l