52

"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