Chapter 8 - THE BROTHER AT THE DOOR
Marco returned to New York under carefully arranged security and legal protections.
Dante waited in the mansion's entrance hall.
He had imagined this moment a thousand times.
In some versions, he embraced his brother.
In others, he demanded answers.
In most, he woke before Marco reached the door.
Now the door opened.
And Marco stood there.
Older.
Thinner.
A scar along his jaw.
But unmistakably alive.
Dante stared.
Marco smiled weakly.
"You're getting gray."
Dante laughed through tears.
Then crossed the room and embraced him.
For a long time, neither spoke.
When they finally sat down, Marco told him everything.
Rafael had been diverting money through shell companies.
Marco discovered the scheme and threatened to expose it.
Rafael arranged an attack.
Marco survived but believed returning home would put Dante and their mother in danger.
He had tried to contact Dante through intermediaries.
The messages were intercepted.
Eventually, he stopped trying.
Dante listened.
Then asked:
"Why didn't you trust me?"
Marco looked down.
"Because Rafael told me you approved the attack."
Dante went still.
Marco continued.
"He showed me documents."
"Forged."
"I know that now."
Dante closed his eyes.
For eleven years, Rafael had controlled both brothers through lies.
Later that evening, Sophie met Marco.
She stared at him.
"Are you Mr. Dante's brother?"
Marco smiled.
"Yes."
She considered.
"You look like him."
Marco laughed.
"That's unfortunate."
Sophie handed him a plastic dinosaur.
"This is Captain Pickles."
Marco accepted it solemnly.
"An honor."
Dante watched from the doorway.
Elena stood beside him.
For the first time in years, the mansion was filled with laughter.
Dante looked at Elena.
"Your daughter has changed this house."
Elena smiled.
"She changes most places."
Their eyes met.
Something quiet passed between them.
May you like
Neither spoke.
But both felt it.
