Chapter 9 - THE SISTER WHO CAME BACK FROM THE DEAD
Alessandro stared at Nora.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then he whispered:
“Why?”
Nora began crying.
“I'm sorry.”
He shook his head.
“Six years.”
“I know.”
“Six years, Nora.”
She covered her mouth.
“I thought he'd kill me.”
Alessandro looked at Sofia.
Then back at his sister.
“Why take my daughter?”
Nora swallowed.
“Because Dominic was going to.”
The room went silent.
She explained that Dominic had arranged for Sofia to be moved from the estate under the pretense of a medical appointment.
Nora learned of the plan through a former employee.
She reached Sofia first.
But she hadn't known how to contact Alessandro safely.
She feared Dominic controlled his communications.
So she brought Sofia to the cabin.
Then sent word through my mother.
Alessandro looked devastated.
“You could have called me.”
Nora nodded.
“I know.”
He closed his eyes.
“You should have trusted me.”
She whispered:
“I wanted to.”
For a long moment, nobody spoke.
Then Sofia reached for her father's hand.
“Daddy?”
He looked down.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Please don't be mad at Aunt Nora.”
His expression softened.
He knelt.
“I'm not mad at you.”
Sofia began crying.
“I was scared.”
He pulled her close.
May you like
“I know.”
And for the first time, I saw Alessandro Romano cry.
