Chapter 10 - THE TRUTH ABOUT MARCO
Marco was arrested in May.
Investigators had uncovered evidence connecting him to financial transfers and communications surrounding the attack that killed Sophia.
The full extent of his involvement would be determined through the legal process.
But the betrayal was undeniable.
He had helped finance people who wanted me dead.
Sophia had been caught in the violence meant for me.
I sat alone in my office after hearing the news.
For hours, I stared at the wall.
Then Hannah knocked.
“Can I come in?”
I nodded.
She entered.
I looked at her.
“He was family.”
She sat beside me.
“I know.”
“I trusted him.”
“I know.”
I laughed bitterly.
“I spent years believing loyalty could be bought.”
Hannah looked at me.
“Maybe that's why you couldn't recognize it when someone gave it freely.”
I turned.
She looked toward the photograph of Sophia.
“People aren't loyal because they're afraid of losing something.”
She paused.
“They're loyal because they choose to care.”
I stared at her.
Then whispered:
“Why do you care about me?”
Hannah looked surprised.
I continued.
“You know what I've done. You know who I was.”
She was quiet for a long time.
Then she said:
“Because I see someone trying to become different.”
I looked down.
“And because you're Leo's father.”
I smiled sadly.
She reached for my hand.
“And because I care about you, Alessandro.”
My heart tightened.
I looked at her.
For a moment, the room seemed to stop moving.
Then I asked:
“May I kiss you?”
She stared.
Her eyes filled.
Then she shook her head.
“Not yet.”
I nodded immediately.
“Okay.”
She squeezed my hand.
“I need to know this isn't just grief.”
I looked at her.
“Then we'll take our time.”
She smiled.
May you like
“Thank you.”
And somehow, that refusal gave me more hope than any easy yes could have.
