Chapter 9 - THE MOTHER WHO NEVER DIED
Victoria led Sophia into a private sitting room.
She closed the door.
Then turned.
“Your mother survived.”
Sophia stared.
“What?”
Victoria swallowed.
“Isabella was taken from Sicily twenty-two years ago.”
“By whom?”
Victoria looked away.
“Your grandfather.”
Sophia's hands trembled.
“Why?”
“Because she refused the marriage he arranged.”
Sophia felt sick.
Victoria continued.
“He wanted to protect the family's business interests.”
“And my mother?”
“She was sent away.”
Sophia stared.
“Where?”
Victoria hesitated.
Then whispered, “A private medical facility in Switzerland.”
Sophia's knees weakened.
For a moment, she couldn't speak.
Then she whispered, “She's been alive all this time?”
Victoria nodded.
Sophia began crying.
“Why didn't anyone tell me?”
Victoria looked ashamed.
“Because we were afraid.”
Sophia stared at her.
“Afraid of what?”
Victoria swallowed.
“Your grandfather.”
Sophia looked toward the door.
Then asked, “Does Alejandro know?”
Victoria shook her head.
“No.”
Sophia's expression hardened.
“Then we're telling him.”
Victoria reached for her.
“Sophia—”
“No.”
May you like
Sophia pulled away.
“You don't get to hide her anymore.”
