Chapter 10 - THE ENGAGEMENT THAT ENDED IN SILENCE
Vanessa arrived at the hospital carrying a diamond bracelet.
She said it was a peace offering.
I refused to accept it.
She stared.
“Dominic.”
I looked at her.
“Sit down.”
Her smile weakened.
“What's wrong?”
I placed a copy of the transfer request on the table.
“Explain.”
She glanced at it.
Then looked away.
“My father handled that.”
“Why?”
She sighed.
“Because the boy was a security risk.”
I felt cold.
“He's six.”
Vanessa crossed her arms.
“You don't understand.”
I leaned forward.
“Then explain it.”
She hesitated.
“My father said Sofia had documents that could destroy us.”
Silence.
I stared at her.
“You knew.”
Her eyes filled.
“Dominic—”
“You knew Matteo's family was alive.”
She looked down.
I felt something inside me break.
“For how long?”
She whispered:
“Three years.”
I closed my eyes.
Three years.
Three years she'd sat beside me at dinner.
Three years she'd accepted my gifts.
Three years she'd watched me mourn my brother.
And never told me his son was alive.
I removed my engagement ring.
Placed it on the table.
Vanessa stared.
“What are you doing?”
I looked at her.
“Ending this.”
Her face twisted.
“You can't.”
I said nothing.
“My father will destroy you.”
I smiled without humor.
“Then he can try.”
She stood.
“You're choosing that nurse over me?”
I shook my head.
“No.”
She froze.
“Then what?”
May you like
I looked at her.
“I'm choosing the truth.”
