77

LORENA

I sat on the property’s private beach. Ella was back at the house, trying hard to find out information about the unknown cousin I had.

I didn’t hold out much hope that piece of information would help us. Though it remained to be seen.

I watched Zia and Matteo play in the sand; Zia sat in a beach chair while Matteo shoveled sand from left to right and then right back.

Such a simple act, but it filled my heart with longing. I remembered spending time with Ella at our beach home in Italy.

We always made time for him, helping him build castles in the sand.

All I wanted was to keep Matteo safe, to see him grow up to become a man.

Now, I wasn’t so sure if I’d succeed. As messed up as everything was and after everything Alessandro had done to me, I still had no doubt he and Zia would keep Matteo safe.

But I really wanted to be part of my son’s life. I just didn’t see any other alternative. There were only two options - run or be killed.