Page 17 of Silent Night with Massimo

I look around the dinner table, at the smiling faces, the laughter, and the clinking of glasses. Everyone is sharing food, drinks, and company, steeped in holiday spirit. But I lost that feeling the moment I lost Vera. When I met my wife, I thought I'd found it again, but it was never the same—never as comforting. And then I lost her too. After that, I turned ice cold to everything about this time of year, to anything that used to make me smile.

Anything except Bella.

She's my entire world. The only thing keeping me tethered to some form of warmth. I'd kill for her without a second thought. I'd tear down entire planets before I'd ever let anything happen to her.

I look down at my champagne, untouched, and consider everything that Vera is currently doing. She is acting like a mother - she is fighting for a child she still believes is alive.

She has no reason to lie about this. I asked her the other night—what does she have to gain by taking this risk?

The answer was clear: nothing.

She gains nothing by tricking me, nothing by putting herself in danger. And yet, I can't shake the thought gnawing at the edges of my mind, like a virus spreading through my veins—she might be telling the truth.

And if she is… that means Elio is a traitor. My own blood.

The realization settles deep in my gut, twisting everything I thought I knew. If she's right, then the betrayal goes far deeper than I ever imagined.

Elio laughs and tilts his glass towards Adrian. They have always been close. Adrian is a die-hard friend. He sees the best in people. He trusts his family and never questions loyalty. It's why he wouldn't make a good leader - but he makes an excellent enforcer. He is my right-hand man and I know he will protect me and this family with his own life.

Elio keeps glancing in my direction, shifting in his seat. A shiver of tension runs through him because my stare is locked onto him.

"Are you enjoying the holidays, Elio?" I ask across the table.

"I love this time of year." He answers politely.

"And how was your day yesterday? I heard you left the lodge and went on some adventure of sorts. Where did you go?"

"Um." He stammers. "Um, last-minute shopping?" He spits out his answer as though he was asking a question.

"Ah, yes, the shops must have been packed now though. Not very pleasant."

He chuckles, his cheeks growing hot. "I was in and out. Didn't take long at all."

I watch him, smile tightly, sip his drink, and turn his attention away from me and my innocent questions.

Later that night, after dinner, he is sitting alone in thecorner of the living room. Everyone else is happy and relaxed but Elio is on his phone, frowning as he angrily types a message to someone.

"Is everything alright, Elio?" I ask, stepping close to him and handing him a drink.

He drops the phone and jumps in his seat.

"Fuck." He mutters.

"Sorry. Didn't expect you to be so jumpy."

He laughs, nervous again. "Just stuff with work." He says, taking the drink and shoving his phone into the inside pocket of his jacket.

"The office is closed. I made sure everyone was with their families now. What issues are you having with work? I can help sort them out."

"No, don't be ridiculous. It can wait. You're right. The office is closed. We should be focused on family."

Elio stands up, holding the drink. "I'm just going to - I'm going to…"

"Go on," I say, tilting my head and he rushes away.

The more I interact with him the more my suspicions grow.

But it is because I so desperately want to believe Vera - or is it something tangible?

---