Page 200 of Vita Mia

“I get it! I do! I was the one to plant the seed of doubt in you earlier today. But we all know what doubt does to this family. Just this morning you had to keep me from running away. It’s too late. We all know it. It’s done. Marietta takes the stand tomorrow. That is the core of the prosecutor’s case, it’s what Dominic said. Her testimony will change everything.”

Martha arrived carrying Lorenza in her arms. Lorenza had her baby cup in her hands and sipped from it.

“She’s ready signora,” Martha said.

Mirabella felt her heartbreak once more. Was the final moment between her and Lorenza after all the months of mothering her going to come to this?

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?” Catalina asked as Mirabella stood and reached for her niece. Lorenza immediately dropped her head on Mirabella’s shoulder. “If Marietta sees me, Mirabella, it could help soften her heart. Make sure she does testify for Gio.”

“No. We need to keep our promise. Prove to Marietta that we will give her, her family back with no tricks.”

“How is this happening?” Francesca threw her hands up. “In what universe is Marietta the enemy? She’s your sister.”

“She shot my husband. I ordered the death of hers. We aren’t sisters anymore,” Mirabella said.

“That serpent of a Générale arranged for the courts to grant custodial visitation rights back to Marietta. It was a gesture to show that he was in support of Marietta. To make her think he’s going to help her get revenge against Giovanni I’m sure,” Catalina said.

Mirabella rubbed Lorenza’s back.

“Marietta will know when I hand her daughter back to her that this is from my heart instead of any supervised visitation arrangement that I want her support. It’s a solid plan,” Mirabella reasoned.

“Domi doesn’t agree! And neither do I. I don’t trust her.”

“There’s something you both should know.”

Francesca stood. Catalina frowned but held her tongue. Mirabella stared at them and tried to deliver the news, but the words didn’t form.

“Tell us,” Catalina said softly.

“Lorenzo. He’s not dead.”

“Mama mia!” Francesca made the sign of the cross before her and dropped to her seat.

“Che cosa!What do you mean he’s not dead!”

“We lied, Gio and I lied. He never killed him. He sent him away with the Russians. And when Gio was arrested, me and Nico went after Lorenzo.”

“So that is the reason for the war with the Russians?” Francesca asked.

Mirabella nodded. “I’m sorry to keep the secret for so long—“

“Does Marietta know!” Catalina’s eyes stretched. “Does she?”

“She does now. That’s the leverage. That’s how we get her testimony. We give her the family she lost.”

Catalina shook her head in disbelief. “You lied to me? You knew how badly I mourned Lo and you lied?”

“I’m sorry. I had no choice.”

“No, you’re not.” Catalina turned and walked out.

Mirabella rubbed Lorenza’s back to reassure her.

“Give her time. She’ll accept it. In time. The babies. They’re what’s important. They will be the ones to change everything for the better,” Francesca said and handed her, her purse. She smiled one last smile at them and then carried Lorenza while her men grabbed her bag of toys and clothes. Lorenza lifted her head from Mirabella’s shoulder. Catalina came running back up the hall toward them. Lorenza waved at Catalina and smiled. Catalina took Lorenza from Mirabella. She held her out in front of her. “I am your auntie Catalina. Do you understand Lorenza? I am your auntie and I love you, bambina. Always. Never forget how much we love you.”

Lorenza hugged Catalina’s neck. In tears Catalina handed her back to Mirabella and then turned and walked away crying. Mirabella couldn’t hold back her tears as she went the other way.

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