Page 85 of Sacred Hearts

“Of course they have,” I reply, anger rising. “They’re the same corruption network we’ve been investigating. Carlos gets to be Prime Minister, and Lombardi protects the Vatican Bank operations.”

“Matteo,” Sophia touches my arm, her eyes pleading. “Please reconsider. We can still salvage this. Issue a statement denying the relationship. Call it fake news, a political attack, anything. We can weather this storm if we act now.”

I look around at the faces of my loyal ministers, at my sister who has stood by me through everything, at Gabriella who watches me with quiet confidence.

“I’ve made my decision,” I announce. “I will address parliament tomorrow before the no-confidence vote. I will not deny my relationship with Pope Pius. I will not apologize for loving a man of integrity and courage.”

Sophia’s face falls. “Matteo, please—”

“No, Sophia.” I take her hands in mine. “I understand what you’re asking, but I can’t do it. Not even to save my government.”

“Then what’s your plan?” Gabriella asks. “Because Carlos has the votes to remove you.”

“My plan is to tell the truth. All of it.” I turn toward Taddeo. “Release everything we have on the corruption investigation. Every document, every bank record, every connection between Carlos, Russo, and the Lombardi Foundation. I want it all public before tomorrow’s session.”

Taddeo’s eyes widen. “But the investigation isn’t complete. Some of the evidence may not hold up in court without further—”

“We’re out of time,” I cut him off. “If I’m going down, I’m taking them with me. The Italian people deserve to know exactly who’s positioning himself to lead them. If we don’t release these documents now, then they will never get a chance to be argued in court!”

“This is political nuclear war,” Renata warns. “You understand that?”

“I do.” I stand straighter, resolve hardening within me. “But I didn’t enter politics to play it safe. I came to fight corruption, to make Italy better than I found it. If I have to sacrifice my position to expose thetruth, so be it.”

“That’s the Prime Minister I’ve always been proud to serve,” Gabriella says with a firm nod.

“What about the Pope?” Sophia asks quietly. “This decision affects him too.”

I nod, feeling the weight of that responsibility. “I’ll speak with him tonight. Whatever happens, we face it together.”

As the ministers disperse to prepare for tomorrow’s battle, Sophia remains behind, her expression troubled.

“You could turn out to be Italy’s greatest Prime Minister,” she says softly. “The reforms, the anti-corruption measures—all of it will die if you lose the vote.”

I touch her cheek gently. “Maybe. Or maybe the truth has power of its own. Either way, I couldn’t live with myself if I denied him. Not for political expediency, not even for the reforms.”

“I’ve always admired your principles,” she sighs. “Even when they drive me crazy.” She hugs me tightly. “Whatever happens tomorrow, I’m with you.”

“Thank you.” I return her embrace, grateful beyond words for her loyalty.

After she leaves, I stand alone in the conference room, watching the lights of Rome twinkle in the gathering dusk. Tomorrow may end my political career, but it will not end my commitment to truth. I think of Marco, facing his own impossible choice between his calling and his heart.

I take out my phone and type:I won’t deny us. Whatever comes, we face it honestly. Together.

His reply is immediate:Truth will set us free. I love you, Matteo.

I press the phone to my heart, drawing strength from his words. Tomorrow we may lose everything we’ve worked for, but we will not lose ourselves.

22

The College

Marco

I smooth my white cassock, feeling the weight of centuries of tradition on my shoulders. The antechamber outside the Sala Bologna feels both stifling and empty as I wait. Captain Lombardi stands at my side, his presence reassuring amid the storm.

“Your Holiness, they’re ready for you,” he says, voice low.

“Thank you, Lorenzo.” I meet his eyes. “Whatever happens in there—”

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