Page 3 of Secret Passion

I finished watching the videos and was surprised to see that Giovanni had dismissed his guards a mere ten minutes before Estelle met her end. It was an unusual move for someone who valued protection above all else. This left him as the most likely person to have been with her during those fateful moments.

Was Giovanni really capable of having his wife killed? Or of killing his wife himself. I thought of Liliana and the relationship we had. There was nothing that could make me harm her. Deep in my heart, I knew that even if she betrayed me and the entire Romano family, I could do nothing more than banish her. Then again, Giovanni had essentially sold her to me for the benefit of his son, so maybe he was responsible for Estelle’s death.

I refused to act on the possibility without concrete proof. My calculating nature demanded more than mere speculation. I meticulously cross-referenced the information, searching for any inconsistencies or hidden details that would either confirm or refute my suspicions.

“Let’s see if this adds up,” I said, scrutinizing the files, photos, and videos again. I examined the backgrounds, the faces caught in the frame, and the time-stamps on every piece of evidence.

As I delved deeper, I noticed something peculiar. A black town car following them. At least I assumed it was the same car, because every time I had the right angle to see the driver, it was the same man.

I had no idea who he was. Now I had two men for Enzo to investigate. I picked up the phone and called him. “Enzo, I need you to identify someone for me.”

“Of course, boss,” he replied, his voice steady and reliable. “Do you have photos?”

“In my office and make sure this stays between us,” I added, my voice firm with authority.

“Understood, boss.”

I hung up the phone and leaned back in my chair, pondering the implications of my discoveries. If Giovanni truly played a role in Estelle’s death, it would mean confronting Liliana’s father – a man who had just given me his loyalty. And whoever gave his loyalty to me gave it to my wife.

But what if I was wrong? What if all these pieces didn’t fit as neatly as they seemed? The stakes were high, and one false accusation could have serious consequences. Even though Giovanni had little power, there was a chance he could come between Liliana and me.

I leaned back in my leather chair, the weight of the decision pressing down on me. Liliana wanted the truth about her mother’s death, but I was unsure if she would be able to handle the possibility that her own father might be involved. Despite her strong will and resilience, this revelation could break her. The thought of hurting her tore at my heart, but keeping the truth from her felt like a betrayal.

My mind raced through the possible outcomes, each one more uncertain than the last. There was no easy way to approach this – not without causing pain to someone I cared deeply for. I ran my hands through my hair, frustration building within me. My desire to protect Liliana battled with my need for justice.

“Enzo,” I called out as he entered my office, my voice laced with determination. “Find everything you can on Giovanni Ricci. I want to know his every move leading up to Estelle’s death.”

“Yes, boss,” Enzo replied, taking the photographs from me. As he left, I stared at the closed door, steeling myself for what was to come.

My resolve solidified. I would confront Giovanni about his involvement in Estelle’s death. If he was guilty, he would pay the price. And if he was innocent, then we would work together to bring the true killer to justice.

The consequences of my actions weighed heavily on my chest, but I refused to let fear hold me back. I was prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, for the sake of my family and my wife.

As I stood up from my desk, I took a deep breath and embraced the cold, hard resolve that coursed through my veins. This path I had chosen was not an easy one, but it was necessary. For Liliana, for Estelle, and for the truth.

Chapter 3

Liliana

Gently rapping my knuckles on Sophia’s bedroom door, I called out softly, “Sophia, it’s Liliana. Nicholas and I would love for you to join us for dinner tonight.”

The door cracked open, revealing Sophia’s uncertain gaze. She appeared almost sheepish in her old sweatpants and t-shirt, her hair pulled back in a casual ponytail and not a trace of makeup on her face. “Liliana, I appreciate the invitation, but I’m really not dressed for dinner in such a fancy house.”

I smiled as I stepped into the room, closing the door behind me. Sitting down on the edge of her bed, I patted the empty space beside me, inviting her to sit. “Oh honey,” I began, taking her hands in mine, “you never need to feel bad about yourself at the Romano house. You’re like family to us. You can do whatever you want, look however you want, be however you want.”

Sophia bit her lip, still hesitant. I could see the vulnerability in her eyes, a reminder of the strict standards her family had imposed on her throughout her life. Sophia’s family had always emphasized that she must look her best at all times and so whenever she wasn’t dressed well with a full face of makeup and her hair done perfectly, she felt insecure. I wouldn’t have that in my home. My beautiful best friend needed to learn she was perfect just the way she was.

“Really, Liliana?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “Even with all these intimidating men around?”

“Especially with them,” I replied firmly, giving her hands a reassuring squeeze. “Nicholas’s men are loyal to him, and by extension, to you as well. They will treat you with the utmost respect, as they do me.”

“All right,” she sighed. “It’s just that...I’m uncomfortable around so many gangsters.”

I laughed lightly and shook my head. “They’re not really gangsters, Sophia. They’re more like bodyguards than anything else. You’ll get used to them eventually. Some of them are actually quite nice.”

Sophia bit her lip, contemplating for a moment. “I’d still rather stay in my room until it’s time for me to move out.”

“Come now, that’s silly,” I chided gently. “Besides, you should join us for dinner tonight. Gina is making your favorite dessert, crème brule.”

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