Page 146 of Beneath the Shadows

I pause, my heart pounding in my chest. I know exactly where my father is. He’s dead. Antonio made sure of that, but that’s not something I can admit to them.

Antonio squeezes my hand gently in silent support.

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “He left me there to die.”

The words are true, but they don’t tell the whole story

The officers jot down more notes, their faces impassive. “You’re certain you have no idea where he might be now?” the other officer presses.

I shake my head again, keeping my voice as steady. “No. As I said, when my husband found me, my father had already left. He’s been hiding for months, I’m sure he’s crawled back into whatever hole he came from.” I keep my gaze fixed on them, hoping they don’t see the cracks in my story.

A pause hangs in the air before the officer continues, his tone more pointed. “Your husband passed away over a year ago, Ms. Moretti. Are you sure your memory is intact? It’s possible the concussion could be affecting it.”

The use of my maiden name makes me pause. I hadn’t noticed until now, but it stirs a memory of what my father said—his final threat about erasing any trace of my marriage.

“My name is Mrs. Luciano,” I correct him, my voice firm but controlled. “And my memory is just fine. My husband is right here,” I say, glancing over at Antonio, feeling the steadying presence of his hand in mine.

“There’s no record of a marriage between you and Mr. Luciano,” one of them says cautiously, watching for my reaction.

Before I can respond, Lorenzo steps forward. “Mrs. Luciano has been through a traumatic ordeal. She needs rest,” he states, his eyes steady on the officers. “If you have any further questions, please direct them to my office.”

Reluctantly, they gather their notes and leave the room without further protest.

The moment they’re gone, I turn to Antonio, my heart racing. “They said we aren’t married,” I whisper, the weight of my father’s manipulation crashing down on me. “This is his doing.”

Antonio’s expression darkens, but his voice remains calm. “What do you mean?”

I take a shaky breath. “My father told me he had any record of our marriage destroyed. It was part of his plan to give me to that man.”

Antonio looks at Lorenzo, who nods. “I’ll look into it,” he says before excusing himself, leaving us alone.

For a moment, there’s silence between us, the tension from everything that’s just been said lingering in the air.

I take a deep breath. “What happens next? With us?”

Antonio’s gaze softens as he moves to sit on the edge of the bed. He reaches out to cup my cheek. “You’re my wife in every way that matters. I don’t care about papers or licenses. I love you.”

Tears begin to fall. “I love you so much, Antonio.”

His thumb wipes my cheek. “We’ll get through this,tesoro. I swear it. You, me, and our baby. Together.”

Alessia

I’ve been in the hospital for nearly a week—an eternity, if you ask me. With the constant poking and prodding, I’ve felt more like a science experiment than a patient. The bruises on my body are beginning to fade, shifting from deep purple to mottled yellow-green, though the ache in my ribs remains.

It took threatening both the doctor and Antonio that I’d walk out on my own before they finally agreed. Thankfully, I’m going home today.

Antonio sits beside me, his hand resting lightly on mine as we wait for my discharge papers. There’s something weighing on me—something I can’t leave unsaid.

I shift slightly, gathering the courage to speak. “Antonio,” I begin softly, turning to face him. “What happened to Ophelia? You haven’t mentioned her other than to tell me she was somehow involved.”

He stiffens beside me, and I brace myself for the truth. “Ophelia set you up and allowed you to be taken.”

My heart sinks. “That can’t be true. Ophelia wouldn’t do that to me.”

“She said a man came to the gallery, claimed he was your brother. He told her I was holding you against your will, that I beat you. He offered her money to get you alone so he couldrescueyou.”

“I’m sure she thought she was helping,” I whisper as the pieces begin to fall into place. “She didn’t know the truth about my father or Valentino.”

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