Page 63 of Vows Made in Silence
One name hits me like a gut punch.
Emilio Vescari.
No surprise.
But the name below it?
Matteo Moretti Sr.
My uncle, blood.
He signed off on a contract. Authorized a hit. On me?
My hand slips, and the lid crashes shut with a hollow, final thud that echoes like a death knell. Tears burn hot behind my eyes, rising faster than I can stop them—because whatever was buried in that box just rewrote the past.
I reopen the box because I have to know.
Another folder holds old surveillance photos. Some of me. Too many of Daniel. Growing up. Someone’s been watching us for a long time.
Another paper tucked at the bottom:
Signed confession from a consigliere—sealed with the ring my father passed down to me as head of the family.
I open the envelope that’s addressed to Guiliana Vitale. My hands aren’t steady—something about this feels heavier than it should. Guilt. Anger. Maybe even grief. I don’t know what’s coming, but deep down, I know it’s going to change everything.This isn’t just a message. It’s a confession wrapped in blood and regret. And I have no choice but to read it.
It reads
*Guiliana, "If you opened the box and found this envelope I am dead and I failed. When the time comes, I don't know if I'll be able to keep the secret or if I will confess to my beloved son what I did so long ago separating you both.
As I am writing this I know it's too late to right the wrong I did and I've had to live with it every day for the last ten years. I’ve had to endure the pain I’ve seen in Luca’s eyes growing from a boy into a man who will take over the Empire.
I've had to keep my distance from my beautiful grandson knowing that my son was missing out on the blessing of having a son. And yearning for the girl who stole his heart.”
*Guiliana, I hope you can one day forgive this old man. I thought at the time I was doing what was right for the family and believed Luca would get over you in time. I was wrong. I never believed in soul-mates. I didn't have that kind of marriage but I believe in it now after watching my son agonize over the loss of what he had with you. *
*What I uncovered over the last decade was a rot that went deeper than I thought. When I lost Tommaso I had to get in line not to lose Luca.And you were an innocent casualty. *
* I've given you this box that holds the only leverage left that will protect the empire of what Luca and I built. Protect it. Protect my grandson. Trust no one—especially those closest.” I don't know if you'll see Luca again but I hope you get a second chance to right my wrong. My boy loves you and always will.*
*Inside the panel is a key with enough insurance and money to take care of you and my grandson if you have to disappearagain. Remember as soon as I am gone they will come for you both. *
It’s signed:
Mr. Vittorio Moretti of the Moretti Family Empire.
My throat tightens.
The final piece is a black envelope. No label. Just Vittorio's ring seal in wax.
Inside?
The envelope is thick, the paper worn soft at the edges like it’s been handled more times than it should have. There’s weight to it—a tension that hums beneath the seal. My fingers tremble slightly as I peel it open.
A photo.
Vittorio. Matteo Sr., Anthony Gallo, Andriano Vescari, and The Capo of the New York Family.
They’re standing together… shaking hands with the Bratva Family.
