Page 141 of Flawed

She paused then replied, "I don't think so. But a lot of people say I look like my mom. Maybe you know her."

"Who's your mother?" I questioned.

"Her name is Chanel Moulin," she answered, and it was like a bomb exploded inside me.

I froze, not able to tear my eyes off Zara.

She nervously laughed, "Have you met her?"

I pulled it together, forcing a smile. "Yes, I know her. My name is Luca. What's yours?"

"Zara."

For some unknown reason, I noted, "That's a nice name. I'm surprised she didn't give you a French name."

Zara shrugged. "Only my last name is French. My middle name is Luciana. My grandparents didn't understand why my mom didn't give me a French first and middle name."

Luciana? The female name for Luca?

It doesn't mean anything. It could be a coincidence.

Still, the hairs on my neck rose. I asked, "Zara, how old are you?"

"Almost fifteen."

I did the math in my head. My pulse beat so rapidly that I had a hard time breathing. Then I spotted it. My mouth turned dry and a lump formed in my throat.

Zara caught me staring at her shoulder. She threw her hand over it, as if embarrassed.

"Can I see that?" I said as I removed her hand and peered closer.

Her face turned red. She admitted, "I hate it. I'm tattooing over it as soon as I can."

So much shock filled me, I was surprised I could manage to ask, "Why would you do that?"

She rolled her eyes. "My mom calls it my guardian angel. It's the only detail I know about my father. She said he has the same one. I'm tired of the daily reminder of him."

My gut spun. "Why don't you want to think about him?"

Sadness passed in her eyes. She pinned them on me and lifted her chin, replying, "I wouldn't know who he is if I pass him on the street, so what's the point of having a reminder of him?"

Pain rippled through my heart. I stood speechless.

She stepped back, asserting, "I better go. Things are starting." She moved down the hallway.

I couldn't help myself and followed her to her table, with no doubts about who her father was.

It's me.

Then I saw Chanel sitting at the head table, laughing with Massimo. My heart swirled with all the feelings I've ever had for her, along with something new.

Anger.

How could she keep my own daughter from me?

The moment Chanel caught my gaze on her, all hell broke loose.

And now, I'm left in the aftermath of the chaos.

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