Chapter 13 - DEREK’S REAL NAME
Derek sat in federal custody.
His entire identity had been built on lies.
Daniel Moretti.
Sofia’s son.
Matteo’s child.
My nephew.
I felt sick when I realized what that meant.
Derek had dated me.
Lived with me.
Had a child with me.
But he had not known.
Neither had I.
The DNA testing later confirmed the truth.
We were not biologically related through my mother.
Sofia had only been my half-sister through my father.
It was twisted.
Ugly.
But not what I had feared.
Derek requested to see me.
I almost refused.
Then I went.
He sat behind thick glass.
No expensive suit.
No smug smile.
Just a tired man in jail clothes.
“You know.”
“Yes.”
He looked down.
“I didn’t.”
“I believe you.”
He laughed bitterly.
“That almost makes it worse.”
“Yes.”
He looked at me.
“Is the baby okay?”
“She’s fine.”
“Does she have a name?”
I paused.
“Grace.”
He closed his eyes.
“That was Sofia’s middle name.”
I hadn’t known.
My throat tightened.
Derek whispered, “Can I ever see her?”
I stared at him.
“You helped your father attack us.”
“I know.”
“You betrayed me.”
“I know.”
“You rejected her before you knew any of this.”
His eyes filled.
“I know.”
I stood.
“That’s the part I can’t forgive.”
He nodded.
Then he said one last thing.
“Emma.”
I stopped.
“My father wasn’t acting alone.”
I turned back.
“What?”
“There’s someone else.”
“Who?”
“He called her the widow.”
My blood went cold.
“What widow?”
May you like
Derek looked terrified.
“Luca’s mother.”
