Page 158 of Matteo

“Don't cry, mala.” He puts a protective arm around my shoulder, and I sniffle, wiping away my happy tears.

“I'm so happy for you both,” I whisper.

He kisses the top of my head. “You don't know, so don’t say anything. I promised Valentina I wouldn't tell anyone. But you’re not just anyone.”

“Oh, Vlad.” I lean closer to him still and hug him for a moment longer. “I understand. I won’t say a word.”

We pull apart.

“Will Matteo be returning?” he asks.

“I don't think so. He doesn't get to see his mom often.” My voice inflects oddly, and I can tell he knows something is up.

“There’s more to it than that,” Vlad says quietly.

“There isn't!” I cry, my laugh sounding way too hollow.

“I can tell when you’re lying, Elizabeth.” He sighs, watching me carefully. “But you’ve grown up, and ... I think Matteo is not so different from you.”

I frown.

“I think I could get to like him,” Vlad continues. “But I think I should let you fix this.”

“I’m twenty-five years old, Vlad. Of course I can fix it.”

“Then you admit that there is something to fix?” He raises a brow.

“You ... you ...” I shake my head as Valentina approaches.

“Why are you two having such a serious conversation? Are you not enjoying yourself?”

“I’m having an amazing time,” I say quickly.

I like Valentina, and I can see she’s good for Vlad. I try not to stare down at her stomach, even though my eyes are drawn there, like magnets.

“Please take your husband away,” I tell her. “He can’t stop thinking about business and caring about the problems of the world.”

Valentina laughs softly. “He’s always like this. Always worrying, always trying to fix things. He cannot switch off.”

I glance at Vlad.

“I’m going to be fine, Vlad,” I tell him, as Valentina stops to talk to a guest for a few moments.

“I will check up on you, in a month,” he threatens. Valentina grabs his hand, tugging him along and he willingly goes.

My gaze drifts back to the sea stretching out in front of me. My mind races, filled with confusion, questions and suspicion about what I will soon return to, back at the office.

Who knows about my past? Who would do this to me? And why?

I'm determined to deal with the situation head on, and to clear my name, whatever the cost.

One thing’s for sure. I can fix this.

And I will.

***

MATTEO