Chapter 11 - THE MORNING AFTER
Morning entered the Romano estate quietly, almost apologetically. Police had removed Vincent and Evelyn during the night, but the house still felt contaminated by what had happened.
Sophia sat near the kitchen window, wrapped in a wool blanket while Dr. Hayes monitored her condition.
Matteo stood nearby.
For the first time since the investigation began, he allowed himself to breathe.
Emma sat at the same table, carefully repairing another piece of fabric. This time, Matteo had given her a wooden needle without a sharp point.
“You don't have to sew anymore,” he told her.
She smiled.
“I like helping.”
Those words struck him unexpectedly.
Sophia watched them from across the room.
“Mr. Romano,” she said softly, “why are you still here?”
Matteo looked at her.
“Because this is my house.”
Sophia smiled sadly.
“I meant why do you care so much?”
He had no immediate answer.
Then Emma reached across the table and placed her tiny hand over his.
“Because he's nice.”
May you like
Matteo looked down.
For years, nobody had ever described him that way.
