My chin starts to wobble. I didn't know that. I can no longer continue deflecting. I'm exhausted. Hugging my midsection and looking down, my eyes sting, and my stomach hollows as I utter the one word that changes everything. "Yes."
"Oh…" Giovanni blows a heavy breath, his eyes misting instantly, with one hand on his waist and the other rubbing over his mouth and jaw, looking clearly distraught. "Seven years, Lia. Seven fucking years and I never knew she existed! Were you even planning to tell me at all? Has it ever crossed your mind that I wanted to know? Because I have every right to! Jesus Christ. What the hell, Lia? Why would you hide this from me?"
"Don't give me that bullshit, Gio. You know very well why I couldn't tell you. There are so many reasons. You really don't know why?"
