Bound to be with the ruthless mafia

ter

like a final verdict. Hot tears blurred his vision as he stared down at t

pulling back. That drawing had meant something once. A child's hope

e'd cry into his pillow, waiting for a warmth that never came. He used to believe she'd show up to his soccer games, cheering from the sidelin

e neve

t there.

like nothing had happened. Like showing up now could fix eve

was dead. But the pain made the words sharp,

long. Living. Breathing. Smiling in someone else's worl

ught gifts. Celebrated birthdays with him and the maids

s face to the wall, trying to force th

as b

ometimes the only thing it kn

____

he hospital. During that time, he said little. He moved

t avoid the truth anymore. She knew she had to

she began gently, sitting across from him. "She sa

meet hers, confusion and

e continued. "That it was to pro

ed slowly.

hocked. We've been best friends for eight year

ough his hair and ex

Kate said softly. "Only that we shouldn't

ve whispered. "Did Henry me

k with emotion. "She might have lied about her past,

y, wiping a tear

ou have to be strong-for Henry. He's been askin

ed back at him. "Whatever the t

th everything he had. And now, he felt like a fool. He had bare

't accept it.

ld fin

ha

from her lips-to hear her

the look on Josh's face. His rage. His pain.

rt could break like this

ock came a

e Mrs. Maya'

small folded note. She closed the door and rushed to the

etween the cupboard an

Quick and

note and made he

lready in the k

here," she sa

een whispered. "Whe

h a quiet smile. "They don't pay much at

ath, then lowered her

eyes widen

ut him yet," Eileen said. "An

Maya said softly.

whispered, voice breaking. "But I can't risk José find

shed grimly. "He's worse than the

edding. And they... they shot Steve

eamed dow

misting. "Damn Mike," she muttered. "José

leen asked

tos to his contacts over there. They searched everywhere for you but got no success. Then over two weeks ago, one of t

lass of cold juice. H

ind out about your child. If he learns you had a son b

gers curled

she had the chance. She should'

she whispered