Chapter 12 - THE SON WHO DIDN'T KNOW HIS FATHER|
Matteo Varenna had spent sixteen years believing his father had abandoned him.
He had grown up in a private residential facility owned by Northstar Biomedical. He was educated, well cared for, and closely monitored. His medical records had been used in research studies without his mother's knowledge.
When Luca learned this, he wanted to drive straight to the facility.
I stopped him.
“Give him time.”
“He's my son.”
“He's also a boy who has been lied to his entire life.”
Luca looked at me.
“I know.”
“Then don't make him feel like another person is coming to take control of his life.”
The meeting was arranged at a neutral location with a counselor present.
Matteo arrived wearing a black jacket and carrying a backpack. He had Luca's eyes, but his expression was guarded.
Luca stood when he entered.
“Hello, Matteo.”
The boy didn't answer.
Luca swallowed.
“I don't expect you to call me Dad.”
“Good.”
The blunt response made the counselor shift in her seat.
Matteo looked at Luca.
“You knew about me?”
“No.”
“Did you look for me?”
“I didn't know you existed.”
“Convenient.”
Luca accepted the accusation without defending himself.
“I understand why you don't believe me.”
Matteo turned toward me.
“Who are you?”
“I'm Evelyn. I'm Luca's wife.”
“His new family?”
I felt the question in my chest.
“Yes. But that doesn't make you less important.”
He looked away.
“Everyone says that.”
Luca sat down.
“Your mother has been looking for you.”
Matteo's face changed.
“My mother is dead.”
“No. Elena is alive.”
The boy stood so quickly his chair scraped backward.
“You're lying.”
“I'm not.”
“Where is she?”
“She's safe. She wants to see you, but she won't force you.”
Matteo looked at the counselor.
“Can I leave?”
The counselor nodded.
He walked out.
Luca didn't follow him.
I knew how much it cost him.
Later that evening, Elena arrived at the estate. She had agreed to wait in the guesthouse in case Matteo changed his mind.
When she saw Luca, she cried.
“Did he say anything?”
“He knows you're alive.”
“Does he hate me?”
“No.”
“Does he want to see me?”
“Not yet.”
Elena nodded through her tears.
“I'll wait.”
The following morning, Matteo sent Luca a message.
It contained only one sentence:
I want to see my mother.
Luca arranged the meeting immediately.
When Matteo and Elena finally stood face-to-face, neither spoke for several seconds.
Then Elena whispered his name.
Matteo began to cry.
She reached for him, but stopped before touching him.
He closed the distance himself.
Luca watched from the doorway, his face turned away.
I put my hand on his arm.
“You found him.”
He nodded.
But the relief didn't last.
An hour later, Matteo approached us.
“I need to tell you something.”
Luca turned.
“What is it?”
Matteo looked frightened.
“Uncle Carlo told me that if I ever found you, I should ask one question.”
“What question?”
May you like
Matteo swallowed.
“Why did you let them take me?”
