Chapter 9 - Mara’s Own Secret
Mara had one secret left.
A son.
Roman discovered accidentally.
A photograph fell from her purse.
Boy.
Five years old.
Dark curls.
“Who?”
Mara froze.
“My son.”
Roman stared.
“You have a child?”
“Yes.”
“Where?”
“With my former mother-in-law.”
“Why?”
Mara’s face hardened.
“Because I lost custody after the hospital scandal.”
Roman stopped.
“What?”
After Mara reported contamination failures at St. Matthew’s, the hospital accused her of negligence.
She was fired.
Investigated.
Her ex-husband used it in custody proceedings.
Then died unexpectedly two years later.
His mother retained temporary guardianship.
Mara had been fighting ever since.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
She laughed.
“You’re Roman Valente. I didn’t want you buying a judge.”
Fair.
He felt insulted because it was accurate.
“What is his name?”
“Eli.”
“Does Sophia know?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“I didn't want another child loving someone I might never get back.”
Roman understood too well.
He did not interfere.
Instead, he introduced Mara to independent attorneys.
No bribes.
No threats.
Evidence proved hospital accusations false.
Custody reopened.
Months later, Mara brought Eli home.
Sophia immediately declared him her cousin.
Nobody argued.
Roman watched Mara hug her son.
He felt something unexpected.
Not romance.
Respect.
Deep.
Family.
May you like
The mansion grew louder.
He liked it.
