Chapter 10 - The Woman Who Tried to Save Us All
Sofia Moretti had been dead for two years.
Now I was learning she might have died while trying to protect me.
Detective Mitchell sat across from me in Rebecca's office.
Her expression was serious.
"Dr. Moretti, we recovered records showing that Sofia questioned financial transfers involving Bellini Medical Holdings."
I nodded.
"I know about her journal."
"There's more."
My stomach tightened.
"Her physician received unusual instructions shortly before her death."
I gripped the chair.
"What kind?"
"Instructions concerning medication management and changes to her care plan."
I closed my eyes.
Sofia had suffered from a chronic cardiac condition.
Her death had been attributed to complications.
I'd reviewed parts of her care at the time.
Nothing had seemed suspicious.
But I also hadn't been her treating physician.
I had trusted her medical team.
"Are you saying someone killed her?"
Mitchell shook her head.
"Not at this stage. The records warrant further investigation, but we need independent medical analysis."
I nodded slowly.
I appreciated her honesty.
Even when I desperately wanted certainty.
Then Mitchell placed another document on the table.
It was an email from Sofia to an attorney.
Dated three weeks before her death.
I believe Adrian Bellini is attempting to obtain control over assets intended for Vincent's future children.
I am concerned about my daughter-in-law's safety.
Tears filled my eyes.
Sofia had been worried about me.
She'd tried to warn Vincent.
And when he wouldn't listen, she'd sought legal help.
I covered my mouth.
"I'm sorry, Sofia," I whispered.
Rebecca passed me a tissue.
I wiped my face.
Then Mitchell continued.
"We also found a draft message addressed to you."
My heart pounded.
"What did it say?"
The detective handed me a copy.
Claire, I know you love my son. I love him too.
But I need you to understand that love cannot make another person's choices for them.
My eyes filled.
Vincent has been allowing Adrian too much control.
I have tried to warn him.
If he refuses to listen, protect yourself.
I began crying.
Sofia's words felt painfully familiar.
I'd spent years waiting for Vincent to become the husband he once promised to be.
Meanwhile, she had understood something I hadn't.
I couldn't make that choice for him.
The rest of the letter was even more heartbreaking.
You deserve a peaceful life, Claire.
If you become a mother, I hope your child grows up knowing that love should never require fear.
I pressed the letter to my chest.
For a moment, I felt as though Sofia were sitting beside me.
Holding my hand.
Telling me to choose myself.
That evening, Vincent asked to meet at Rebecca's office.
I agreed, with my attorney present.
He arrived carrying a small wooden box.
His eyes were red.
"Claire."
I nodded.
He placed the box on the table.
"This belonged to Mom."
I stared.
"What is it?"
"Her jewelry box."
He opened it.
Inside was a delicate gold bracelet with a tiny heart-shaped charm.
I recognized it immediately.
Sofia wore it every Christmas.
Vincent swallowed.
"She wanted you to have this when you became a mother."
My throat tightened.
He continued.
"She told me that if we ever had another baby, I should give it to you."
I stared at him.
Then asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"
His face crumpled.
"Because I was too ashamed to face what I'd done."
I looked away.
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Vincent whispered, "Claire, I know I don't deserve another chance as your husband."
The honesty surprised me.
"But I want to be a good father."
I looked at him.
"Then be one."
He nodded through tears.
"Whatever that requires."
"Honesty."
"Yes."
"Consistency."
"Yes."
"And putting our child before your pride."
His voice broke.
"I will."
I wanted to believe him.
But belief would have to come slowly.
Through actions.
Not promises.
Then Rebecca's phone rang.
She answered.
Listened.
And slowly stood.
"What?"
My stomach tightened.
She looked toward me.
"Claire, investigators have located Adrian Bellini."
Vincent's face hardened.
"Where?"
Rebecca swallowed.
"At a private airport outside Chicago."
I exhaled.
"Did they arrest him?"
"Yes."
Relief washed through me.
Then Rebecca continued.
"He was attempting to leave the country."
Vincent lowered his head.
But before anyone could celebrate, she added one more detail.
"Investigators recovered a sealed medical file from his briefcase."
My heart pounded.
"What file?"
Rebecca looked directly at me.
"It contains records about your pregnancy."
I froze.
May you like
Then she revealed the detail that made the entire room go silent.
"Adrian had been tracking your baby's development before Vincent even knew you were pregnant."
