Chapter 7 - The Truth About Our Marriage
Daniel told us everything.
Not because he suddenly became compassionate.
Because he believed there was no longer any reason to hide.
“Our fathers built the operation together,” he said.
“My father and yours,” I replied.
“Yes.”
“And Richard?”
“He cleaned the money.”
“And Daniel?”
“I inherited the violence.”
Alexander stepped forward.
“You kidnapped a four-year-old.”
“She was never harmed.”
“That doesn't make it acceptable.”
Daniel smiled.
“You sound like our father.”
Then he looked at me.
“Your father wanted out.”
“Yes.”
“He stole the evidence.”
“Yes.”
“He trusted Alexander.”
“Yes.”
“And then he died.”
Daniel shrugged.
“People make choices.”
I hated his calmness.
“You knew my father.”
“Yes.”
“Did you kill him?”
“No.”
“Who did?”
Daniel looked at Alexander.
“Ask your husband.”
I turned.
Alexander didn't move.
“What does he mean?”
Alexander's face hardened.
“The night your father died, I was there.”
My heart stopped.
“Why?”
“My father ordered me to retrieve the ledger.”
“And?”
“I found your father first.”
“What happened?”
“He told me to leave.”
“Did you?”
“No.”
Alexander looked down.
“Someone else arrived.”
“Who?”
“Richard.”
My hands shook.
“I fought him.”
“And my father?”
“He escaped.”
“Then how did he die?”
“We found his car later.”
I stared.
“You don't know.”
“No.”
Daniel smiled.
“Exactly.”
He had never known.
Richard had lied to everyone.
He had convinced each side that the others were responsible.
He had spent decades controlling them through fear.
I looked at Alexander.
“And our marriage?”
Daniel answered before he could.
“That was Richard's idea too.”
I stared.
“What?”
“He wanted the daughter of the man who stole the ledger close to the Moretti family.”
Alexander looked furious.
“I didn't marry her because of him.”
“You started because of him.”
“That isn't the whole truth.”
Daniel laughed.
“Of course not.”
I looked between them.
“Then tell me.”
Alexander stepped closer.
“The first time I met you, I knew who you were.”
“Yes.”
“I was supposed to investigate you.”
“Yes.”
“I was supposed to find the evidence.”
“Yes.”
“But then I stopped.”
“When?”
“The night you told me about your father.”
I frowned.
“What did I say?”
“You said you didn't know him well, but you believed he was a good man.”
Alexander's voice broke.
“You were the first person in my life who believed people could become better.”
I stared at him.
“And you fell in love.”
“Yes.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because I knew the truth would bring danger to you.”
“You let me believe you didn't care.”
“I thought that was safer.”
“Was it?”
“No.”
He looked at me.
“It ruined us.”
For the first time, there was no excuse in his voice.
Only regret.
Daniel stepped back.
“This sentimental reunion is touching.”
Then he pulled out a gun.
Alexander moved in front of me.
A shot rang out.
Daniel fell.
Federal agents rushed into the station.
Everything happened quickly.
They arrested him alive.
Richard was arrested hours later.
The investigation lasted months.
Names came out.
Companies collapsed.
Corrupt officials resigned or were prosecuted.
The Moretti empire was dismantled piece by piece.
Alexander cooperated.
Completely.
He handed over records.
Accounts.
Property.
Names.
He gave prosecutors everything.
And then he disappeared from Chicago.
Not because he was running.
Because he had finally understood that he could not protect his family by remaining part of the system.
I filed the divorce petition again.
This time, Alexander signed.
No fight.
No custody threats.
No lawyers.
He gave me primary custody of Sophie.
“You'll always be her father,” I told him.
He nodded.
“I know.”
“You need to be present.”
“I will be.”
“And not just when it's convenient.”
“I promise.”
This time, I believed him.
May you like
Not because promises meant anything.
Because his actions finally did.
