Chapter 41: The Cracks Within
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in strokes of crimson and gold. Christian sat silently in his villa’s garden, the colors reflected in his cold, unreadable gaze. To the world, he looked composed—strong, dangerous, untouchable. But beneath the surface, he was fractured. The betrayal cut deeper than any wound.
Footsteps crunched over gravel.
“Christian…”
He turned his head slightly, his hard eyes softening at the sight of his mother. Rosa stood there, trembling, her aging face etched with heartbreak.
She slowly walked to him and took his hand in both of hers. Her grip was warm, trembling.
Tears welled in her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
Christian’s jaw clenched. For a moment, he said nothing. Then he reached out and wrapped his arms
