“Don’t worry,” he said. “It was a mess. But that’s how I ended up in that family.”
“Okay… I understand at least that part,” I said quietly.
He nodded. “When my father remarried, his first wife left with their two daughters. His three sons stayed. Don, Matteo, and Leo”
“The third one,” I cut in. “I know Don and Matteo. Who’s the last?”
Rafael hesitated, then shook his head. “Don’t worry about him. Knowing two is enough for now.”
I didn’t push.
“So…” he continued, “my brothers hated me the second I entered the house. Especially Matteo. He blamed me for his mother leaving. I tried to avoid them, but it didn’t matter. My father never stepped in. He was always busy. Busy with work… busy with women… just busy.”
“And your mother?” I asked. “Didn’t she care at least?”
He laughed under his
