Chapter 46. The Questions He Couldn't Ignore
535 Words
A week passed quickly.
The partnership between Belléna and De Luca Holdings continued making headlines across Italy.
Every business magazine seemed to feature Elena's face.
Every luxury event wanted her attendance.
And strangely—
Adrian found himself looking forward to seeing her.
Even when he had no reason to.
One afternoon, Adrian arrived unexpectedly at Velmont Royal Elementary to pick up Leonardo himself.
The teachers were immediately surprised.
Mr. De Luca rarely came personally.
As Adrian waited near the playground, his eyes landed on a familiar little girl.
Isabella.
She was sitting beneath a tree reading a children's storybook while several classmates sat around her listening.
Even the teachers smiled watching her.
She was popular.
Naturally popular.
Not because of money.
Not because of power.
People simply liked her.
Suddenly a little boy tripped while running.
Before anyone reacted, Isabella immediately stood up and helped him.
"Are you hurt?"
The boy shook his head.
She dusted his uniform carefully.
"Be more careful next time."
The teacher smiled proudly.
Such a kind child.
Adrian found himself smiling slightly too.
Then Leonardo came running over.
"Papa!"
Adrian looked down.
"Finished for the day?"
Leonardo nodded excitedly.
Then Isabella walked over too.
"Hello, Mr. Adrian."
Again.
That warm feeling returned.
"Hello, Isabella."
The two children stood side by side talking happily.
And suddenly—
Adrian noticed it again.
The resemblance.
Not just their eyes.
Even their smiles looked similar.
The way they frowned.
The way they tilted their heads while listening.
Something felt strangely familiar.
Almost impossible.
At that moment, one of the older teachers approached.
"You must be proud."
Adrian looked toward her.
"Pardon?"
She smiled warmly.
"The children get along so well. Honestly, they almost look like twins sometimes."
Adrian froze.
The teacher laughed lightly.
"Of course not literally."
But the words remained in his mind.
Like twins.
That evening, Adrian couldn't stop thinking about it.
Later, while reviewing documents in his office, he suddenly called Luca.
Within minutes, his loyal assistant entered.
"You called, sir?"
Adrian remained silent for several seconds.
Then finally spoke.
"Get me information."
Luca frowned slightly.
"About what?"
"Elena Moretti."
Luca looked surprised.
"Personal information?"
"Everything."
The office became silent.
Luca had worked with Adrian for years.
He knew this wasn't business anymore.
Still, he nodded.
"I'll start immediately."
After Luca left, Adrian walked toward the large window overlooking Milan.
His reflection stared back at him.
Confused.
Restless.
Haunted.
For years, he never cared about Elena.
Now he couldn't stop thinking about her.
The bracelet.
The memories.
The child.
The strange familiarity.
Something wasn't adding up.
And Adrian De Luca hated mysteries.
Meanwhile, across the city, Elena tucked Isabella into bed.
The little girl yawned sleepily.
"Mama?"
"Yes, princess?"
"Do you think Leonardo is lonely?"
Elena smiled softly.
"Why do you ask?"
"He acts tough, but he looks sad sometimes."
Elena gently kissed her forehead.
"Maybe he just needs good friends."
Isabella smiled.
"Then I'll be his friend."
Within minutes she was asleep.
But Elena remained sitting beside her bed.
Watching her.
Protecting her.
Unaware that the truth she had hidden for five years was beginning to unravel.
And once Adrian started searching—
Nothing would stop him from finding answers.
- Writer
