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Their conversation is cut short, but just before he leaves, he reaches out and gently touches her shoulders. Anger seers through me watching them.
I hate the idea of another man touching Amelia.
The fact that it is my own brother makes it a hundred times worse. The betrayal cuts deeper than I could have imagined.
I wait, staring, watching, until Matteo leaves.
When he walks past me he smiles broadly. "Cheers, man." He says, oblivious to the fact that his days are numbered.
When Matteo is gone Amelia stands alone on the patio. I can see she's crying. I would be too if I were her; she knows she's been caught. She knows I saw everything.
I walk towards her, pushing the patio doors open and stepping into the cool evening air.
"Stefano."
"So, you thought you could get away with it?"
"With what?" She looks tense with guilt. Horrified at the thought of being caught.
Anger gets the better of me and I grab her throat, locking my fingers so tightly she chokes.
"I saw everything. You're fucking my half brother -- right in front of me. How is it that you think I'd just let that kind of betrayal slide?" I snarl against her cheek as she fights for air. "I'll kill both of you slowly." I release her and she falls to the floor, grabbing at her throat and gasping for air.
I turn to walk away.
"Stop, Stefano, you're wrong." She cries out, her voice snatched and strained.
"I know what I saw."
"You misunderstood. I promise. Nothing is going on like that between Matteo and me. Nothing at all. Please." She's rubbing her throat; tears are streaming down her cheeks. I stare down at her, wanting to believe her, but I know I can't. She betrayed me before when she left. Why wouldn't she do it again?
I shake my head and turn away again.
"He promised to help." She shouts, sounding desperate.
I turn back towards her.
"Help with what?"
"Elle's surgery. I can't afford it. It's so expensive and I don't have anywhere near enough to cover the cost. I told Matteo - because - I told him I was worried."
"Why were you talking to him about this and not me?" I snarl.
"Because he's a match." She sobs.
"He's a match for Elle?" I say in disbelief. "When did he get tested?"
"A while ago. Then they were getting ready to go ahead with the surgery and I realized I couldn't get another loan. The banks won't help me. I told Matteo about it and he told me that he has access to private doctors who will help Elle and I don't have to worry about anything."
I stare down at her, trying to figure out what the hell is going on.
But the best possible news is the piece of information that is pushing to the front of my thoughts. Elle has a match. She is going to be ok.
My heart is flooded with relief. My throat feels tight with emotion.
I lean down and pick Amelia up off the floor.
"Why didn't you tell me that Matteo got tested? Why didn't you talk to me about the cost?"
