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Going to speak to Matteo is at least distracting me from whatever the hell just happened at home now.
My heart - my heart needs to catch a fucking wake-up call. I can't be falling in love with her again.
Did I ever stop loving her?
I sigh and shake my head; the streetlights flash past me in the dark night air.
Just forget about it. Let it go.
Don't dwell on the past.
I press my foot against the accelerator.
At the casino, Matteo is waiting for me by the bar.
I walk over to him and speak to the bartender first.
"Whisky, on the rocks."
"Double?"
"Yes."
"Stefano. What's going on?"
I turn to glare at him. He's been hiding shit from me. Why didn't he tell me he got tested for Elle? Why didn't he tell me he was planning to help Amelia?
"What do you get out of helping Amelia?" I ask - straight to the point.
He shifts slightly. He wasn't expecting that.
"Why do I have to get something out of it?" he sounds bitter.
"Because I know you. I was even surprised to hear you agreed to get tested. There has to be something you are gaining. Tell me what it is."
He chuckles, shaking his head and he stares down at his drink.
Then he drains the last of it from the glass and when the bartender brings my whisky, he slides his glass over to him. "Another."
Matteo sighs heavily, taking a deep breath, and there it is again - that smug look.
I don't say a word. I just continue to stare at him.
Finally, he shifts and looks at me.
"Elle's your daughter. I found out. I guess it was obvious when Amelia asked me to be tested. She was looking for someone in Elle's family as a donor."
Is that why he's helping her? Because Elle is family? I feel guilty for assuming bad things. He's my brother after all. Why wouldn't he want to help my daughter?
"So, you found out she was my daughter," I say, sipping my drink, feeling a little more at ease.
"I found out and Amelia made me promise not to tell you. But you don't seem surprised. Did you know?"
"I didn't - not until I saw her medical reports and realized she had the same, very rare disease that Merelda died from."
"Ah, yes, that would be a giveaway."
"So, you got tested to help your family. Thanks, man. I appreciate that."
