dens and sparkling fountains of the Villa Aurelia Resort. The sprawling Mediterranean hotel

. The luxury around her felt suffocating, like an elegant cag

of voices and laughter floated from the open lobby doors, but th

e because o

ause of

, and a woman stepped out-a pe

ed a smile that didn't reach her eyes, stepping forward with arm

ng herself to speak. The

ticed air of hospitality. "Come inside. Your father

er, past fountains and crystal chandeliers, into

tiff, hands folded neatly on his lap. When he looked

d quietly, stand

ove to meet

s been a long time. I'm s

her eyes cold but

" she said, voice low. "J

"Vivian insisted. She want

t this is? A family reunion? Becaus

ind them. "We only want to he

stepmother, anger and old wounds

he truth," she said quietly. "N

l into an aw

his neck, avoiding her eyes. "

r suitcase. "I'm

lf-truths pressed down on her. She was here, trapped i

p inside, a singl

my step

led her suitcase toward their private lounge. The quiet luxury of the resort f

door open and

ped with sheer curtains, soft cream tones on the walls,

of it m

the sofa and sank onto th

music, the warmth of the stranger's hands. His voice, lo

el

t the club, a mask she'd wor

t mask was a

ge from her father about the t

ning startled her. She lo

the doorway, was

shirt open just enough to reveal a hint of his strong neck

ent, neit

rved into a slow

he said

shock rooting

" she wh

om, closing the door behind

here," he said, voice low

the careful walls she'd built began to

voice trembling between

dmitted. "But

ither of them was who they

who the hell are you rea

ughter came this way..." his eyes widen

y stepbrother?" Reali

ing bitch." He

uc