“Wanted to see me?” I let out a bitter laugh. “How touching. Everyone’s just playing roles now, huh?”
Bianca blinked like she didn’t understand. “What are you talking about? Did you two argue again? Aria, you should calm down before this gets worse—”
“Shut up,” I said suddenly.
Before anyone could react, I stepped forward and slapped her across the face.
The sound cracked through the room like a gunshot.
She staggered back, clutching her cheek. “Aria… what are you doing? Why are you like this?”
“Stop acting innocent,” I hissed. “Tell me the truth—who is Mason’s father?”
Her eyes flickered. “This isn’t the right time… Mason is here—this is sensitive—”
“Don’t you dare use him as an excuse!” I snapped. I grabbed the photos I had been holding and threw them at her.
They scattered across the floor—images of Matteo and Bianca together, too close, too familiar… and Mason in the middle like proof of everything I had refused to see.
“I know everything now!” I said through clenched teeth.
Matteo didn’t shout. That was worse.
He just exGrantd and said calmly, “Good. Then we don’t have to pretend anymore.”
He turned slightly toward Bianca. “Stop crying. It’s pointless.”
“Matteo, please…” she sobbed.