Alive
Rosalie's hands trembled as she held the DNA report, the truth burning in her palms. She had hoped she was wrong, that somehow, the puzzle pieces wouldn't fit together. But there it was, clear as day—Giovanni, the man long thought dead, was not only alive but had been living as Xavier, the man Alessia loved.
She found Alessia in the mansion's library, sitting by the window, lost in thought. Rosalie approached slowly, unsure of how to break the news. How could she shatter Alessia's reality like this?
"Alessia," Rosalie said softly, stepping closer.
Alessia turned, her eyes distant. "Did you find anything?"
Rosalie hesitated. She had always been the strong one, but this? This was going to be hard. "I did."
Alessia's brow furrowed in concern. "What is it?"
Rosalie handed her the report. "It's about Xavier... Giovanni."
Alessia blinked, confused at first. "What are you talking about?"