Five Years Buried — The Three Million Dollar Deal

No. Then why does he look at you like that? Like what? Like everyone else in the room is furniture.

I lowered my eyes. Dante used to look at me that way. I did not know he lived in a world of blood, power, and old family names. I did not know I was just a temporary shelter in a war.

After lunch, Valentina arrived with coffee and pastries. I made your favorite. Dante did not take it. Mr. Moretti, is the wedding really next month?

Dante said. Yes. At the wedding, I will confess to the woman I love. Everyone cheered Valentin Viacht.

I turned and left. On the balcony, I heard voices below. Dante, that singer only sounds like her. Lina is dead.

Dante said nothing. And even if she were alive, she took the money and ran. She loved cash more than you. I leaned against the wall. Five years ago, Valentina came to me with photos.

I was stupid, poor, and scared. I had already seen him once outside my building, eyes clear, arms around Valentina. That was when I knew he had lied about being blind. So when Valentina offered me $3 million to disappear, I agreed. I only regret now. I should have asked for $30 million. For the next few days, nothing happened.

I almost believed Dante had given up. Then Claire called me at midnight. Ava, where is Theo? My blood turned cold.