The Valentino mansion was unusually tense that evening.
Luca had just returned from work when he noticed something strange.
Abi was sitting comfortably in the living room, laughing softly with his mother.
But Hazel was nowhere to be seen.
He frowned.
"Where's Hazel?" he asked.
Abi looked up casually.
"Oh… she left."
Luca's brows tightened.
"What do you mean she left?"
Abi shrugged as if it wasn't important.
"She was being dramatic after the conversation yesterday. I guess she couldn't handle the truth."
Luca's expression darkened.
"My sister doesn't lie," Abi added calmly.
The room suddenly felt colder.
Without another word, Luca grabbed his phone and walked outside.
He dialed Hazel's number.
For a moment, it rang.
Then she answered.
"Hello?"
Her voice sounded quiet… fragile.
"Where are you?" Luca asked immediately.
There was a small pause.
"With Valeria."
Luca blinked in surprise.
"You're at my sister's house?"
"Yes."
Another silence followed.
"I didn't think staying with Abi was healthy anymore," Hazel admitted softly.
Luca closed his eyes briefly.
For some reason, hearing those words made something tighten inside his chest.
"Stay there," he said.
"I'm coming."
---
When Luca arrived at Valeria's house, the atmosphere felt completely different from the tension at the mansion.
Valeria opened the door before he could knock.
"I was expecting you," she said calmly.
Luca stepped inside.
His eyes immediately found Hazel sitting quietly on the couch.
She looked smaller somehow.
Tired.
Her eyes were slightly red as if she had been crying earlier.
Luca walked closer.
"Are you okay?"
Hazel forced a small smile.
"I'm fine."
But Luca could tell she wasn't.
Valeria crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, watching them.
"She's staying here for a while," she said firmly.
Luca looked at his sister.
"And you're okay with that?"
Valeria nodded.
"Someone has to give her peace."
Luca understood exactly what she meant.
For a moment, the room was quiet.
Then Hazel spoke softly.
"I'm sorry for causing problems in your family."
Luca immediately shook his head.
"You didn't cause anything."
His voice was calm but serious.
"Abi did."
Hazel looked down again.
Luca stepped closer and sat beside her.
"You don't have to face this alone," he said quietly.
Hazel looked at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice.
Across the room, Valeria watched the moment carefully.
She could see it clearly now.
Luca genuinely cared about Hazel.
Which meant the truth she had been hiding for years…
Would eventually come out.
And when that happened…
Everything would change.