He Found His Lost Love Hidden in His Mother's Restaurant Kitchen

A Mother's Cruel Deception

The kitchen seemed to drop to freezing temperatures as Matteo stared at his mother. Victoria’s elegant facade didn't slip, but her eyes narrowed.

"Don't look at me like that, Matteo,"

she sneered.

"I did what was necessary for this family. She was a distraction. A penniless girl from the wrong side of town would have ruined our reputation."

Matteo’s voice was a low, dangerous growl.

"You told me she abandoned us. You told me she took a payout and ran."

"She did take the money!"

Victoria hissed.

"Only to pay for my father's life-saving surgery!"

Elena cried out, her voice echoing off the metal walls.

"You forced me to sign a contract, Victoria. You said if I ever spoke to Matteo or tried to see my baby, you would ruin his career and take my family's home. I had to work here in secret just to catch glimpses of my daughter from the dining room window!"

Matteo felt a sickening wave of guilt and fury. The woman he loved had been enduring a living hell just feet away from where he occasionally dined with business associates. He stepped closer to his mother, his fists clenched.

"And the bruise, Mother? Did she 'overreact' to that too?"

Victoria scoffed, waving her hand again.

"Your driver, Marcus, was simply doing his job,"

Elena whispered, clutching her apron.

"I tried to leave a birthday card for Sophia on her high chair last night. He grabbed me and threw me against the steel counter."

Victoria crossed her arms, her expression hardening.

"If you walk out of this kitchen with her, Matteo, you walk away from the family inheritance. You will have nothing."

Matteo looked at his mother, feeling nothing but disgust.

"I would rather have nothing than carry your name,"

he said quietly.