radicalducati Chapter 164
Chapter 164
Alessia stood outside her front door for a moment, clutching the handle as though steadying herself for battle. The events of the day replayed in her mind like a relentless loop: Zoey’s calm yet piercing words, the photograph of a child who bore an uncanny resemblance to Theo, and the weight of a secret she had never expected to confront.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. The familiar warmth of her home embraced her, but it didn’t bring the comfort it usually did. Her emotions churned like a storm, swirling with anger, sadness, disbelief, and the faintest tinge of betrayal.
The scent of garlic and herbs wafted from the kitchen, mingling with the sound of Theo’s laughter and Avery’s cheerful giggles. Alessia froze for a moment, the scene just out of sight contrasting sharply with the turmoil in her heart.
She placed her bag on the console table, the small thud breaking the rhythm of the cozy sounds from the kitchen. Alessia straightened, forcing her legs to move as she walked toward the source of the noise. When she reached the doorway, she stopped and leaned against the frame, her heart clenching at the sight before her.
Theo stood at the stove, stirring a pot of something fragrant and rich. His sleeves were rolled up, and a tea towel was slung over one shoulder. Avery was perched on the counter in her booster seat, her tiny hands clapping together in delight. Theo held a wooden spoon to her lips, letting her taste whatever he was cooking.
“Is it good, princess?” Theo asked, his voice full of affection as he wiped her chin with a cloth.
“Yum!” Avery babbled, her little face lighting up with a wide grin. She smacked her hands on the counter, clearly pleased with herself.
Theo chuckled, leaning closer to kiss the top of her head. “That’s my girl.”
Alessia’s chest tightened as she watched the scene unfold. It was picture-perfect, the very image of domestic bliss—a father doting on his daughter, the scent of a delicious meal filling the room, and the comforting hum of home. Yet, Alessia couldn’t shake the tainted feeling creeping into her heart.
The man in front of her, the man she loved, was hiding something monumental. Something that could upend everything they had built.
Theo turned then, spotting her standing in the doorway. His smile widened instantly, lighting up his face in the way that always made her heart flutter. “Hey, love! You’re home,” he said warmly. “Perfect timing—dinner’s almost ready. Come taste this.”
He beckoned her toward the stove, but Alessia didn’t move. Instead, she studied his face, searching for any hint of guilt or awareness of the storm she was about to unleash. Nothing. He was blissfully unaware, and that only made the knot in her stomach tighten.
She forced herself to take a step into the kitchen, summoning a small, tight smile. “Smells good,” she said, her voice betraying the tension she was trying to mask.
Avery reached for her, babbling happily, and Alessia leaned down to kiss her daughter’s forehead. She lingered for a moment, inhaling the sweet, familiar scent of her baby, as though grounding herself for what was to come.
Then, she turned to Theo, her expression hardening. “We need to talk.”
Theo’s grin faltered, his playful demeanor shifting into concern. He turned down the heat on the stove, setting the spoon aside as he walked closer to her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice steady but cautious. “You look upset.”
Alessia leaned against the counter, crossing her arms over her chest as she met his gaze. Her heart was pounding, but she forced herself to hold steady.
“Zoey came to see me today,” she said, her voice clear and firm.