chapter Seventeen

Irene —

I couldn't let Sofia and I be dragged into his dangerous world without knowing the truth.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the shadows and walked towards him, my voice steady. "Benjamin, we need to talk."

He turned to face me, his expression a mix of surprise and frustration. "Irene, I thought you were asleep."

"I overheard your argument," I said, my voice tinged with concern. "What is going on? What are you involved in?"

Benjamin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Irene, there are things about me that you don't know. Things that I've done... things that I regret. I was hoping to keep them in the past, away from you and Sofia."

I felt a pang of sadness at his words, realizing that there was more to Benjamin than met the eye. But I wasn't about to let him off the hook that easily. "I deserve to know, Benjamin."

He looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and determination. "You're right, Irene. It's time for me to be honest with you. But just know, no m