Chapter One-Three-Two: This and That

"I- hmm."

Matteo begins speaking before he swallows his words.

It's evident that he has never had to choose between family because his family has never been big enough.

My hand squeezes his thigh from underneath the table, and he startles at the contact.

"He will support his family."

I answer on his behalf.

"We are his family."

Mum says, pressing me.

"Exactly, and Christopher is his family too. When the time comes, if the time comes, Matteo will make his decision, and there will not be consequences for following his heart.”

I clarify, and Mum frowns.

Matteo has a mother and half-brother, both want his money. Aside from me and the kids, his only other family is Christopher, while I have my family, friends and the occasional cousins once they are in the country.

Unlike him, I have multiple people to run to, while he only has Christopher.

A complicated expression forms on Matteo’s face before he speaks.

"You mean that?”

He asks.

"I do."

“Even if I choose to help Christopher?”

“Yes, even