DEADLY DECEPTION

CHAPTER 46

Avery's POV

The graveyard was quiet, save for the distant rustling of trees. A gentle breeze rolled through, carrying the scent of earth and roses—Maria's favorite. I stood before her gravestone, the weight of the past pressing against my chest, heavier than it had ever been.

Maria Evans. No—Elda Santoro.

For years, I had searched for answers. For closure. And now, with the truth laid bare, I finally had it.

In my hands, I held the contract—the one that officially made the orphanage mine.

A gift. A burden. A legacy.

My fingers trembled as I traced the name carved into the cold stone.

"You are the sole reason I founded this orphanage, and, against the backdrop of this truth, I am still alive."

Her words echoed in my mind, soft yet unwavering.

I used to think Maria's love was tainted. That her past overshadowed what she had done for me. But standing here, I understood—truly, deeply—what she had carried. The weight of guilt. The regret. The hope.

And, above all else, the love.

I inhaled sharply, steadying myself.

"I'll take care of them," I whispered, my voice barely more than a breath. "Every single one of them. They'll never feel alone, Maria. I swear it."

Rick stood beside me, silent as always, but his presence was everything. He didn't need to say anything. His hand on my lower back, the steady press of his fingers against my spine—it was enough. His way of telling me he was here. That he understood.

His thumb traced slow circles against my hip. A quiet reassurance.

"We'll visit every year," I murmured, finally looking at him. "Palermo. The mansion. Thomas. Your family."

Rick gave a small nod, his eyes never leaving mine. "Yeah."

With one last look at Maria's grave, we turned and walked away—together.

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The orphanage felt different. Warmer. More alive than I remembered.

Laughter rang out the moment we stepped inside, the sound filling every corner of the building. The boys were already here, scattered between groups of children—our family, blending into mine.

Fred sat with his leg straight on the floor, arm still in a sling, letting a group of kids pile stuffed animals onto his lap. Bryce was arguing with a six-year-old over a puzzle, his voice full of mock frustration. George, as usual, observed from a distance, only to be ambushed by two toddlers clinging to his legs.

And then—

"AVERY!"

A small body crashed into me, arms wrapping tightly around my waist.

I barely had time to steady myself before Sarah pulled back, her big, round eyes locking onto Rick.

She gasped.

Then turned, dramatically pointing a tiny finger at him.

"You!" she accused, brows furrowing.

Rick arched a brow, unimpressed. "Me."

Sarah huffed, crossing her arms. "There's a boy at school who keeps bothering me."

Rick barely blinked. "So?"

She stomped her foot. "So?! I want you to handle it."

Silence.

Then—Bryce burst out laughing. Fred whistled low under his breath. George smirked.