Chapter Eighty Two - News of Expectation

She patted his hand gently. "I understand. This situation isn't easy for any of us." Alessandro took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Mother, I need to know. Is there any chance... any possibility at all that Victoria could be telling the truth?" Eloise's hand trembled slightly as she set down the watering can. She was silent for a long moment, her eyes fixed on the flowers before her. "Your father was a good man, Alessandro," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But he wasn't perfect. There was a time, early in our marriage, when things were... difficult between us." Alessandro felt his heart sink. "What are you saying?" Eloise turned to face him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm saying that while I don't know for certain, I can't rule out the possibility that Victoria's claims might have some merit." The world seemed to tilt on its axis as Alessandro processed his mother's words. He stumbled back, gripping the edge of a nearby table for support. "Wh