Chapter 61

The sun shone warmly in the clear Parisian sky as Margaret, Lorenzo, and Mateo strolled through the cobblestone streets, enjoying an afternoon filled with laughter and adventures. They had spent hours exploring hidden corners of the city Margaret had never shown anyone, visiting local bakeries to try sweets, walking through parks, and taking photos together. Lorenzo had done everything possible to keep Mateo in a good mood-and he had succeeded.

Mateo ran ahead, eager to show Lorenzo one of his favorite spots: a small pond in the park where he liked to feed the ducks.

- Lorenzo, come quick! There's a huge one! - shouted the boy, pointing excitedly.

- I'm coming, champ, don't worry - Lorenzo replied, laughing as he followed the little one.

Margaret stayed behind, watching them with a mix of tenderness and nostalgia. Seeing Lorenzo so close to Mateo made her heart race. The image of them together was so natural, as if they had always been father and son.

When they sat on the grass by the pond, Mateo took a piece of bread from the bag they carried and started throwing it to the ducks.

- Lorenzo, do you like ducks? - Mateo asked with a serious expression.

- I love them. But I think you love them more - Lorenzo replied, winking.

- Yes. When I grow up, I want to have a pond with lots of ducks in the garden - the boy declared firmly.

- And I'll be the first to help you build it - Lorenzo promised, ruffling his hair.

Margaret smiled, though doubts began to pile up in her mind. Should she tell Lorenzo that Mateo was his son? Should she confess the truth about her identity as Amelia? For years, she had kept the secret, convinced it was for the best, but now, seeing the connection Lorenzo had with Mateo, she was starting to question everything.

As the sun began to set, Lorenzo stood and extended a hand to Mateo.

- How about we get some ice cream before heading home?

- Yes, ice cream! - Mateo exclaimed, jumping with joy.

They walked together to a nearby ice cream shop, where Mateo chose his favorite flavor while Lorenzo and Margaret opted for something simpler. They sat at a table by the window, savoring the moment.

When they returned to the apartment, Mateo was so happy he couldn't stop talking about the day they had. He sat on the floor with his toys while Lorenzo and Margaret watched him from the sofa.

- Lorenzo - the boy suddenly said, looking up.

- Yes, champ?

- Can you stay tonight? I want us to have a sleepover - Mateo asked, his eyes bright with excitement.

Lorenzo glanced at Margaret, seeking her approval. She smiled and nodded.

- Of course, I'd love to - Lorenzo replied, smiling as Mateo clapped with excitement.

After setting up an improvised "sleepover" in the living room, with cushions and blankets spread everywhere, Mateo finally fell asleep, exhausted from the day. Lorenzo and Margaret sat together on the sofa, watching the boy sleep.

- It's incredible how much this little one means to me - Lorenzo said softly, his gaze fixed on Mateo. - I don't know how to explain it, but I feel like I'd do anything for him.

Margaret looked at him, her heart torn between love and guilt.

- I know, Lorenzo. You're very important to him - she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Lorenzo turned to her, his dark eyes reflecting a sincerity that disarmed her.

- Margaret, I want you to know I'll always be here for you both. Mateo, you you're the most important thing to me. My feelings are real.

Silence filled the space for a moment until Lorenzo leaned in slowly toward her. Margaret didn't move, and when their lips met, it felt as if her entire world had stopped. For an instant, she allowed the kiss to happen, pushing aside her fears and doubts.

However, when they pulled apart, a tear rolled down her cheek. Lorenzo looked at her with concern.

- Are you okay?

- Yes - she murmured, nodding. - It's just that I don't know if I deserve all this.

Lorenzo gently took her hand.

- Of course, you deserve it, Margaret. You're an incredible woman, and no matter what happens, I'll always be by your side.

She wanted to believe him, wanted to let herself be carried away by the moment, but in her mind, the truth she had kept hidden for so long still echoed.

Silence filled the room after Lorenzo's words as they remained seated on the sofa. Margaret tried to control the whirlwind of emotions churning inside her. She looked at Mateo, peacefully asleep among the blankets, then at Lorenzo, who still held her hand gently.

- Lorenzo - she began, her voice laden with insecurity, but she stopped, unable to continue.

- What is it? - he asked, leaning in slightly, his eyes reflecting genuine concern.

Margaret looked away, unable to face him directly.

- It's nothing - she finally replied, forcing a weak smile. - It's just been a long day.

Lorenzo seemed to hesitate for a moment but eventually nodded.

- I understand. Maybe we should rest. Tomorrow's another day.

He stood up, picking up a pillow and blanket from the floor.

- I can stay here on the couch - he added, preparing to spend the night there.

- It's not necessary. There's a spare room - Margaret said, pointing toward the hallway.

- Are you sure? I don't want to intrude.

- Of course. Mateo will be happy knowing you slept comfortably.

Lorenzo smiled gratefully and took his things, heading to the room. Before entering, he stopped and glanced back at Margaret.

- Thank you for letting me be here. It means a lot to me.

- You don't have to thank me - she replied, maintaining a calm facade.

When Lorenzo disappeared into the room, Margaret let out a deep sigh. She sat next to Mateo, gently stroking his hair.

- My little one, what am I going to do? - she whispered, as if the boy could answer her.

Memories hit her hard. She thought of the moments she had shared with Lorenzo in the past, of how she had dreamed of building a family with him before everything fell apart. Now, seeing them together, seeing the natural bond between him and Mateo, filled her heart with love but also with guilt.

"What if I tell him the truth?" she thought to herself. "What if I tell him Mateo is his son? What if I confess that Margaret doesn't really exist-that I'm Amelia?"

She buried her face in her hands, trying to calm her mind. There were too many "what ifs," too many risks. Lorenzo had shown interest in being part of their lives, but would he still feel the same if he knew the whole truth?

Margaret turned off the living room lights, leaving only a small lamp on next to the sofa. As she tucked the blankets around Mateo, she glanced toward the hallway where Lorenzo rested.

She couldn't deny it: seeing him with Mateo filled her with hope, but also with fear. Fear that everything might fall apart, fear that Lorenzo wouldn't forgive her for keeping something so important from him.

She lay down beside Mateo, seeking some peace amidst her thoughts. But even as she closed her eyes, the questions continued to linger in her mind.