“I understand why you feel this way,” Ellis said, her voice soft and understanding. “I know the deep hurt when someone who should care for us and protect our feelings disappoints us like that.”

Vittorio nodded, grateful for her understanding, but still carrying sadness in his gaze. “I just wish she had been honest from the beginning. Maybe things would have been different.”

Ellis took another spoonful of soup before responding. “However, sometimes people make ...