**POV Enrico**

Flávia Ahmad stared at her son in horror. The two of them locked eyes for what felt like an eternity.

Lies. Apparently, that was what drove families. I’d thought my secret was the most sordid one. But the Ahmads weren’t far behind.

“Yes.” Flávia took a deep breath and held Aster’s gaze. “Manuela is your sister.”

Aster shook his head, stunned, and sat down without asking.

“Why… why the hell did you lie to me all this time?”

“I… I was afraid to tell you ...