Chapter 10 - The Photograph That Rewrote Everything
Gabriel turned the page once more.
Tessa froze.
Her heart stopped beating.
Tucked into a corner sleeve was an original Polaroid photograph dated May 14, 2004.
In the photograph, Isabella Costa was holding a four-year-old toddler on her lap.
The little girl had bright, curious green eyes, chestnut curls, and a distinct star-shaped birthmark on her left collarbone.
Behind Isabella stood Elena, smiling with fierce pride.
Written on the white border of the Polaroid in Isabella’s elegant cursive handwriting were the words:
“Our precious Tessa. Daughter of my heart, sister of my blood. The future of our house.”
Tessa touched her collarbone where her star-shaped birthmark lay hidden under her blouse.
A gasp tore from her throat.
“That’s... that’s me,” she whispered, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face. “I was here. I lived here.”
Gabriel stared at the photograph, then looked up at Tessa.
May you like
His rugged face showed a rare, overwhelming blend of awe, grief, and fierce possessiveness.
“You did not wander into my hotel by accident, Tessa,” Gabriel murmured, his voice trembling with deep emotion. “Fate brought you back to where you belong.”
