Mrs. La Russo's eyes widened as she saw the birthmark. Her hand flew to her mouth, stifling a gasp. Tears welled up in her eyes as she took a hesitant step forward.
"It's him… it's really him." Her voice broke out in joy.
Without another word, May La Russo moved to Luca, wrapping him in a tight, emotional embrace.
Luca, overwhelmed by the sudden surge of affection and relief, stood still for a moment before returning the hug.
After a few moments, Mrs. La Russo pulled back slightly, her eyes searching Luca's face. "My son, I've missed you so much. How is your sister, Rosa? Is she well?"
Luca's expression turned somber. "Rosa... She's sick, and she's fighting for her life. That's why I was trying so hard to get money, to help her. I didn't know about any of this… about our family, until tonight."
Mrs. La Russo's face fell with concern. "Oh, my poor Rosa. We must do something immediately."
Detective Vans interjected gently. "Mrs. La Russo, we should take Luca to a room where he can rest. While we arrange for immediate assistance for his sister."
Mrs. La Russo nodded. "Of course. Luca, we will get your sister the best care possible. But for now, you must be tired. Let's get you settled in."
"No!" Luca objected. "I can't rest until my sister is fine."
"We need to go to hospital today now."
"Luca, you should at least freshen up first." May La Russo chipped in.
"I will do that once, Rosa, until I'm sure Rosa is much better."
May La Russo let out a soft sigh. "If that's what you want, then. We should head to the hospital."
May La Russo turned to her personal assistant. "Erica, please arrange for the driver to take us to the hospital immediately,"
Erica nodded and quickly left the room.
May La Russo then turned to Detective Van. "Detective Vans, I cannot thank you enough for bringing my son back to me. My late husband would have been overjoyed to see this day. He always hoped, against all odds, that Luca would be found."
Vans smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting the sincerity of his words. "It was my honor, Mrs. La Russo. I'm just glad I could reunite you with your son."
Luca looked at Vans. "Thank you, Detective. I... I don't know what to say. This is all so overwhelming."
With a final nod, Vans turned and left the mansion, leaving Luca and Mrs. La Russo.
Together, May La Russo and Luca stepped outside, after being informed that the driver was waiting outside.
The driver opened the door for them. May La Russo settled into the car with Luca following closely behind. The car glided smoothly away from the mansion, heading toward the hospital.
During the ride, Luca glanced out the window. He didn't stare out too long as he turned to look at Mrs. La Russo.
He had so many questions swirling in his mind that he just had to ask.
"How did me and Rosa end up in the orphanage?"
Mrs. La Russo took a deep breath before speaking. "When you and Rosa were very young, you were abducted by a maid. This maid was hired by my husband's brother, your uncle. He was greedy and wanted the entire La Russo empire for himself. He saw you both as obstacles to his plans."
Luca's eyes widened in shock. "So, we were taken and sold off?"
"Yes," Mrs. La Russo confirmed, her voice trembling with emotion. "The maid was instructed to sell you to the highest bidder, and you both ended up in an orphanage. We searched for you tirelessly, but your uncle managed to cover his tracks so well."
Luca shook his head, struggling to absorb the revelation. "That's why we never knew anything about this life… or who we really were."
Mrs. La Russo reached out and took Luca's hand. "There's more. Your father passed away two years ago. Before he died, he left the empire to you, in the hope that one day you would be found. His last wish was for you to take your rightful place and continue his legacy."
Luca's heart ached. "I wouldn't let him down."
The car turned smoothly into the hospital's driveway, pulling up to the entrance.
As they walked through the hospital corridors, Luca led May La Russo to a private room where Rosa lay in a hospital bed, her condition visibly frail but her eyes brightened when she saw her brother.
"Rosa!" Luca cried out, rushing to her side. He took her hand gently, his eyes misting with tears. "I'm here, Rosa. I'm so sorry it took so long."
Rosa's eyes filled with tears of relief as she gazed up at her brother. Then her eyes landed on May La Russo.
"Who's this?" She asked.
"This is May La Russo, our birth mother."
Rosa's eyes grew. "How did you?…how is it?"
"I will explain it all later," Luca said, stepping aside for May La Russo who stood by, with her own eyes damp with tears.
"I'm so sorry for everything you've been through," she said softly to Rosa. "But I am here now, and I will make sure you get the best care possible."
The medical staff, alerted by Mrs. La Russo's swift actions, began to attend to Rosa.
As the doctors worked to stabilize Rosa, Luca and May La Russo sat together in the waiting area. Luca felt a glimmer of hope that he hadn't felt in years.
"Thank you, Mrs. La Russo," Luca said quietly, "For everything. For saving my sister."
May La Russo smiled warmly. "It's my pleasure, Luca. You and Rosa are finally home, and I will make sure you both have the life you deserve."