Theo’s POV

Seeing my sister suffer such a severe allergic reaction terrified me. I was a little upset that she had done that to herself, but I also understood why. It was the only way to make Dante and Nico shut up.

It also bothered me that her guards knew more about what she had been through than I did. She’s my twin, for God’s sake. I should be the one helping her.

Once the medication finally kicked in and she was stable, Leon walked into the room.

"Hey, bambina, how are you feeling?" he asked, looking at her with concern. She just smiled and gave him a nod.

"So, you’re doing better?" he pressed. She nodded again.

"Good. Now that you’re heading out, I want these four guards to follow you. From now on, they are your personal security detail. Is that okay?"

Talia looked at the guards, a smirk playing on her lips before she wrote: 'Of course. No problem. I can take your four stalkers off your hands.'

We all laughed, and the guards looked genuinely happy with the decision. Then she added: 'But PLEASE, can they dress in casual clothes? And if I hear any of them call me "Miss," I will personally kick their butts.'

She turned the notebook around, and we erupted in laughter again.

"Sure, bambina," Leon agreed. "From now on, unless it’s a formal occasion, they’ll be in casual clothes. And I think they got the memo about the 'Miss' thing yesterday, right?" The guards nodded enthusiastically.

"Alright, you guys go change," I said, and they hurried out. Talia then looked at Leon and wrote: 'The note I wrote about my past... do you still have it?'

Leon nodded solemnly.

'Please, I want to show it to these brothers. But not Dante or Nico—they don’t deserve to know yet. I’m not looking for sympathy; I just want them to understand why I am the way I am. You can show it to Dad after we leave.'

Leon read the note, then looked at her. "Are you sure?" he asked. Talia nodded with determination.

Leon pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to me. Aaron and David crowded around as I unfolded it.

“You see, my mother wasn't kind, but Gregor and his daughter were monsters. I wasn't allowed to make a single sound, ever. I did all the chores, cooked, and cleaned. If I made a noise, I was punished—beaten, cut, or worse. On Gregor's darkest days, he treated me like property, handing me over to his cruel associates to be used and tormented. If I cried or made a sound, the pain only got worse.

At school, his daughter Scarlette made sure I was constantly bullied. If I reacted, she’d tell Gregor, and I’d face another night of terror. If I ever smiled, it was another reason for them to hurt me. If I managed to stay silent and invisible for three days, I was lucky if they gave me a single slice of bread to eat.”

Tears rolled down my cheeks uncontrollably. I had always imagined she was living a happy life after Mom took her away. She said she was keeping her safe, but this was a nightmare.

It made me even more furious at Dante and Nico for their comments. I rushed to Talia’s side and pulled her into a fierce hug. She simply rested her hands on me, stroking my back while I sobbed. When I finally let go, Aaron hugged her tightly, followed by David.

After a moment, she wrote: 'Please, keep this a secret. Like I said, Dante and Nico don't deserve to know. I don't want them to change out of pity; I want them to accept me for who I am.'

"I promise your secret is safe with me," I said, taking her hand.

"I promise too," Aaron added.

"I promise as well, bambina," David said, his eyes red. "I suppose this explains why you eat so little. You’ve been starved for years, haven't you?" Talia gave a small, sad nod.

"It’s important that she eats a little with every meal, but we can’t force her if she says she’s full," Leon reminded us, and we all agreed. Knowing the truth changed everything. We were going to make sure she got better.

"Before you go, do you have any other allergies we should know about?" David asked.

Talia picked up her pen: 'Seafood, nuts, and house dust are the big ones. I also have intolerances to eggs, flour, and cow's milk. I can have them in small amounts, but I have to be very careful.'

"Got it. We’ll let Miranda know," Leon said. "You three enjoy your shopping. I’m sure the guards are waiting for you downstairs."

Talia started to get out of bed, but I hurried over and scooped her up. She looked at me, confused.

"Please, let me spoil my bambina," I said with a pout. She smiled brightly and nodded.

When we reached the foyer, the four guards were waiting. Talia grabbed her book and wrote: 'Okay, Charlie and Jack already told me their names and ages. Do the other two mind introducing yourselves, so you won't be "Stalker 1 and 2" for the rest of our lives?'

The guards, Aaron, and I all burst out laughing.