Chapter 4

As Luca sat at the bar, nursing a glass of Chianti, his mind was racing with the revelation he had just uncovered. Marco, the man who had broken Giulia's heart four years ago, was his second cousin. The news had hit him like a ton of bricks, leaving him reeling and unsure of how to proceed.

It had all started when Luca had decided to do some research on his family tree, curious to learn more about his Italian heritage. He had been pouring over old photographs and documents when he stumbled upon a name that caught his eye - Marco Rossi. The resemblance between the man in the photo and the one Giulia had described was uncanny, and Luca's heart had sunk as the pieces began to fall into place.

After some digging, he had confirmed that Marco was indeed his cousin, the son of his father's sister. The news had left him feeling sick to his stomach, knowing that the man who had caused Giulia so much pain was connected to him by blood. He couldn't imagine how Giulia would react if she found out, and the thought of losing her was almost too much to bear.

Luca had always prided himself on being an honest person, someone who valued trust and openness above all else. But in this case, he found himself torn. He knew that he should tell Giulia the truth, that keeping this secret from her would only lead to more pain and heartbreak down the line. But the fear of losing her, of watching her walk away because of something he couldn't control, was paralyzing.

As he sat at the bar, nursing his drink, Luca was suddenly joined by his best friend, Matteo. Matteo had been Luca's closest confidant since childhood, and Luca knew that he could trust him with anything.

"Hey, man," Matteo said, clapping Luca on the back. "What's got you looking so down? I thought you'd be out celebrating with Giulia."

Luca sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "It's a long story, Matteo," he said, his voice tinged with worry. "But I need your advice."

Matteo nodded, his brow furrowing with concern. "Of course, anything," he said, settling onto the barstool next to Luca. "What's going on?"

Luca took a deep breath, steeling himself for the difficult conversation ahead. "I found out something about Giulia's ex-boyfriend, Marco," he began, his voice low and serious. "He's my second cousin."

Matteo's eyes widened with shock. "Whoa, man," he said, shaking his head. "That's heavy stuff. How did you find out?"

Luca explained about his research into his family tree, and how the discovery had left him reeling. "I don't know what to do, Matteo," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I want to tell Giulia the truth, but I'm terrified of losing her. What if she thinks I've been lying to her all this time?"

Matteo nodded thoughtfully, taking a sip of his beer. "I can see why you're conflicted, dude," he said. "On the one hand, keeping this secret could really backfire if she finds out some other way. But on the other hand, telling her could totally blow up in your face, too."

Luca groaned, burying his face in his hands. "I know, I know," he said, his voice muffled. "I just feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place."

Matteo reached out and clapped Luca on the shoulder. "Hey, listen," he said, his voice firm but reassuring. "Giulia loves you, man. I can see it in the way she looks at you, the way she is with you. If you tell her the truth, and you explain why you kept it from her, I think she'll understand."

Luca lifted his head, his eyes filled with hope and uncertainty. "You really think so?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Matteo nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I do," he said. "Giulia seems like a smart, understanding woman. If you're honest with her, and you show her how much you care, I think she'll see that you were just trying to protect her."

Luca nodded, his mind racing with the implications of what Matteo was saying. "You're right," he said, his voice steadier now. "I need to tell her the truth. I can't keep this from her any longer."

Matteo raised his glass, a grin spreading across his face. "That's my man," he said, clinking it against Luca's. "Go get your girl, and tell her how you feel. Everything's gonna work out, you'll see."

Luca smiled back, feeling a renewed sense of determination. He knew that the conversation with Giulia wouldn't be easy, but he also knew that it was necessary. He couldn't keep living with this secret, this weight on his shoulders. It was time to come clean, to trust in Giulia and in their love.

As he made his way back to Giulia's apartment, Luca's heart was pounding in his chest. He knew that he was about to take a huge risk, but he also knew that it was worth it. Giulia was worth it. And if their love was strong enough to withstand this challenge, then he knew that they could face anything that came their way.

With a deep breath, Luca knocked on Giulia's door, his palms sweating with nervous anticipation. As she opened the door, her face lighting up with joy at the sight of him, Luca knew that he was doing the right thing. It was time to come clean, to trust in their love and in each other. No more secrets, no more lies. Just the truth, and the hope that it would be enough to keep them together.

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