"Let me tell you a story that happened forty years ago," Altezza said quietly, listening.
"I came to America at your uncle's request. Arthur had already set foot in this country.
"Your uncle fled because he didn't want to be arranged in marriage by our late father. And because he couldn't return to Italy, he asked me to come and bring all the wealth he had been saving. He did it to start a business so he could live here with your aunt, Brianna.
"I didn't know that Arthur's cancelled engagement would force me to take his place. But I thought, I would accept the engagement because I didn't have someone I loved as much as your uncle loved your aunt.
"But before getting married, I thought I'd spend my bachelor days having fun first.
"Then, someone invited me to go somewhere. A place where I could hire women for a certain period of time. The man said I could practice being a great husband in bed before spending time being the husband of your grandfather's chosen woman.
"At that time, I was still in my twenties. Not an excuse, just that I felt it was time for me to enjoy my youth.
"In the place my friend showed me, I met your mother. A beautiful girl with a captivating smile. She was only fifteen years old back then. Still very young, still very innocent. And I, I was captivated by her at first sight.
"My time was clearly different from yours. In my time, girls were allowed to marry at a very young age and even, your mother's friends were already married at a younger age.
"I tried to approach your mother, but my conscience tried not to do it because I couldn't bear her very young age.
"Until she faced difficulties, searching for money for her sick father's operation. And her uncle sold her to me. And heartlessly, I bought her."
"Initially, I did it out of humaneness, but in reality, my libido said otherwise. I cruelly made her my contractual wife and provided the money she needed. Just like what you did to Adaline. Though for different reasons.
"I was happy. As time passed, I began to love her. Delila and her innocence and kindness. And at that moment, I convinced myself to live with her, to make her happy, even though our intentions weren't good at first.
"Then your grandfather found out about this. He was already embarrassed by your uncle's departure, and he didn't want to be embarrassed twice by me.
"He took me-more accurately, kidnapped me-and took me back to Italy. And at that time, I didn't know what he did to your mother.
"I left without knowing how your mother was. Without saying goodbye. Without giving her a promise that I would return.
"Quietly, I tried to ask Brianna for help so she could search and find your mother. But she didn't succeed.
"Even Arthur's connections couldn't help. Your mother disappeared without a trace.
"What I found out afterward was, when I left, your mother lost her father. She, disappointed, eventually sold off all of her father's remaining estate and left her village just like that.
"She wasn't even sixteen years old at the time.
"In the end, I rebelled and rejected the marriage arranged by your grandfather. I worked hard, leaving your grandfather's residence so I wouldn't be bound to him anymore.
"I took the path your uncle took, working day and night to become wealthy so I could hire people to find your mother.
"I succeeded in returning to America, expanding my business here with your uncle's help. He was the only one who supported me through all my despair. Apologizing repeatedly for not being able to help me find your mother.
"And after five years passed, I finally reunited with your mother. After searching for her all this time, I found her not far from my reach."
"She hid behind my own shadow. Working hard to meet her own needs. Turns out, your mother went back to school after I left. She even continued her education to a higher level.
"Delila, your mother. The woman who unintentionally made me fall in love. The cheerful girl who opened my heart. The beautiful girl who couldn't make me turn to another woman, has changed.
"When I confidently believed that she was still waiting for me, your mother no longer wanted me. She was hurt because of me. She was already heartbroken because of my departure.
"And worse, I left her while she was pregnant with our child. When she was carrying your sibling. A baby she couldn't give birth to because of the mental burden she carried.
"Yes. Your mother miscarried because of being too stressed.
"Don't you feel my guilt? Even kneeling in front of her doesn't feel enough to redeem all the mistakes I've made.
"It took a lot of time and effort for me to persuade her. Begging her in every possible way. Asking her to come back. Until finally, she softened. She agreed to marry me again.
"We lived happily even without your grandfather's blessing. We were fortunate because I had a sister-in-law like Brianna and a brother like Arthur who always supported me.
"Just as Antony always does to you.
"Then tragedy struck again. Your grandfather came and disrupted our marriage again. He tried to separate us. Luckily, I managed to hold on, and Arthur stood by my side to fight his dictatorship.
"I fell as far as I could because of your grandfather. He bankrupted me to test Delila's loyalty.
"And do you know what your mother did? She even willingly worked as a servant in your grandfather's house just so he wouldn't hurt your Padre anymore.
"I was heartbroken. My sins against your mother were too great to be forgiven. I even often wanted to give up. But I couldn't live without your Mama.
"Until finally, your grandfather softened. He returned all the rights that should have been mine."
"But once again, I found myself at the crossroads between heaven and hell. Your Mama gave birth to you. But her life was almost lost. Just like what happened to Brianna. She gave birth and experienced bleeding. She lay there weak even though blood transfusions had replaced her lost blood.
"I never even wanted to see you. Blaming you for what happened to your Mama. To the woman I love.
"But God had different plans. He returned your Mama to me. And after that, I promised, whatever your mother asked for, I would grant it. Except a child.
"Your Padre didn't want to give you a sibling because I didn't want your Mama to struggle with death for a second time. All the suffering I caused her was enough.
"And now, history seems to repeat itself. Your Mama sees Adaline as a reflection of herself in the past. That's why she loves Adaline so much. She cares for her feelings. Because your Mama once was in the same position as Adaline.
"I admit it. They have similar traits. Adaline might even be stronger than your Mama.
"Her firmness. Her resilience. Her patience. Adaline is more than your Mama. I never heard her sulking. Never heard her complaining. She always gave everything she had even though she had nothing for herself.
"She gave all her time to you without asking for any in return. She always gave you her best smile, without telling you about her difficulties and pains. And she gave you all her love without asking you to reciprocate it.
"But instead, you asked her to be patient and wait after all the sacrifices she's made. I can't blame you. I can't blame Adaline either. But I also can't help you.
"I was hurt when you yelled at your Mama just because of your former spouse in the past. You don't know how worried your Mama was about you."
"Every night, she always thinks about how to make you realize your mistakes. In her prayers, she always asks for your happiness.
"But you accuse her of doing despicable things to that woman.
"Your Mama doesn't know anything, Son. It was your Aunt and Antony who arranged everything.
"As your Mama said, Brianna loves you like her own child. And Antony cares for you like his own sibling.
"Your Aunt and Antony are the ones who, for the past seven years, have been helping that woman progress and develop. They brought that woman to their agency and boosted her name. Hoping that she would realize the extent of your sacrifices, your support for her.
"But your Aunt got tired in the end too. Because that woman never looked at you and appreciated you as a husband. That's why she went to such extremes.
"Don't blame her, your Mama, or Antony. Because they've given you every chance.
"She gave you time to realize. So did that woman. But neither of you found clarity. Your aunt's anger towards that woman is even greater than your Mama's."
Mr. Benjamin felt that he had provided enough explanation to his son. He rose from his seat.
"Your Mama and your Aunt won't help you this time, Son. They'll just sit quietly. Watching you struggle.
"And even though I want to help you, I can't. I swore to do anything your Mama asked. And I stick to my word. Even if it means I have to let you suffer here."
Benjamin left Altezza alone in his thoughts.