I watched in horror as I was handcuffed and led out of the office, but I couldn't cry or scream. All that kept resounding in my ears was Giacomo's last words.
I don't know her. Do whatever you wish. I have to go take care of my wife and daughter.
Liliana's POV
That night, I couldn't speak. I just sat there, staring at the stained walls of the holding cell, numb.
I'd been arrested for submitting a forged passport. And the one person who should have saved me? He threw me to the wolves.
"You got anyone to call?" the guard asked, locking the cell door behind him. The bolt echoed through the concrete corridor like a gunshot.
I nodded silently. My heart was hollow. My cheeks were crusted with dried tears. My throat raw from screaming and begging.
"One call. Don't waste it." He slid a phone through the bars.
I tapped in the number. It rang once.
"Hello? Who is this?" My mother's voice sounded over the receiver.
Relief flooded me.
"Hi, Mom. I need your help."
"Liliana? Why are you calling from a strange number? Where are you?" my mother asked worriedly.
"It's a long story. There was a mix-up. I've been arrested."
"What?!" she shouted. "Who dares lay a hand on you?! Do they know who you are?!"