Chapter 13 - THE FIRST TIME I ASKED HER TO STAY
I fell in love with Alina Reyes on a rainy Thursday afternoon.
Not because she looked beautiful.
Though she did.
Not because she smiled at me.
Though her smile had become something I waited for.
I fell in love because she told me I was wrong.
We were discussing a community center renovation.
I'd offered to replace the entire building.
Alina shook her head.
"That's not what they need."
I frowned.
"The building is falling apart."
"They need reliable staff, safe transportation, and programs that won't disappear when your interest changes."
I stared.
She continued.
"Don't build something impressive just because you can."
I looked at her.
"Then what should I do?"
"Ask the people who use it."
I laughed softly.
"You're not afraid of me."
She smiled.
"Not anymore."
That evening, I walked her to her apartment.
Rain fell softly.
Sophia was spending the night with her grandmother.
Alina stopped at the door.
"Damian."
"Yes?"
"Why do you keep coming here?"
I took a breath.
"Because I like being with you."
She studied me.
"That's not the whole answer."
I smiled sadly.
"No."
Silence.
Then I said:
"I love you."
She went still.
I continued.
"I don't expect anything. I know what my past means. I know you have reasons to be careful."
Alina's eyes filled.
She looked down.
Then whispered:
"I'm scared."
I nodded.
"So am I."
She laughed softly.
"That's a first."
I smiled.
"It is."
She stepped closer.
Then took my hand.
"I care about you, Damian."
My heart pounded.
"But I need time."
I nodded.
"Take it."
She looked up.
"You're not going to argue?"
I smiled.
"I'm learning."
She laughed.
May you like
Then kissed my cheek.
And I stood in the rain feeling richer than I ever had inside my mansion.
