Chapter 12 - THE SECRETARY WHO WAS NEVER HIS
Clara returned to Chicago the following spring.
Not for Gabriel.
For herself.
She'd been offered a position at a nonprofit organization helping women rebuild their careers after leaving controlling workplaces.
The salary was modest.
The work was meaningful.
And for the first time, she felt proud of what she did without needing anyone else's approval.
One afternoon, she saw Gabriel outside a courthouse.
He wore a dark suit.
No bodyguards.
No entourage.
He looked tired.
Older.
But calmer.
Their eyes met.
He stopped.
“Clara.”
She smiled faintly.
“Gabriel.”
Silence.
Then he asked, “How are you?”
She looked at him.
“Good.”
He nodded.
“I'm glad.”
She hesitated.
“And you?”
He smiled sadly.
“Learning.”
Clara laughed softly.
“That sounds difficult.”
“It is.”
They stood together for a moment.
Then Gabriel stepped back.
“I should go.”
Clara nodded.
“Okay.”
He turned.
Then stopped.
“Clara?”
She looked up.
“Yes?”
“I'm sorry I made you feel like your only value was what you could do for me.”
Her eyes filled.
He continued.
“You were never just my secretary.”
Clara swallowed.
“I know.”
Gabriel nodded.
May you like
Then walked away.
And for the first time, Clara wondered whether the man she'd loved had finally become someone she could trust.
