Chapter 11 - THE GIRL WHO CHOSE HER OWN FUTUREI was twenty-three when I enrolled in nursing school.
My mother cried when I showed her the acceptance letter.
Nicole hugged me.
And Dante looked prouder than anyone.
I no longer worked as a maid.
I had saved enough money to move into a small apartment near campus.
My mother's medical care continued through legitimate programs and charitable support.
Dante respected my independence.
He didn't try to buy me a house.
Didn't offer to control my schedule.
Didn't insist I stay at the estate.
Instead, he brought me coffee during late-night study sessions.
Helped Nicole practice his school presentations.
And learned enough medical terminology to quiz me before exams.
One evening, I looked up from my textbook.
"Dante?"
He smiled.
"Yes?"
"Why are you doing all this?"
He considered.
"Because I love you."
My heart stopped.
He continued.
"And because I want to be someone you can love without being afraid."
I stared at him.
Then whispered, "I already do."
May you like
He smiled.
And when he kissed me, it felt like the beginning of something neither of us had expected.
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