Chapter 13 - THE MAN WHO HAD TO EARN FORGIVENESS
Matteo began changing his life.
Slowly.
Painfully.
He separated himself from several criminal operations and cooperated with legal advisers to address the consequences of his past activities.
He accepted that there were things he couldn't fix quickly.
He attended counseling.
Learned about infant care.
Followed the parenting schedule Natalie agreed to.
And stopped using money to pressure her.
Sometimes she thanked him.
Sometimes she remained distant.
He respected both.
One afternoon, he arrived to pick up Emilia for a scheduled visit.
Natalie stood in the doorway.
The baby was six months old.
She smiled when Matteo appeared.
He smiled back.
“Hello, princess.”
Emilia reached toward him.
Matteo's face softened.
Natalie watched.
For the first time, she saw him respond to someone else's needs without expecting praise.
He took the diaper bag.
Checked the feeding instructions.
And listened carefully.
Then he looked at Natalie.
“Thank you.”
She frowned.
“For what?”
“For trusting me with her.”
Natalie considered his words.
Then nodded.
“She's your daughter.”
Matteo swallowed.
“I know.”
May you like
He looked down at Emilia.
“And I intend to earn the privilege of being her father every day.”
