Chapter 14 - THE SECOND CHANCE NOBODY PROMISED
Emilia's first birthday arrived in early spring.
Natalie hosted a small party in Brooklyn.
There were pink balloons.
A strawberry cake.
And a garden filled with flowers.
Matteo attended.
He arrived early.
Helped arrange chairs.
Carried boxes.
And stayed out of the way when Natalie needed space.
Rebecca watched him carefully.
After the guests left, Matteo helped clean the kitchen.
Natalie stood beside the sink.
“You don't have to do that.”
He smiled faintly.
“I know.”
She looked at him.
He continued washing dishes.
For a moment, she remembered the man she'd married.
The young Matteo who had once cooked breakfast for her in a tiny apartment.
The man who had laughed when he burned the toast.
The man who had promised she'd always have a place beside him.
She swallowed.
“Matteo.”
He looked up.
“Yes?”
“Why are you doing all this?”
He dried his hands.
Then answered quietly.
“Because I want Emilia to grow up knowing I was there.”
Natalie nodded.
“And because I love you.”
She looked away.
Matteo continued.
“But I know that doesn't mean you owe me anything.”
Silence filled the kitchen.
Natalie took a breath.
“I don't know if I can ever trust you again.”
He nodded.
“I understand.”
She looked at him.
“But I see that you're trying.”
His eyes filled.
“That's all I can ask.”
Natalie hesitated.
Then said, “Maybe we could have coffee sometime.”
Matteo went still.
“Coffee?”
She smiled faintly.
“Just coffee.”
May you like
He laughed softly.
“I'd like that.”
