Chapter 13 - THE WOMAN WHO CHOSE HER OWN LIFE
Maria left her housekeeping position.
Nicholas offered her a role at the new foundation, but she declined at first.
“I don’t want another job because you feel guilty.”
He nodded.
“Fair.”
She enrolled in a social-work program using an independent scholarship.
She wanted to help families escaping exploitation.
Nicholas admired her determination.
Their friendship grew slowly.
They met for coffee.
Talked about books.
Argued about politics and charity.
Sometimes Maria challenged him so sharply that Arthur pretended not to listen from the doorway.
Nicholas began to understand that affection was not the same as gratitude.
Maria did not owe him love because he had defended Lucy.
He did not deserve a relationship simply because he had begun correcting his mistakes.
If anything developed between them, it would have to happen freely.
One evening, Maria asked him to dinner.
Nicholas looked surprised.
“Are you asking me on a date?”
She smiled.
“Yes.”
May you like
He laughed.
“Then I would be delighted.”
