Chapter 14 - THE MAN WHO CHOSE A DIFFERENT LIFE
Matteo's transition away from the criminal organization was neither quick nor easy.
He faced investigations.
Financial losses.
And difficult decisions about people who had once depended on him.
He cooperated with legal counsel and authorities where appropriate.
He sold assets connected to unlawful activity.
He restructured legitimate businesses.
And accepted that he could not erase the past simply by choosing a better future.
Ren supported his efforts.
But she did not excuse wrongdoing.
One evening, they sat on the terrace of his family's estate.
Matteo looked toward the water.
“Sometimes I wonder whether I deserve this.”
Ren studied him.
“What?”
He looked at her.
“You.”
She smiled sadly.
“That's not how love works.”
He frowned.
She continued.
“You don't earn love by pretending you never made mistakes.”
He listened.
“But you do have to take responsibility for them.”
Matteo nodded.
Ren took his hand.
“I love the man you're choosing to become.”
His eyes filled.
For a long moment, he couldn't speak.
Then he whispered:
“I love you.”
Ren smiled.
“I know.”
He laughed.
Then he reached into his pocket.
A small velvet box.
Ren froze.
“Matteo.”
He smiled nervously.
“I had a speech prepared.”
She laughed through tears.
“But I think you already know what I'm going to say.”
He opened the box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
“Renata Navarro, will you marry me?”
Ren stared at him.
Then smiled.
“Yes.”
Matteo closed his eyes.
She laughed.
“Yes, Matteo.”
He kissed her.
And for the first time, Ren understood that marriage itself had never been the problem.
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The problem had been choosing someone who didn't respect her.
This time, she was choosing differently.
