Chapter 12 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED MY MONEY
Elena resigned in early summer.
She handed me a letter in the garden.
I stared.
"You're leaving?"
She nodded.
"I've been offered a position at a rehabilitation center."
I smiled.
"That's wonderful."
She looked relieved.
"I completed the licensing requirements I needed."
"Congratulations."
She smiled.
"Thank you."
I looked at the letter.
"Is this because of what happened here?"
Elena hesitated.
"Partly."
I nodded.
She continued.
"I need Mia to see me build something of my own."
I looked toward the fountain.
Mia was chasing butterflies across the lawn.
"She already sees you as extraordinary."
Elena laughed softly.
"She sees me as the person who makes pancakes."
"That's extraordinary too."
She smiled.
Then grew serious.
"Mr. Duca—"
"Lorenzo."
She hesitated.
"Lorenzo."
I waited.
"I don't want to spend the rest of my life being someone you rescued."
The words hit me.
I looked at her.
She continued.
"You helped us. I'm grateful. But I want my independence."
I nodded.
"Then you should have it."
She looked surprised.
I smiled.
"Did you think I'd argue?"
"A little."
I laughed softly.
"Fair."
I held out my hand.
"Congratulations, Elena Morales."
She shook it.
"Thank you."
But when she turned to leave, something in my chest tightened.
I realized I would miss her.
Not because she cared for my mother.
Not because she helped raise Mia.
But because she had become the person whose opinion mattered most to me.
I called her name.
"Elena."
She turned.
"Yes?"
I took a breath.
"When you're settled, would you have dinner with me?"
She stared.
"As what?"
I smiled nervously.
"As two people who aren't employer and employee."
Her eyes widened.
I continued.
"No pressure. No expectations. And no answer required today."
Elena looked at me for a long moment.
Then smiled.
"Ask me again in a month."
I nodded.
"I will."
She laughed softly.
"And Lorenzo?"
"Yes?"
"Don't send flowers to my new workplace."
I grinned.
"Understood."
She walked away.
And I stood in the garden smiling like a fool.
Rocco appeared beside me.
"Boss?"
I looked at him.
"What?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"You're smiling."
I shook my head.
"Go away, Rocco."
May you like
He laughed.
And for once, I didn't mind.
