Chapter 12 - THE MAN WHO FINALLY TOLD THE TRUTH
Vittorio was arrested six weeks later.
Investigators located him through financial transfers connected to his offshore accounts.
He attempted to flee.
But the evidence was overwhelming.
Roman testified.
Against his father.
Against former allies.
Against men who had helped build his empire.
He also admitted his own crimes.
The court proceedings were long.
Painful.
Public.
Sadie watched from the gallery.
She did not excuse what Roman had done.
But she saw him accept responsibility.
Without excuses.
Without threats.
Without asking her to save him.
After the hearing, Roman approached her outside the courthouse.
He looked exhausted.
“Thank you for coming.”
Sadie nodded.
He hesitated.
“I don't know what happens next.”
She looked at him.
“Neither do I.”
Roman swallowed.
“I love you.”
Sadie's eyes filled.
He continued.
“I loved you badly.”
She stared.
“I thought protecting you meant controlling what you knew.”
His voice broke.
“I was wrong.”
Sadie looked away.
Roman continued.
“You don't owe me forgiveness. You don't owe me another chance.”
She looked back.
“But I wanted you to hear the truth from me.”
Sadie nodded slowly.
“Then here's mine.”
Roman waited.
“I loved you.”
His expression changed.
“And part of me still does.”
His eyes filled.
“But I won't return to the life we had.”
Roman nodded.
“I wouldn't ask you to.”
For a moment, they stood in silence.
Then Sadie reached for his hand.
Not a promise.
May you like
Not yet.
But a beginning.
