Chapter 12 - THE MAN WHO LEARNED TO WALK AWAY
Alessandro began making changes to his businesses.
He hired independent compliance advisers.
Cooperated with legal reviews.
And started separating legitimate operations from relationships connected to criminal activity.
The process was difficult.
Some associates opposed him.
Others left.
He faced legal and financial consequences from his past.
But he continued.
One evening, he came to my apartment looking exhausted.
I opened the door.
“Alessandro?”
He smiled faintly.
“Hello.”
I stepped aside.
“Come in.”
He sat on the couch.
Grace was sleeping in her crib.
I brought him tea.
He stared at the cup.
Then said:
“I think I'm finally leaving.”
I sat beside him.
“Leaving what?”
“The part of my life that made me afraid to love anyone.”
My chest tightened.
He looked at me.
“I don't know how long it will take to make everything right.”
I nodded.
“But I'm trying.”
I took his hand.
“I can see that.”
He looked at me.
“Madison.”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
The room went still.
He continued.
“I know you didn't ask for this. I know your life has been complicated enough.”
I smiled through tears.
He looked down.
“I just needed you to know.”
I took a breath.
Then whispered:
“I love you too.”
He looked up.
“What?”
I laughed softly.
“You heard me.”
He smiled.
Then kissed me.
Gentle.
May you like
Careful.
As if he understood how much trust had cost me.
