Chapter 10 - THE MAN WHO LEARNED TO WAIT
Dante began changing his life in ways that had nothing to do with winning Isabella back.
He reduced his involvement in criminal operations.
Worked with legal counsel to restructure businesses.
Ended partnerships built on intimidation.
And began confronting the consequences of decisions he had avoided for years.
Some associates resisted.
Others warned that he was becoming weak.
Dante listened.
Then continued.
He also began spending time with Isabella without expecting anything in return.
When she invited him to appointments, he attended.
When she needed space, he respected it.
When she asked questions about the Harrington agreement, he answered honestly.
No omissions.
No convenient explanations.
One evening, Isabella called him.
"Can you come over?"
Dante stood immediately.
"Of course."
He arrived at Evelyn's house twenty minutes later.
Isabella sat on the sofa.
Her hands rested on her stomach.
"Is something wrong?"
She shook her head.
"The baby is moving."
He stared.
She smiled faintly.
"Do you want to feel?"
Dante approached slowly.
He sat beside her.
Placed his hand where she guided it.
For several seconds, nothing happened.
Then a small movement pressed against his palm.
He froze.
Another kick.
Dante laughed.
It was a quiet, astonished sound.
Isabella looked at him.
He whispered:
"Hello, sweetheart."
Her eyes filled.
He kept his hand still.
"I'm your dad."
The baby moved again.
Dante swallowed.
"I'm going to do better than I did before."
Isabella looked away.
A tear slipped down her cheek.
He noticed.
"Bella?"
She shook her head.
"I'm okay."
He waited.
Then she whispered:
"I wanted you here for all of this."
Dante closed his eyes.
"I know."
"No. You don't."
He looked at her.
She continued.
"I wanted you to notice when I was scared. When I was tired. When I needed you."
His voice broke.
"I'm sorry."
She nodded.
"I know you are."
Then she looked at him.
"But I'm still hurt."
Dante swallowed.
May you like
"I understand."
And for once, he did not ask her to forgive him before she was ready.
