Chapter 11 - THE MAN WHO LEARNED TO WAIT
Dante didn't rush Gemma.
He visited her office.
Helped with events.
Listened when she spoke.
He learned that she loved old bookstores.
That she hated lilies.
That she preferred quiet dinners to expensive restaurants.
He learned that she had once dreamed of studying law.
One evening, he asked:
“Why didn't you?”
Gemma smiled sadly.
“Life.”
He nodded.
Then said:
“You still could.”
She laughed.
“I'm thirty-two.”
Dante smiled.
“That's not a tragedy.”
She looked at him.
He continued.
“You're brilliant.”
Gemma's eyes filled.
“Don't say that because you feel guilty.”
Dante shook his head.
“I say it because it's true.”
Months passed.
Gemma enrolled in a part-time legal studies program.
Dante attended her first public presentation.
He sat in the back row.
Quiet.
Proud.
Afterward, she found him waiting outside.
“You came.”
Dante smiled.
“I said I would.”
Gemma looked at him.
For a moment, she remembered the man who had once controlled every room he entered.
Now he was simply standing in the rain.
Waiting for her.
She stepped closer.
And kissed him.
Dante froze.
Then smiled.
“Was that—”
“Yes,” Gemma whispered.
May you like
He laughed softly.
“Good.”
