Chapter 13 - THE APOLOGY THAT CAME TOO LATE
Bianca's trial ended the following year.
She and Lorenzo faced convictions related to their financial crimes and threats.
The legal process was long.
Painful.
And public.
Elena testified.
Adrian testified.
The evidence showed how Bianca had manipulated communications and attempted to isolate Elena.
But it also revealed something Adrian couldn't escape.
Bianca hadn't forced him to neglect his wife.
She hadn't forced him to spend nights away.
She hadn't forced him to stop asking questions.
Those choices had been his.
After the trial, Adrian visited Elena.
They sat on her porch while Sofia played inside with Lucia.
Adrian looked at her.
“I need to say something.”
Elena waited.
He swallowed.
“For a long time, I blamed Bianca for everything.”
Elena nodded.
“I know.”
“But she didn't destroy our marriage alone.”
Her eyes filled.
Adrian continued.
“I did.”
He looked down.
“I made you invisible.”
Elena wiped her cheek.
“Yes.”
“I treated your love like something that would always be there.”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
His voice broke.
“And when you stopped giving me everything, I acted like you were the one who had changed.”
Elena began crying.
Adrian looked at her.
“I'm sorry.”
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Elena whispered, “That's the first apology you've given me that didn't include an excuse.”
Adrian nodded.
“I know.”
She looked toward the house.
Then back at him.
“I don't know what happens next.”
He swallowed.
“Neither do I.”
May you like
Elena smiled sadly.
“But at least we're finally telling the truth.”
