Chapter 14 - THE SECOND CHANCE HE DIDN'T DEMAND
Two years after their divorce, Elena invited Adrian to dinner.
Not because Sofia was sick.
Not because they needed to discuss school.
Not because there was a custody issue.
Just dinner.
Adrian arrived carrying a small bouquet of white daisies.
Elena laughed.
“Daisies?”
He smiled.
“You always liked them.”
She looked surprised.
“You remembered.”
“I remember more than I used to show.”
They ate pasta.
Talked about work.
Laughed about Sofia's latest attempt to convince her preschool teacher that bedtime was illegal.
Then, after dessert, Elena looked at him.
“Adrian.”
He met her eyes.
“Yes?”
“Do you still love me?”
He went still.
Then answered.
“Yes.”
She swallowed.
“Why?”
Adrian considered the question.
“Because you're kind.”
She smiled faintly.
“That's not enough.”
“Because you're strong.”
She shook her head.
“Still not enough.”
He looked at her.
“Because you built a life without me, and you still found room to let me become part of our daughter's world.”
Elena's eyes filled.
He continued.
“And because I finally understand that loving you means respecting your freedom.”
She looked down.
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Elena whispered, “I still love you.”
Adrian stopped breathing.
She looked up.
“But I'm not the woman you married.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
“I won't spend my life waiting for you again.”
“I understand.”
“And I won't become your caretaker while you give your heart to someone else.”
His eyes filled.
“Never again.”
Elena studied him.
Then smiled.
“So... would you like to take me on a date?”
Adrian laughed.
A broken, disbelieving sound.
Then he began crying.
“Yes.”
She smiled.
“Good.”
He wiped his eyes.
“Where?”
Elena laughed.
“Somewhere you don't own.”
May you like
Adrian smiled.
“I know just the place.”
