Chapter 13 - THE QUESTION THAT BROKE HIS HEART
One evening, Dante asked to speak privately.
We sat on the balcony of Sofia's apartment.
Leo was asleep inside.
The city glowed beneath us.
Dante looked at me.
“Are you happy?”
I considered the question.
Then nodded.
“Yes.”
He smiled sadly.
“Good.”
We sat in silence.
Then he asked:
“Do you ever think about us?”
My chest tightened.
“Sometimes.”
He looked hopeful.
I shook my head gently.
“Dante.”
“I know.”
He looked away.
“I just wondered.”
I took a breath.
“I remember the good parts.”
His eyes filled.
“The mornings when you made coffee. The way you danced with me in the kitchen. The way you held my hand when I was afraid.”
He smiled faintly.
“I remember.”
I looked down.
“But I also remember the hospital.”
His face changed.
“I know.”
“I remember calling you eight times.”
He closed his eyes.
“I know.”
“And I remember realizing I couldn't depend on you.”
A tear slipped down his cheek.
“I know, Bella.”
I looked at him.
“I can forgive you without coming back.”
He nodded.
May you like
“I understand.”
For the first time, I believed he truly did.
