Chapter 10 - THE WOMAN WHO CHOSE TO STAY
Isabella did not return to work as Adrien's housekeeper.
That surprised the estate staff.
It surprised Marco.
And, secretly, it disappointed Adrien.
But he said nothing.
Isabella had spent two years living in a room at the end of the servants' corridor.
She had worked long hours.
Put her own plans aside.
And hidden the truth about her father's death.
Now she wanted something different.
She enrolled in a professional accounting certification program.
She began working with an independent nonprofit organization focused on housing transparency.
And she rented a small apartment in Chicago.
Adrien supported her.
But he didn't offer to pay for everything.
He understood that independence mattered to her.
One evening, he invited her to dinner.
Not at the estate.
At a small Italian restaurant near the river.
She arrived wearing a dark green dress.
Adrien stood when she entered.
For a moment, he simply stared.
"What?" she asked.
He smiled.
"Nothing."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Adrien."
He laughed softly.
"You look beautiful."
Isabella blushed.
"Thank you."
They ate.
Talked.
And laughed.
After dinner, they walked beside the river.
The city lights reflected on the water.
Adrien stopped.
"Isabella."
She looked up.
"I need to tell you something."
Her heart pounded.
He took a breath.
"I fell in love with you long before you left."
She stared.
He continued.
"I just didn't know what to do with it."
Isabella's eyes filled.
"Adrien."
He shook his head.
"You don't have to say anything."
She stepped closer.
Then whispered:
"I love you too."
Adrien smiled.
For the first time in years, he looked genuinely happy.
He leaned forward.
"May I kiss you?"
She nodded.
May you like
"Yes."
And beneath the Chicago lights, they kissed.
