Chapter 12 - THE MAN WHO LEARNED TO TRUST AGAIN
Adrian Moretti had spent most of his adult life believing trust was dangerous.
He had learned to protect himself through distance.
Control.
And fear.
But Elena challenged him.
She didn't flatter him.
She didn't fear his name.
And she didn't pretend his mistakes didn't matter.
One evening, they walked through a quiet park.
Bella was staying with her grandmother.
Adrian looked at Elena.
"Why do you keep talking to me?"
She laughed.
"What kind of question is that?"
"A serious one."
Elena considered.
"Because you're trying."
He frowned.
"Trying?"
"To be better than the man people think you are."
Adrian looked away.
She continued.
"That doesn't erase your past."
"I know."
"But it matters."
He looked at her.
Then smiled faintly.
"You're very direct."
She laughed.
"Occupational hazard."
They walked in silence.
Then Adrian reached for her hand.
He stopped halfway.
Elena noticed.
She smiled.
May you like
Then took his hand herself.
And something between them changed.
