Chapter 13 - THE WOMAN WHO BROUGHT BACK HIS SMILE
Vincent and Emily didn't fall in love overnight.
Their relationship grew through months of ordinary moments.
Shared dinners.
Walks in the garden.
Conversations after Luca went to bed.
Emily never tried to replace Catherine.
She never asked Vincent to stop grieving.
And Vincent never expected her to become someone she wasn't.
One evening, they sat on the back terrace.
Luca was asleep upstairs.
The garden lights glowed softly.
Vincent looked at Emily.
“Can I ask you something?”
She smiled.
“You usually do.”
He laughed.
“Why did you help us?”
Emily considered the question.
“Because Luca looked lonely.”
Vincent nodded.
“And me?”
She smiled faintly.
“You looked lonelier.”
He looked away.
Then said:
“I was.”
Emily reached for his hand.
Vincent held it.
For a long time, neither spoke.
Then he whispered:
“I think I'm falling in love with you.”
Emily's breath caught.
She looked at him.
“Vincent.”
He shook his head.
“You don't have to say anything.”
She smiled.
“Good.”
He laughed nervously.
Then she leaned closer.
“Because I'd rather show you.”
And she kissed him.
Vincent had forgotten what it felt like to be happy without feeling guilty.
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But Emily never asked him to forget Catherine.
She understood that love could honor the past while making room for the future.
