Chapter 8 - THE WOMAN WHO WANTED MY PLACE
Bianca Morelli appeared at my studio two days later.
She wore a cream-colored coat.
Designer sunglasses.
And a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
“Elena.”
I stared.
“Bianca.”
She looked around.
“Charming place.”
I crossed my arms.
“What do you want?”
She smiled.
“To talk.”
“About?”
“Dante.”
I laughed softly.
“Of course.”
Bianca stepped inside without waiting for permission.
She looked at my paintings.
Then turned.
“You know he won't stay alone forever.”
I stared.
“Is that supposed to frighten me?”
She smiled.
“I'm just being realistic.”
I folded my arms.
“Then let's be realistic.”
Her expression changed.
“You arranged that photograph.”
Bianca blinked.
“What photograph?”
“The one outside the restaurant.”
She laughed.
“You think I control photographers?”
I looked at her.
“Yes.”
For a moment, her smile vanished.
Then she stepped closer.
“Dante needs a woman who understands his world.”
I nodded.
“Maybe.”
Bianca looked surprised.
I continued.
“But that's his decision. And mine is whether I want to be part of it.”
She stared.
“You're really willing to lose him?”
I smiled sadly.
“I already lost the version of him I married.”
Silence.
Then I opened the door.
“You should go.”
After she left, I called Dante.
He answered.
“Elena?”
“Bianca came to my studio.”
His voice changed.
“What?”
I explained.
He listened.
Then said:
“I'm sorry.”
I looked down.
“Why?”
“Because she had no right to bother you.”
I nodded.
“She thinks she can replace me.”
Dante was silent.
Then he said:
“She can't.”
My heart tightened.
But I didn't answer.
May you like
Because I was no longer interested in promises.
Only actions.
