Chapter 8 - THE WOMAN WHO WASN'T AFRAID OF HIM
Vincent began spending more time at home.
He moved meetings.
Delegated responsibilities.
And learned how to sit with Luca without expecting progress.
Emily continued visiting.
Not as a miracle worker.
Not as a replacement for Catherine.
But as someone Luca trusted.
One evening, Vincent invited her to dinner.
She hesitated.
“Just dinner?”
He smiled.
“Just dinner.”
They ate in the small breakfast room.
Not the formal dining hall.
Maria had prepared pasta.
Luca sat between them.
Emily told a ridiculous story about a customer who tried to order pancakes without flour, eggs, milk, or anything resembling pancakes.
Vincent laughed.
Luca smiled.
After dinner, Luca went upstairs with Maria.
Vincent and Emily remained at the table.
He looked at her.
“Why aren't you afraid of me?”
Emily frowned.
“Should I be?”
He smiled faintly.
“Most people are.”
She considered.
“I know your reputation.”
He nodded.
“And?”
She looked at him.
“I also know you cried when your son laughed.”
Vincent stared.
She continued.
“People are complicated.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Vincent smiled.
“You're unusual.”
Emily laughed.
“So I've been told.”
He looked down.
“Emily, I care about you.”
Her expression softened.
He continued.
“But I don't want you to feel pressured.”
She nodded.
“Good.”
He looked up.
“Good?”
She smiled.
“Because I like you too.”
May you like
Vincent laughed softly.
For the first time in years, he felt something other than grief.
