Chapter 14 - THE MAN WHO LEARNED TO LIVE
Matteo's recovery had been long.
His heart required continued monitoring.
His kidneys had taken time to recover.
He followed a carefully supervised treatment plan and attended appointments without threatening anyone.
The nurses considered this a remarkable improvement.
So did Enzo.
Matteo also began dismantling the criminal side of his organization through legal proceedings, divestitures, and cooperation with investigators.
It cost him enormously.
Money.
Influence.
Property.
Relationships.
But it gave him something he had never possessed before.
The possibility of a future not governed entirely by fear.
Nia watched the changes cautiously.
She did not romanticize his past.
She knew he had hurt people.
She knew repentance did not erase consequences.
And she refused to become another person who excused everything because Matteo could be charming.
One evening, they sat in a quiet café near the river.
Matteo looked at her.
"Nia."
"Yes?"
"Would you have dinner with me?"
She smiled.
"We're having dinner."
He laughed.
"I mean a date."
Nia went quiet.
Matteo waited.
She studied him.
"Are you asking because you feel grateful?"
"No."
"Because you think you owe me?"
"No."
"Because you want to protect me?"
"Not as a condition of being with you."
She nodded slowly.
"Then why?"
Matteo smiled.
"Because I like talking to you."
Nia laughed.
"That's a terrible answer."
"It's the truth."
She looked down.
Then back at him.
"One date."
His face softened.
"One date."
She raised a finger.
"And no expensive surprises."
May you like
Matteo smiled.
"I'll try."
