Chapter 14 - THE PRICE OF FORGIVENESS
Dominic began therapy.
He stepped away from criminal operations and worked with legal counsel to address the consequences of his past.
He also began learning how to be a father.
Not by giving Isabella expensive gifts.
But by listening.
Showing up.
Keeping promises.
And respecting Elena's boundaries.
One evening, he asked Elena to meet him in a small café.
She agreed.
They sat across from each other.
For a long time, neither spoke.
Then Dominic said:
“I love you.”
Elena looked down.
“I know.”
He swallowed.
“But I don't expect that to change anything.”
She nodded.
“Good.”
He looked at her.
She continued.
“Because love didn't stop you from hurting me.”
Dominic closed his eyes.
“I know.”
Elena took a breath.
“I spent sixteen years loving you.”
His eyes filled.
“And I forgot how to love myself.”
He said nothing.
She looked at him.
“I won't do that again.”
Dominic nodded.
“You shouldn't.”
For the first time, Elena believed he understood.
Not because he was crying.
May you like
Not because he was apologizing.
But because he wasn't asking her to make his guilt disappear.
