Chapter 10 - ELENA LEAVESSix months later, Elena moved out.
Dante hated it.
Matteo cried.
Elena cried more.
But she did it.
“You are leaving me.”
Dante stood in the guest wing.
“No.”
“You are literally packing.”
“I am leaving the house.”
“Difference?”
“Yes.”
She closed a suitcase.
“I went from my apartment to your mansion unconscious.”
“I never chose this.”
He went still.
Truth.
“I need an apartment.”
“My own.”
“Keys that are mine.”
“Bills I pay.”
“Space where security isn't outside every door.”
Dante looked wounded.
“You are safer here.”
“There.”
She pointed.
“You still do it.”
“What?”
“Safety becomes your trump card.”
He breathed.
Then nodded.
“Fine.”
“You're not fine.”
“No.”
“Good.”
He almost smiled.
“I’m learning honesty.”
She rented a loft.
Not cheap.
Not Moretti-funded.
Her gallery income and savings paid it.
Dante offered help once.
She glared.
Never again.
Their relationship continued.
Dates.
Sleepovers.
Arguments.
Matteo visited.
Sometimes Elena stayed at the estate.
Choice transformed everything.
One evening Dante came to her apartment.
No security inside.
No tailored suit.
He looked almost normal.
“What?”
Elena asked.
“I had a bad day.”
“Business?”
“Matteo.”
“What happened?”
“He said he likes your apartment better.”
Elena laughed.
“Why?”
“No security checkpoints.”
“Smart child.”
Dante glared.
Then looked around.
Paint on the floor.
Cheap couch.
Plants.
Unfinished canvases.
Life.
“I understand why you needed this.”
Elena stopped.
That sentence mattered.
“Thank you.”
Then:
“I love you too.”
Dante froze.
“What?”
“You heard.”
“Say it again.”
“No.”
“Elena.”
“Absolutely not.”
He laughed.
Then kissed her.
For once, the kiss felt simple.
No debt.
No danger.
May you like
No rescue.
Two people choosing the same room.
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