Chapter 16 - I Would Never Be Sold Again
Their relationship did not become a fairy tale overnight.
Elena had spent years being controlled.
Luca had spent years controlling everything around him.
They argued.
Often.
The first time Luca ordered additional security without asking her, Elena fired the entire team.
He was furious.
She was more furious.
Finally Luca understood.
Protection without consent could become another kind of cage.
So he asked.
And Elena sometimes said yes.
Sometimes no.
He learned to accept both.
She learned that independence did not require loneliness.
Months later, Luca took her to Matteo’s grave.
Elena placed flowers beside the stone.
“My mother trusted him,” she said.
Luca nodded.
“And she trusted you.”
“She was reckless.”
Elena smiled.
“So am I.”
“That has become extremely clear.”
For the first time in years, Luca laughed at his brother’s grave.
May you like
And somehow it felt less like betrayal than healing.
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