PART 6 — THE DECISION THAT WAS NEVER ABOUT LOVE
PART 6 — THE DECISION THAT WAS NEVER ABOUT LOVE
Daniel’s voice broke through again, weaker now.
“Ellie… come on. You’re not going to believe this.”
I didn’t look at him.
For the first time in years, I didn’t feel pulled toward him.
I felt pulled away from everything I thought I knew.
Dante’s hand loosened slightly.
Not letting go.
Offering space.
“You can walk away right now,” he said quietly.
A pause.
“And go back to a life that was built on half-truths.”
My throat tightened.
“Or?”
His eyes held mine.
“Or you let me show you what was taken from you.”
Silence.
Not dramatic.
Not cinematic.
Just real.
Daniel whispered my name.
But it didn’t reach me anymore.
My fingers tightened around Dante’s.
“I want the truth,” I said.
Dante nodded once.
“Then stay close,” he replied.
Because at that exact moment—
somewhere outside the ballroom—
a second group of people arrived who were not part of the wedding.
May you like
And they were not looking for Daniel.
They were looking for me.
