Chapter 9 – The Last Meeting

Chapter 9 – The Last Meeting
Several months later, Andrew requested one final meeting.
Mariana agreed.
They met in a quiet garden.
"I loved you," Andrew said softly.
"I know."
"I ruined everything."
"Yes."
"I don't expect forgiveness."
"You shouldn't."
She stood to leave.
Then paused.
"You didn't lose your empire because I took it away."
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"You lost it the moment you believed respect could be replaced by control."
Without another word, she walked away.