CHAPTER 3: THE PROMISE HE COULD NOT BREAK
CHAPTER 3: THE PROMISE HE COULD NOT BREAK
That evening, Luca sat across from Sophia in a quiet family restaurant.
It was the first ordinary meal he had shared with someone in years.
She stirred her soup with a tiny spoon.
"Were you really my mommy's friend?"
He smiled sadly.
"I wanted to be much more than that."
Sophia looked at him carefully.
"Mom said you liked making pancakes."
Luca laughed through his tears.
"I burned every single one."
She giggled.
For the first time since entering his office...
She looked like a six-year-old instead of a frightened child.
Later that night, Luca met privately with his attorney.
"I want legal guardianship."
The attorney nodded.
"And your business?"
Luca stared out the window.
"No more."
"I've spent half my life believing power could protect people."
"It couldn't even protect the woman I loved."
Over the following months, Luca cooperated fully with authorities, helping dismantle the criminal organization he had once been part of.
It was not an easy path.
It came with consequences.
But it was the only way he could honor Elena's final request.
May you like
Not with revenge.
With change.
