Chapter 7
His First Right Choice
After Elena reached Boston, Dante canceled every family meeting.
He removed Bianca’s protection status. He restored Elena’s security access and learned every detail of her treatment plan.
He memorized her medication schedule, allergies, and emergency instructions.
He had never asked for any of it during their marriage.
Now he knew every line.
Bianca called from the safe house and said a strange car had parked outside.
“Call Marco,” Dante said.
“I trust you.”
“That is no longer my responsibility.”
He ended the call.
For the first time, he chose Elena without hesitation.
Elena never knew.
The treatment center refused him entry.
Her directive stated that Dante De Luca could have no contact unless she agreed on that same day.
Dante waited outside for two days.
On the third day, a clinical social worker asked Elena whether she wanted to see him.
Elena checked his card.
“I will see him with the door open.”
Dante entered with her father’s repaired ring, her favorite record, and the tea she used to drink after dinner.
Elena looked at the items without recognition.
“You used to love these,” he said.
“Did I?”
“You were afraid of thunder. You slept with a light in the hall. You drank coffee without milk and added half a spoon of sugar.”
His words came faster.
He had finally learned how to remember her.
She was losing the memories that made those details matter.
Dante knelt in front of her.
“I love you.”
Elena opened her tablet.
A video of her former self began to play.
“He may lose you and call his fear love.”
Dante went pale.
“That is not what this is.”
He sounded desperate.
“I know what I did.”
Elena watched him.
“What about before?”
He opened his mouth.
Before, he had believed she would always stay.
Before, he had treated her love as part of the house. It was always there, so he never protected it.
“I was wrong.”
“I do not remember being loved by you.”
Dante lowered his head. His forehead almost touched her hand, but he stopped before contact.
“Please give me one chance.”
Elena looked at the social worker.
“I want to end the meeting.”
Dante lifted his head.
The man who had never begged anyone looked at her with open fear.
“Elena, I will choose you every time from now on.”
She studied his face.
“The woman I was no longer needs that.”
The door closed between them.
Dante stood alone in the hall.
He had finally learned to make the right choice.
There was no longer a choice that could reach her.