Debt Forgiveness #2
Sara would marry me to end this. To make it impossible for my uncle to set me up with more women or try to encourage a relationship with Juliette.
As much as I want to bind my life to Sara’s, it’s not just the two of us in this relationship.
And I’m not ready to change our dynamics just because I can’t tell my uncle to fuck off with the setups.
I glance at my mom. She’s the reason I let him. I could have ended it years ago, but she’s grateful her brother took us in. Her parents never forgave her for running off with my father, so she’s done everything she can to sow peace between David and me.
But I need to live my own life and not be bound to someone because it’s good for business or for David’s relationships. There’s only one woman I want in my life forever.
Sara
It’s not often that I find someone I connect with. Lately, it’s been happening more. With Madison and Noah. With Kayla and Hope. With Nan. And now with Juliette. My high school drama seems so far away and I’m so glad I didn’t let it completely ruin my life.
“You have to have coffee with us.” I turn to watch Dante sign to her. “I’ll bring Dante as our interpreter until I can learn ASL.”
Juliette practically beams. “I’d like that.”
I pass her my phone to enter her number and when she passes it back, I text her so she has mine.
Dinner is over. The beginning was awkward, but once I met Juliette, I knew I didn’t have to worry. She’s not coming after my man. We’re the same age. While I don’t know what Dante signed with her, I’m sure he let her know he was with me and she seemed relieved by whatever he said.
Dante is a stunningly gorgeous man. Any woman would be proud to have him on her arm. But he’s mine and I’m not letting him go without a fight.
“Excuse me.” Dante’s mother rises from the other side of the table and walks toward the bathroom. I give her a few minutes.
She’s the key to end this game, I just know it. I stand. “Excuse me.”
Dante meets my eyes but I know what I’m doing. I follow Ms. Stone and wait for her to come out.
She gives me a tight smile when she steps out and a nod of dismissal. Before she can pass me by, I reach out and touch her arm.
“You can stop this.”
She pauses and her blue eyes, so like Dante’s, meet mine. “What?”
I steady myself, ready to do anything to help him. “Dante does these things for his uncle because of you. He doesn’t need his uncle’s protection or wealth anymore. He has his own. But he does this so you remain comfortable.”
“Dante is doing his duty.” Helen stiffens. “It’s important to listen to your family.”
“If you’d listened to your family, you wouldn’t have Dante. And Dante is worth everything.”
She searches my eyes. “Love doesn’t last. Love doesn’t fill an empty stomach.”
“Even if it doesn’t last, you still felt it. Your love gave you Dante. And he shouldn’t have to sacrifice love when he could easily keep you both fed.” I step closer to her. “You don’t need to rely on David. Dante makes more than enough to take care of you both.”
She raises an eyebrow. “What about you?”
Clearly she believes I’m in this for the money as well. Which is the furthest thing from the truth.
“I’m going to make my own money. I don’t need his. The only thing I want from him is his love and he gives that to me freely.” I straighten. “What you gave Dante by coming here was a future. Don’t take that away by forcing him into an arrangement he doesn’t want.”
She drags in a breath and glances toward the dining room. “I never wanted him to be sold to the highest bidder. David always asked Dante and Dante seemed fine to do what David asked.”
“Because Dante loves you.”
Helen reaches out and takes my hand. “I know, but the future is scary.”
“The future is what we make of it. My future will always have Dante in it. I love him and he loves me. That’s all that matters. He has a successful business and I’ll be successful in my career. You don’t have to worry about him anymore.”
She smiles and squeezes my hand. When she leaves me in the hallway to return to the dining room, I use the restroom before returning.
Howard and Agnes are saying their goodbyes when I get back. I move to Dante’s side.
“Can I hug you?” I ask Juliette.
Dante signs it and Juliette nods and hugs me. Juliette and Dante shake hands.
They head out, leaving us alone with David and Helen.
“I think that went well.” David finishes his drink and sets it down. He glances at me before meeting Dante’s eyes. “We can discuss this next week.”
“No,” Helen says before Dante can. “David, you helped us when we needed it and made sure Dante got the best education. I can never repay you for your generosity, but Dante is happy. He’s thriving in his business and he doesn’t need to marry someone to help yours.”
Dante slides his hand into mine.
David straightens, but before he can say anything, Helen continues, “This debt is between you and me. I’m the one who came to you. You’re the one who wanted Dante to be accepted into society, and he has been. But he has his own life to live now.”
Helen steps up and hugs Dante and me. “Go on. I’ll take care of this from here.” She touches Dante’s cheek. “Just make sure to bring me my grandchildren when you have them.”
“Thank you, Mom.” Dante leans into her touch.
I give her another hug and Dante guides me out of the house. When we get outside, the car isn’t pulled around yet. Dante lifts me in his arms and swings me around.
Laughter pours out of me.
“I love you, pip.” He sets me on my feet and cups my jaw before kissing me.
When he lifts his head, my heart is bursting. “I love you, boss.”