Chapter 7 - The Man Who Chose Her
The divorce became final 6 weeks later.
Jason walked out of the courtroom without looking at Catherine.
He had lost almost everything he tried to steal.
Catherine kept her apartment.
Her company.
Her inheritance.
And the truth.
Allison testified against him.
When Catherine saw her afterward, Allison looked different.
Smaller.
Less polished.
More real.
“I’m sorry.”
Catherine nodded.
“I know.”
“I don't expect forgiveness.”
“I don't know if I can.”
“That’s fair.”
Catherine looked at her.
“But I hope you become someone you can live with.”
Allison cried.
“Thank you.”
Catherine walked away.
Some doors did not need dramatic slamming.
They only needed to stay closed.
Life became quieter after that.
Luca no longer needed to sleep in a separate room when Catherine stayed at his home.
They became a couple slowly.
No public announcement.
No scandalous headlines.
No grand gestures.
Just coffee.
Dinner.
Late-night conversations.
He learned that Catherine hated cilantro.
She learned that Luca couldn't cook pasta without over-salting it.
He discovered she sang while cleaning.
She discovered he read financial reports for fun.
One rainy evening, they sat on the balcony.
Catherine looked at Manhattan.
“I used to think I needed someone powerful to protect me.”
“You don't.”
“I know.”
Luca looked at her.
“But I still want you.”
She smiled.
“That sounds healthier.”
He laughed.
“I’m trying.”
She leaned against him.
“My mother said to keep my heart.”
“She was right.”
“You knew her.”
“Yes.”
“What was she like?”
Luca thought for a moment.
“Brave.”
“That's all?”
“She was funny.”
Catherine smiled.
“She was.”
“She hated cold coffee.”
“That sounds familiar.”
“She also told my father that if he ever hurt her daughter, she would haunt him.”
Catherine laughed.
“She said that?”
“Exactly.”
“She would have liked you.”
Luca looked at her.
“I hope so.”
Months passed.
Catherine renovated her design studio.
She hired 2 women who had recently left abusive marriages.
She started a legal resource program with Daniel to help women understand financial documents before signing them.
She never told anyone why she cared so much.
She didn't need to.
Luca helped fund it anonymously.
Catherine found out anyway.
“You donated again.”
“Apparently.”
“You said you wouldn't.”
“I didn't.”
“Yes, you did.”
“I said I wouldn't tell you.”
She shook her head.
“You're impossible.”
“You still love me.”
“Unfortunately.”
He smiled.
One evening, he took her to the restaurant where their story had begun.
Catherine stopped outside.
“I’m not going in there.”
“We don't have to.”
“Then why bring me?”
He pointed toward the entrance.
“Because I want you to see something.”
Inside, the waiter recognized her.
The same table.
The same corner.
Different flowers.
Different life.
Luca pulled out a chair.
Catherine sat.
A waiter brought dessert.
Not divorce papers.
Not champagne.
A small chocolate cake.
On the plate was written:
NO MORE APOLOGIZING FOR SURVIVING.
Catherine looked at Luca.
“You planned this?”
“Yes.”
She laughed.
“I hate you.”
“No.”
She touched his hand.
“No.”
Later, outside, Luca stopped beneath the streetlight.
“Catherine.”
She turned.
He got down on one knee.
Her heart stopped.
“Luca…”
“I know this isn't how most women dream of being proposed to.”
“Actually, this is pretty good.”
He smiled.
Then he opened the box.
Inside was a simple ring.
Her grandmother's diamond had been reset into it.
Catherine covered her mouth.
“How did you get that?”
“Your grandmother left it with your mother.”
He paused.
“Your mother left instructions that one day it should belong to the person who made you feel safe without making you small.”
Catherine began to cry.
“That was in the letter?”
“Yes.”
“Did she know?”
“She hoped.”
Catherine looked at him.
“Luca DeLuca, I don't need you to save me.”
“I know.”
“I don't want you to control my life.”
“I won't.”
“I don't want a man who decides what is best for me.”
“You already have enough experience with that.”
She laughed through tears.
“I want a partner.”
“You have one.”
She held out her hand.
“Yes.”
He slipped the ring onto her finger.
The city moved around them.
Cars.
Lights.
People.
Noise.
But Catherine heard only his voice.
“I love you.”
May you like
She kissed him.
And for the first time since her marriage had begun, she felt no fear about what tomorrow might bring.
