Chapter 7 - The Woman Behind the Headlines
The trial began in winter.
Chicago newspapers filled with stories about the Alfieri case.
But Adeline avoided interviews.
She refused every media invitation.
The story was not hers.
When reporters asked her what it felt like to stop a powerful man's fiancée, she simply said, “I protected my patient.”
The case against Marco and several associates became stronger.
Financial records confirmed the theft.
Security footage confirmed movement inside the estate.
Laboratory evidence confirmed the altered medication.
Camille pleaded guilty to several charges related to conspiracy and fraud but cooperated extensively.
The prosecution recognized her cooperation.
Nikico did not attend every hearing.
Some days he could not.
Some days he simply didn't want to.
Adeline respected that.
One afternoon, Camille requested a meeting.
Nikico almost refused.
Then he agreed.
They met through attorneys.
Camille looked different.
No designer dress.
No expensive jewelry.
No performance.
She looked like a person who had finally become exhausted from pretending.
“I owe you the truth,” she said.
Nikico answered, “You already gave it.”
“Not all of it.”
She explained that before the accident, she had discovered Marco's scheme.
She had tried to manipulate Nikico into postponing the board vote.
She admitted she had initially planned to marry him for security and influence.
But somewhere along the way, her fear had become stronger than her greed.
She had made a series of choices she regretted.
Nikico listened.
Then he said, “I won't hate you.”
Camille's eyes filled.
“But I won't love you again.”
She nodded.
“I know.”
She stood.
At the door, she paused.
“Is it her?”
Nikico didn't answer.
Camille smiled sadly.
“I knew it was.”
After she left, Adeline entered.
“You don't have to tell me.”
Nikico looked at her.
“I think I do.”
Adeline sat.
He took a breath.
“I love you.”
She looked at him.
He continued.
“I didn't plan it. I didn't expect it. I was terrified of needing another person after everything that happened.”
Adeline smiled softly.
“I know.”
“I don't want you because you saved me.”
“I know.”
“I want you because you're the first person who never treated me like a broken man.”
Adeline's eyes filled.
“And you're the first person who made me feel like I could be more than someone's nurse.”
Nikico reached for her hand.
Their fingers intertwined.
Outside, snow began to fall.
It was quiet.
May you like
Peaceful.
For the first time, neither of them was running from the past.
