Chapter 53: The Beginning of Something Real
The air between them was heavy with unspoken emotions. Luca stepped back slightly, giving Janet space to breathe. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly, her hands trembling slightly, not from fear, but from everything—everything that had happened, everything she had felt, and everything she was now trying to understand.
Luca gently took her hand and guided her to the couch, helping her sit. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice low and sincere. "I lost control for a second. I don't want to rush you. I just… I've waited for you so long, Janet. But I will wait forever if I have to."
Janet looked at him, her lips parted. "Why me, Luca? After all these years… why?"
He gave a faint smile, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Because you were the only one who saw me when no one else did. Even when I didn't see myself. You were kind, strong… and so full of light. I changed for you, but not just for you. You inspired me to become someone worthy of you."
Janet swallowed hard. "But I've been through so much. I don't know if I even believe in love anymore."
Luca gently squeezed her hand. "Then let me prove it to you, slowly. Let's build something from the ashes. Not because we owe each other, but because we want to."
She didn't answer immediately, but her fingers remained tangled in his.
And for now, that was enough.