With that, I picked up my packed box and prepared to leave.
However, before I could take two steps, Elio instinctively grabbed me.
He pressed his lips tightly together and said, "...Why, Mattia? Just because I didn't make our relationship public at the company, you're divorcing me? You know full well I didn't read the papers you handed me carefully. I trusted you! Even before coming into the office this morning, I was preparing for our date tonight. I bought flowers and booked a restaurant, yet at this very moment, you betray me!"
I looked at him calmly and said, "I trusted you too, Elio, when you said we had to keep our distance at work. But later, because of Valentina, you betrayed that principle, and you betrayed me. As for the flowers..."
I caught the scent of roses on him and smil
