CHAPTER 22
THE CHOICE Bella spent three days in a fog of confusion and grief. She stayed in her room—Dante's room, their room—curled up in the massive bed that suddenly felt too big, too empty. Dante gave her space, sleeping in a guest room down the hall, leaving meals outside her door, sending flowers and notes that she read and reread until the words blurred together. I'm sorry you had to hear that. I'm sorry I can't be the man you deserve. But I will never stop trying. I love you. That is the only truth that matters to me. Everything else is just the cost of keeping you safe. Take your time, little one. I'll wait forever if I have to. On the third day, Sofia came to see her. She didn't knock, just slipped into the room with a tray of tea and cookies, settling onto the bed beside Bella like
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