Chapter 3 - THE DINNER INVITATION
I refused at first.
I told Elena I needed to return to work, collect my paycheck, and get home to my brother.
She listened patiently.
“What does your brother need?”
“Medicine.”
“For asthma?”
I nodded.
Her expression softened immediately.
“Then we will make sure he gets it.”
“No,” I said quickly. “I appreciate that, but I can manage.”
Lorenzo stood across the marble foyer, silent.
Finally, he said, “Stubborn.”
I frowned.
“Excuse me?”
His mouth almost curved.
“Nothing.”
Elena invited me to dinner anyway.
I followed them to the Moretti residence, expecting something dark and intimidating. Instead, I found a beautiful old mansion filled with warm lamps, family photographs, and quiet halls.
Elena treated me like a guest.
Lorenzo watched everything.
During dinner, Elena asked about my family. I told her about Noah, our late mother, and the years I had spent working multiple jobs.
Lorenzo listened without interruption.
When I mentioned the cost of Noah’s medication, his expression hardened.
“I’ll handle it.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I know.”
He lifted his glass.
May you like
“I want to.”
For reasons I couldn't explain, that simple sentence frightened me more than his reputation ever could.
