Chapter 14
351words
The next morning, Emma told me that he had finally left. Before he did, he left behind a letter.
When Emma handed it to me, I hesitated for a long time.
In the end, I opened it.
The letter was long. He wrote in detail about everything that had happened over the years. He talked about how he had clawed his way up within the family, step by step, to reach where he was.
He shared how his feelings for Olivia had shifted from infatuation to disgust.
He expressed how much he regretted everything after learning of Eleanor’s death.
He told me that it was only after being cast out by the family that he realized what he had truly lost.
The final part of the letter read, "Sofia, I know I have no right to ask for your forgiveness. Everything I did is enough for you to hate me for a lifetime, but I still want to tell you that I love you.
"From the first time I saw you at Harvard, I fell in love with you. All these years, the one I’ve loved has always been you. I was just too foolish, too selfish, and I didn’t cherish you.
"Olivia has now been arrested. She’s facing federal felony charges for academic fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering.
"Meanwhile, I have also received the punishment I deserve. The Falcone family has cast me out. I have nothing left. My father has cut ties with me. My trust fund is gone. Everything is gone.
"But this is what I deserve. I only hope that you live well. I hope that you find someone who truly loves you and cherishes you. I pray that you can continue your research and realize your dreams.
"This is my final blessing.
"I’m sorry, Sofia. I truly, truly am sorry."
After reading the letter, I didn’t cry. I simply folded it quietly and placed it in the drawer. Then I went back to the lab.
Life had to go on.
Dante was already part of the past.
