Chapter 5: Victoria's Choice
The next morning, Victoria met Mateo in the hotel restaurant. The morning light streamed through the grand windows, illuminating the untouched breakfast between them.
"I called my driver," Victoria said smoothly, setting her coffee cup down. "I'm heading back to Chicago this afternoon."
Mateo looked up. "Victoria, I'm sorry you were pulled into this."
"Don't apologize to me," Victoria said with a small, understanding smile. "When I met you six months ago, I saw a driven man who was trying to prove something to the world. But seeing you last night, I realized you left a part of your soul behind."
May you like
"Lucia and I... there's so much damage," Mateo murmured.
"Then fix it, or at least take responsibility," Victoria advised gently. "You can't build a real future with anyone until you make peace with your past."
