Chapter 15
Nora refused to move into my estate.
I expected that.
A younger version of me might have taken it personally.
This version had already lost three years to assumptions.
So I asked:
“What do you want?”
She looked surprised.
“A home near Sophie’s school.”
“Done.”
“No guards inside.”
“Fine.”
“Two outside.”
I almost smiled.
“You’re negotiating like a capo.”
“I raised a child alone while working two jobs.”
“Fair.”
Then she looked at me.
“And I don’t want fifty thousand a month.”
My expression changed.
“It’s Sophie’s.”
“She needs support.”
“Yes.”
“She does not need to grow up thinking money is what makes you her father.”
That landed.
Nora continued.
“Pay for what she needs. Save the rest for her.”
I nodded.
“Okay.”
No argument.
That seemed to surprise her more.
Later, Sophie showed me her room.
Small.
Clean.
She had six stuffed animals arranged in a line.
“This one is Daddy Bear.”
I stared.
“You had a Daddy Bear?”
She nodded.
“Mommy bought him.”
Nora looked embarrassed.
Sophie continued.
“She said even dead daddies can love you.”
My throat closed.
Nora looked away.
Helena had tried to erase me completely.
Nora had still found a way to keep the idea of me gentle.
I touched the bear.
“Can I meet him?”
Sophie giggled.
“You’re silly.”
Good.
I wanted silly.
The D’Angelo organization had enough men who feared me.
My daughter did not need another one.
That night, when I left, Sophie ran after me.
“You coming back?”
I stopped.
“Yes.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
She thought.
“Okay.”
May you like
Then she went inside.
A promise that small felt heavier than any oath I had ever made.
