Chapter 10 - DANTE ENDS THE ENGAGEMENT
Dante did not end his engagement because Elena impressed him.
He did not fall instantly in love.
He did not choose one woman over another like a trophy exchange.
He ended it because the review showed Isabella’s relationship with power had become incompatible with his own attempt to change.
He told her privately.
“We shouldn’t marry.”
Isabella stared.
“Because of her?”
“No.”
“Don’t insult me.”
“I’m not.”
“You looked at her all night.”
“Yes.”
That was true.
“She was extraordinary.”
Dante did not deny it.
Then:
“That is not why.”
Isabella laughed bitterly.
“Then why?”
“Because you use my reputation to make ordinary people afraid of disappointing you.”
She stared.
“So do you.”
Dante nodded.
“Yes.”
That stopped her.
Then:
“And I don’t want to keep being that man.”
Isabella’s eyes filled.
“So I’m being punished for copying you?”
“No.”
Dante looked tired.
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“We’re ending because copying my worst instinct is not a foundation for marriage.”
That was the cleanest truth either of them had said.
