Chapter 16
Natalie did not move back into Cassandro’s bedroom.
Neither of them suggested it.
Three years could not be repaired by restoring furniture arrangements.
She took the east guest suite. Audrey visited whenever she wanted, sometimes for five minutes, sometimes until she fell asleep on Natalie’s bed with both blue bracelets tangled between them.
The first week was difficult.
Audrey would reach for Mrs. Keller when frightened.
Natalie never punished that.
One night, she even called Mrs. Keller herself.
“Audrey wants you.”
Mrs. Keller stopped in the doorway.
“You’re her mother.”
Natalie nodded.
“And right now she wants you.”
That was the difference Vivienne never understood.
Love did not become smaller when it made room.
Cassandro watched from the hall.
Later, Natalie found him in the library.
“You expected me to be angry she calls Keller when she’s scared.”
“Yes.”
“I am.”
Cassandro looked at her.
Natalie smiled sadly.
“I’m angry at what was stolen. Not at Audrey.”
He nodded.
Then she asked:
“Why did you marry Vivienne?”
The question had been waiting.
Cassandro answered honestly.
“Because she made the house feel quiet.”
Natalie looked away.
“After me?”
“After grief.”
“Same thing.”
“No.”
He paused.
“She never asked me to talk about you. At the time, that felt kind.”
Natalie understood immediately.
Silence had looked like mercy because truth hurt.
Vivienne had simply benefited from a house where nobody said Natalie’s name.
Cassandro continued.
“I’m not asking you to forgive that.”
“Good.”
He almost smiled.
Natalie did too.
Not reconciliation.
Not yet.
Honesty.
The next morning, Audrey found Cassandro and Natalie eating breakfast at the same table.
She looked between them.
Then climbed onto the chair between.
“Both.”
Cassandro looked at Natalie.
Natalie laughed softly.
“Apparently.”
Audrey reached for bread.
No one made her earn it.
No one asked what she remembered.
No one demanded a title first.
May you like
She simply ate.
And for the first time in years, the Moretti breakfast table felt like a place where nobody had to be afraid to belong.
