Chapter 10
Mara returned after four months.
Not to the estate.
Evan chose a neutral garden restaurant.
I waited nearby because he asked.
Not because I decided.
Progress.
She arrived without the engagement ring.
No dramatic jewelry.
No family entourage.
She sat.
For several minutes, neither spoke.
Then Mara said:
“I’m sorry.”
Evan looked at her.
“For what?”
Good.
She started with the easy answer.
“For what happened in the gallery.”
He waited.
She swallowed.
“For hiding your prosthetic.”
More.
“For telling you Lucian was ashamed.”
More.
Her face broke.
“For liking when you needed me.”
There.
The truth.
Mara had not begun with political intent.
At first she liked being useful.
Helping Evan with stairs.
Carrying equipment.
Adjusting straps when his hands were full.
Then usefulness became importance.
Importance became power.
When Evan resisted her family’s alliance, she discovered withholding help made him anxious.
Then ashamed.
Then easier to persuade.
Derek noticed.
Encouraged it.
Carlo legitimized it.
But the first choice had been hers.
“I loved you,” she said.
Evan looked tired.
“I know.”
“I still do.”
“I know.”
“Does that matter?”
“Yes.”
She looked hopeful.
He continued.
“Not enough.”
Her face collapsed.
Good answer.
Love matters.
It simply does not erase control.
She asked whether he would ever forgive her.
“I don’t know.”
Whether they would marry.
“I don’t know.”
Whether she could see him again.
“Not yet.”
Three answers without certainty.
Four months earlier, Evan would have apologized for each.
Now he simply let them exist.
When Mara left, he sat alone for a while.
Then waved me over.
I sat.
“Well?”
I asked.
He smiled.
“You’re terrible at emotional support.”
“I came silently.”
May you like
“You’re still doing it loudly.”
Brothers.
