"Yes."
"And you didn't think that deserved a conversation? That I deserved input?" Now the anger surfaces, flashing in her dark eyes. "That's exactly what Marc did. Decided my future for me."
The comparison stings. "That's not fair."
"Isn't it? You stood in that courtroom and stated, under oath, that we're continuing our marriage. That December 26th is irrelevant." She rises, pacing the living room. "You changed the terms without asking me."
"We both said we weren't ready for December 26th." I remain seated, keeping my voice level despite the tension building in my chest.
"Not being ready isn't the same as announcing we're building a life together!" She rounds on me. "Maybe I needed more time to think. To decide what I want."
"And what do you want, Judith?" I finally stand, patience fraying. "Because four days ago, you couldn't answer that question."
"I want a choice!" Her voice rises, emotion breaking through her usual composure. "I want to be asked, not told. I want to decide my future, not have it decided for me again."
The words hit hard. Because she's right. I did exactly what I promised not to do. Made unilateral decisions that affect both of us.
"You're right." The admission costs me, but she deserves nothing less. "I overstepped. I should have discussed it with you first."
She stares at me, clearly not expecting this response. "Yes. You should have."
"I'm not Marc." I move toward her slowly, giving her space to retreat if needed. "I don't want to control you. I want to protect you. Sometimes those instincts get blurred."
Some of the tension leaves her shoulders. "I don't need protection, Dario. I need partnership."
"I know." I stop before her, close enough to touch but not touching. "I'm not used to considering someone else in my decisions. It's been just me for a long time."
"I understand that." Her voice softens slightly. "But this isn't just about buying the wrong groceries or scheduling a furniture delivery. This is our lives."
"Our lives." I repeat the words, testing how they feel. "Is that what you want? A life with me beyond December 26th?"
Her eyes meet mine, vulnerability and strength mixing in their dark depths.
"I don't know." She answers honestly. "I know I want more time with you. I know what we have is... special. Different. But I also know I need to make this choice for myself. Not because you declared it in a courtroom or because Marc is threatening us or because your land was at stake."
I nod, understanding. "Take whatever time you need. No pressure. No deadline."
"And if I decide I want to leave after December 26th?"
The possibility sends a cold spike through my chest, but I keep my voice steady. "Then I'll respect your decision."
She studies me, searching for truth in my expression. Whatever she sees must satisfy her, because she steps forward, closing the distance between us.
"What about you?" Her hand comes to rest against my chest, over my heart. "What do you want, Dario? Beyond keeping your land."
I cover her hand with mine, holding it against the heartbeat she's accelerated. "I want you. However I can have you, for as long as you'll stay."
The simple truth, stripped of tactics and strategy. The most exposed I've allowed myself to be outside the bedroom.
"Even though this started as a business arrangement?"
I bring her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "We've seen each other at our most calculating, our most pragmatic. And still found something worth keeping."
Tears gather in her eyes, though she doesn't let them fall. "Marc arrives tomorrow."
"I know." I pull her gently against me, relief flooding through me when she doesn't resist. "We'll handle him together."
She nods against my chest, arms circling my waist. "Together."
