Dante as a father. Controlling. Abusive. Passing his cruelty to the next generation. Teaching children that violence and dominance were normal. That fear was love.
I'd have been trapped not just in a marriage but in raising children in that environment. Watching Dante hurt them the way he'd hurt me. Being powerless to protect them.
Thank God I'd run. Thank God I'd never had to live that nightmare.
Elio couldn't be more different. He was protective but not controlling. Strong but not cruel. Capable of violence but also mercy. He'd be a good father someday. Patient. Teaching. Guiding without crushing.
Not that we were anywhere near thinking about that. I was twenty-one. Way too young to be considering children. We'd been together less than three months. It was far too early for those conversations.
But still. Someday. Maybe. With Elio. I could imagine it. Could imagine a future where we had that kind of family. Where we built something permanent and good.
The thought filled me with unexpected warmth. Hope. Possibility.
"Julian?" Elio's voice pulled me back to the present. "You okay?"
"Yeah. Sorry. Just thinking."
"About?"
"The future. Good things. I'll tell you later."
The meeting continued. We discussed restructuring progress. Security updates. Financial projections. Everything was on track. Moving smoothly.
After the meeting ended, I caught Stefan in the hallway.
"Coffee?" I asked. "I need a break from the office."
"Sure. There's a good place three blocks away. We can walk."
Twenty minutes later we were heading down the street toward the coffee shop. My security detail—two guards Elio had assigned permanently after my public exposure—followed at a discreet distance. Close enough to protect. Far enough to give me space.
I'd gotten used to having security. It felt normal now. Safe. Like having a seatbelt in a car. Just a precaution that made sense.
Stefan and I talked about Sandro's announcement as we walked.
"He's going to be such a good dad," Stefan said. "Emilio too. They're going to love that kid so much."
"Did you and Matteo ever talk about it? Having kids?"
"Sometimes. We're not opposed to the idea. But right now we're focused on each other. On building what we have. Kids can come later if we decide we want them." Stefan glanced at me. "What about you and Elio?"
"I'm twenty-one. Way too young to be thinking seriously about that."
"But you are thinking about it."
"A little. Just—hypothetically. Dante used to talk about wanting kids. It was horrifying. The thought of bringing children into that relationship. Into that kind of home. But with Elio—" I stopped. Tried to find words. "With Elio I can imagine it. Someday. Not now. But eventually. It doesn't feel like a nightmare. It feels like something that could be good."
"That's growth. That's healing. That's what happens when you're with someone who makes you feel safe instead of trapped."
We reached the coffee shop. Stefan went inside to order. I stayed outside, leaning against the building. Enjoying the late morning sun.
My security detail positioned themselves nearby. One near the coffee shop entrance. One watching the street. Professional. Vigilant. Elio had trained them well.
I pulled out my phone. Texted Elio:Getting coffee with Stefan. Be back in 30.
His response came immediately:Stay with security. Don't wander off.
I won't. Promise. Love you.
