Page 117 of Please, Forgive Me

“Have you found anywhere you like?”

“I have, actually. It’s perfect. But I heard it’s hard to get the lease approved. I’m waiting for an answer, though I know the chances aren’t great,” I explained, feeling that familiar edge of anxiety creep in.

Diego slowed his pace, clearly thinking about something. For a moment, he didn’t say anything. Then, with quiet determination, he looked at me and smiled.

“If you need help, I’m here. And no—I don’t mean that as someone trying to interfere in your life. I mean it as someone who cares.”

I glanced at him, surprised by the offer, and for the first time in a while, I believed he meant it.

Maybe Diego really was changing—trying to become a better version of himself. It felt strange, but also comforting, to realize that in some way, he still belonged in my life.

“All right,” I said softly, returning his smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

DIEGO BITTENCOURT

I parked in front of Maria Gabriela’s building, turned off the engine, and sat there in silence for a few seconds.

She was next to me, quiet, but the tension in the air was undeniable—like we were both waiting for the right moment to say something that actually mattered.

I glanced at her, catching how the soft city light played across her features, making her look even more beautiful.

“Are you sure you want to stay in this apartment?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady without sounding intrusive.

I knew she had her reasons, but a part of me wanted to offer her something better—something that showed how much I cared.

She looked at me, a little surprised by the question, but her expression softened and she answered with a faint smile.

“Yes. I like my apartment. At least until the end of the year,” she said, and I could hear the attachment in her voice. “It’s our home right now—the place where Clara took her first steps, where we’re building memories. I don’t see a reason to leave just yet.”

I nodded, respecting her decision even though the urge to push lingered.

I had to be patient.

I couldn’t rush this. I knew I had to win her back with actions, not empty promises.

I’d been trying—really trying—to get close to her again, to show her I was a different man now. My time away had taught me what truly mattered.

It wasn’t power or success.

It was her. It was Clara. It was the idea of a family—something I’d neglected for far too long.

“You know, Maria Gabriela…” I started, feeling a knot in my throat but deciding to push through. “Being away from you made me see a lot of things. I was an idiot. I let my fears and insecurities pull me away from what really matters.”

She stayed silent, watching me with that look that always unsettled me. It was like she could see through me, past the façade I’d kept up for years.

“I’ve learned to value the little things—the things that actually count. And one of those things…” I took a breath, gathering my courage. “Is you. And Clara, of course. You two and Arthur—you’re the most important people in my life now.”

I could see the doubt in her eyes.

It was hard for her to believe me after everything I’d put her through, and I understood that. But there was sincerity in my words, a genuine regret.

The truth was, I was terrified of losing her for good, but I knew I couldn’t rush her. I had to respect her timing.

“My dream, Maria Gabriela, has always been to have a happy family. I know I wrecked that at the start, but… you and Clara are part of that dream. I want to be the man you deserve, the father Clara needs. I just want a chance to prove it—to earn back your trust and your love.”

She opened the car door, lifted Clara carefully, and before stepping away, she turned back to me. Her gaze was steady, but there was a sadness in it that hurt to see.

“Diego, I can see that you’ve changed, and I’m not blind to it. But I’ve changed too. I need time—space—to figure out what I want for myself and for my daughter.” She paused, meeting my eyes, and I felt a mix of sadness and hope. “It’s not that I don’t want you in our lives. I just need to be sure this is what’s best for both of us.”