Page 124 of Please, Forgive Me

“It’s hard to believe you after everything,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. “But at the same time, I want to believe. I want to think maybe we could start over. Still… I can’t promise anything.”

I took a careful step closer but kept the respectful distance she seemed to need.

“That’s all I’m asking,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “A chance to prove I’ve changed—to show you I can be the man you deserve. I’m not giving up until you feel we could really have a future together.”

She stayed quiet, but the faint nod of her head gave me hope. It was a start, and I was determined to do whatever it took to win her back.

“Diego Bittencourt, the big CEO, trying to win me over with a dinner? I never thought I’d see the day you’d use your corporate charm for this.”

I couldn’t help smiling too, knowing Maria Gabriela loved to tease.

“Maybe I need a new strategy outside the office. Something less formal… more personal.”

She crossed her arms, tilting her head as she studied me.

“Well, if you promise this time you won’t turn a simple dinner into a business meeting, I’ll accept.”

“I promise,” I said, the sincerity clear in my eyes.

Maria Gabriela stepped a little closer, the familiarity of it feeling both old and new at once.

“So, when’s this big dinner, Diego? Let’s see if you’ve really changed—or if you’re still as stubborn as ever.”

“How about Friday night?” I suggested, hopeful she’d say yes.

She nodded, her smile widening.

“Friday’s perfect. But remember—no slideshows or charts, got it?”

“No problem. You’re the only woman who’s ever challenged me, who’s never been afraid to stand up to me—and who, deep down, has always been my equal.” I leaned in just a little, holding her gaze. “I’m willing to fight for this—for us. And you know I don’t give up easily.”

She sighed, pretending to think it over, but the glint in her eyes gave her away—she was enjoying seeing me like this.

“Well, then, I guess I’ll let you try, Diego Bittencourt. But don’t think for a second I’m going to make it easy for you. There’s still a long road ahead.”

“The new Diego’s got patience,” I said quietly. “You can bet on that…”

CHAPTER 49

“True love doesn’t erase the scars—it turns them into something beautiful…”

MARIA GABRIELA

Maybe it was a little wrong of me to let myself hope for something—specifically when it came to Diego—but after a year, I’d decided to give myself permission to feel again.

I knew everything he’d done, the pain he’d caused, but I believe people can change—at least until they prove otherwise. And since then, I hadn’t had any issues with him.

Now, though, I had butterflies in my stomach and needed to figure out exactly what that meant. My heart was pounding as I stood waiting by the door.

I couldn’t tell if it was nerves, anticipation, or maybe a bit of both.

When Diego arrived, it felt like time had rewound itself, and for a fleeting second, I was right back in that same place I’d been when we first met.

“You look beautiful as always, Maria Gabriela,” he said as soon as he saw me. The deep calm of his voice eased my nerves a little, but at the same time, it stirred something inside me—something I hadn’t felt in a long time.

I smiled, doing my best not to show the mess of emotions I was feeling.

“Thanks. You’re not looking too bad yourself,” I teased, my voice laced with that same irony we’d always shared in our conversations.