“What are you doing here, Patrizio?”
“I needed to see you.”
“Why?”
“I didn’t like how things were left between us the last time we saw each other.”
“They were left the way they were because you wanted to think about breaking off your engagement even though you and I both know that it’s the decent thing to do.”
“And I told you that it wasn’t that simple.”
“And I said that it was but you’re making it complicated.”
“You wrongfully assumed that my hesitation had to do with the company.”
“What’s the reason for your hesitation, then? Do you love your fiancée?”
“No. I told you already that I care about her but I don’t love her. I love you.”
“What is your reason then for dragging your feet?”
“I don’t want to hurt Camilla. She’s a really sweet girl.”
“You’ll hurt her even more by dragging this out.”
“You’re right, of course but–“
“At least you’re considering her feelings which is more than you did for me. You didn’t agonize over telling me that you had gotten engaged. Instead, I heard about it from someone else. When I came to see you that day in your office and confront you about it, you have no idea how badly I wanted to slap you hard across the face. I fought hard not to cry because it was the last thing I wanted to do in front of you.”
“Leticia, I wanted to tell you about the engagement but I was afraid.”
“Afraid of what?”
“Losing you.”
“You lost me when you got engaged to her.”
“Leticia, I know that I have absolutely no right to ask you this, but is there still hope for us?”
“I don’t know.”
At least, she didn’t say no. He stood up. “I’m going to see Camilla this evening and then, her father afterwards.”
“What are you going to say to her?”
“I will tell her everything I’ve told you.”
“It will destroy her relationship with her father.”
“Yes, it will.”
“I can’t help feeling very sorry for her. She was betrayed by two men she loved.”
“Yes. Just like you must have felt when you found out about the engagement.”
“Yes. It was the worst moment in my life.”
“Leticia, I’m so sorry…”
“I think you should go now. I’ve things to do.”
“All right. I’ll see myself out.” He turned and walked out of the living-room. Moments later, she heard the door close.
Notes to Women 