Chapter 268 The Confession

Chapter 268 The Confession
Suddenly, the office door opened, and the hostess peeked in, looking apologetic. “Mr. Matteo, someone needs you,” she said quietly. “Can you step out for a moment?”
Evan looked at Millie. “You okay waiting here?” he asked. “I’ll be quick.”
Millie nodded, relieved for a moment herself. “Sure,” she said, settling down in a leather chair by the desk, the invitation still in her hands.
Evan gave her a quick smile and followed the hostess out, the door closing behind him.
Alone in the office, Millie looked around, the space feeling very much like Evan. The walls were covered with framed photos showing glimpses of his life since then. Pictures of Evan and his mother stood out—grinning in front of the Eiffel Tower, laughing at an Asian street market, standing on a windy cliff somewhere far off. Their close bond was clear in every smile and shared moment from their travels.
They were making up for lost times, Millie thought and smiled softly, glad to see Evan had found some peace.
Her eyes moved to other photos—Evan standing in front of restaurants with signs like Matteo’s Bistro and Matteo’s Coastal Kitchen. He’d created his own chain, separate from the Moretti name.
The thought brought a mix of admiration and a quiet sadness, a reminder of how much had changed for both of them and how much they hadn’t yet said.
About an hour later, the door opened, and Evan came back, his shirt a bit wrinkled, looking slightly tired but energized. “Sorry for the wait,” he said, his eyes bright. “Want to check out something cool?”
Millie’s interest sparked. “Yeah, sure,” she said, standing from the chair, her dress shifting as she followed him.
Evan took her through a back stairwell, the restaurant’s noise fading as they climbed to a heavy door. He pushed it open, revealing the rooftop, set up as a cozy lounge.
Chairs were spread out, covered with blankets, and string lights hung overhead, glowing softly in the evening air. The city skyline sparkled in the distance, with a faint salty breeze from the nearby ocean.
“This is our staff lounge,” Evan said, grinning as he gestured around. “Cool, right?”
Millie smiled, impressed. “Yeah, it’s awesome,” she said, looking around.
They sat in two chairs, the cushions soft, and chatted easily at first, light and familiar. They talked about the restaurant, the changes in the city, Millie’s classes, and her new routine in college. The kind of catching up that came with shared history.
They moved on to people they both knew, trading updates like postcards from distant parts of their lives.
“Clara’s good. She’s been enjoying her time volunteering. It helps her sleep better,” Millie said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Rose told me Nina went back to school. How’s she doing now?”
Evan nodded, looking proud. “I had to reach out to some... old contacts. Got her a new identity, sent her somewhere safe. But some of Giancarlo’s old associates believe that she's alive, so she’s still under my protection. I don’t think she could’ve made it on her own.”
Millie’s gaze softened. “You’ve always been the one who cared so much about other people. I knew it the first time Alfie told me about you."
Evan chuckled, leaning back with a stretch. “Alfie... He’s doing well, too. He’s working at my other restaurant now.” Then his expression shifted, gentling as he looked at her. “It’s really good to see you, Millie,” he said, sounding genuine.
Millie’s nerves kicked in, and she blurted out, “I’m on my own now. Just figuring things out.”
“That’s awesome,” Evan said, then paused, his tone cautious. “What about… Ethan?”
She tensed. “I left him,” she said quietly.
Evan’s face softened. “I’m sorry, Millie. I'm sure Ethan's the problem,” he said, his tone light but teasing. “You chose him, and he blew it.”
Millie grinned. “Why do you assume I chose him?” she asked.
“Well, you didn’t come back to me,” he said, shrugging. “Kinda obvious.”
“I didn’t get it back then why I didn’t reach out,” she said. “All I saw was Ethan’s pain, how broken he was. I stayed, thinking I could help him, maybe wanting a different life, something beyond the one he was born into. But I realized that’s all he knows. Cheri was right.”
“I’m sorry, Millie.”
Millie shook her head, a small smile on her face. “Me too,” she said, her voice steady. “It took time to figure out what I want… and Rose helped me see who I want to be with. Someone who’s broken but willing to heal. Someone who, like me, is okay with a simple life.”
Evan leaned closer, his eyes bright with a playful grin. “Sounds like you and Rose had a serious talk,” he teased.
Millie’s nerves buzzed, her fingers gripping the invitation as she let out a shy laugh. She tucked a stray curl of her wavy hair behind her ear, then immediately untucked it.
“Yeah,” she said. “And, uh, she played me this recording of you… making some confession…”
Evan’s smile dropped, his brow furrowing. “Wait, what?” he said, sitting up straighter. “What recording?”