The ride home was quiet, almost suffocating in its stillness. The city lights flickered past the window in blurred streaks, but neither of us spoke. Luca kept his eyes on the road, his hands steady on the wheel.
When the car finally stopped, I reached for the door handle, ready to leave without a word.
His voice stopped me.
I paused, my hand still on the handle.
"You really sure you want a dissolution?"
I didn't hesitate.
I nodded.
I didn't even hesitate when I gave my answer.
Luca looked straight at me for a long second, as if searching for something in my expression. Then, without saying anything, he opened the car door, stepped out, and walked around to my side. The night air was cool, brushing faintly against my skin as he stopped right in front of me.
He didn't joke. He didn't soften his tone.
"Then maybe…" he said, his voice low and steady, "you should consider me instead."
I froze where I stood.
That wasn't what I had expected. Not from Luca. Not from him of all people.