Just Tell Me You Love Me (Book 1 in the Just Series) *under editing*

Chapter 17

Massimo

What am I doing wrong?

I gazed out the window in my office. Yes, I love my wife and I always will, but I see her point. How can she marry me, if I still love my wife.

Was I really ready to move on? I know that the feelings I have for Arabella are strong, and it is growing everyday. I can't stop thinking about her. I want to see her all the time. I want to kiss her every minute of everyday. I care for her deeply, and that's more than any feeling I've had for anyone in a long time. That's more than anything I ever thought I would ever feel again. But every time, I think about Cassie, I feel guilty for feeling this way about someone else, when it should be her.

I know I have to close this chapter in my life, before I open a new one. I can't have this hanging over me any longer. Arabella deserves better. If I want a future with Arabella, I know I have to leave this behind me. I'm scared of losing her. Shes gotten under my skin. She has embedded herself in our lives so quickly. I know that I would feel great loss again, if she walks away from us.

If I were to be honest with myself, I think I knew, from the first moment I saw her, that she was going to be someone special. That's why I turned her away. I knew that she would be the one to evoke feelings I had buried along with Cassie.

I turn around and walk over to my desk. I open one of the drawers and pull out Cassie's letter. I read it over and over again.

After reading it one last time, I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to find comfort and assurance, that what I'm going is right.

This letter...my dream... They all say and point to the same thing....

Moving on.

I'm ready now.

I put the letter back in its place, and I remove my wedding ring, and rest it on top of the letter.

Brace yourself Arabella. I won't give up until you say yes to becoming my wife, and Lia's mom.

***
For the past 3 days since my rejected proposal, Arabella was back to ignoring me as much as she can. My mother flew back to Italy 2 days ago, totally oblivious to the fact that I had just proposed to Arabella, and was turned down. But before she left, she made me promise to visit them soon, and even insisted that I bring Arabella, the next time I do. I promised her I would. It was comforting to know, that my mom was completely taken by Arabella. I could see the admiration and respect she has for Arabella. I mean who wouldn't admire and respect her? She's absolutely amazing. Having my mother's approval, makes this so much more easier. Hell, if my mom already loves her, then I'm sure my father and my two younger sisters will too.

I've been giving Arabella the space that she needs, because I am definitely gong full force after this.

It's Friday night, and I just decided to call Marco and Jason for some drinks. It's been a long time, since we hung out.

I walk into the bar we frequented, and I immediately spot them at our usual spot.

"Hey man, I can't believe you actually asked us out to meet for drinks," Marco said.

I smirked. "I feel sorry for you both. No one else can stand you men except me."

"Asshole," Marco said. Then he noticed the hand holding my drink.

"Woah, where's your ring?" He asked, causing Jason to look at my ring finger.

"Holy shit!" Jason said.

I shrugged, wanting to seem nonchalant. "I took it off."

"Holy shit, does this mean what I think it does?" Jason asked.