Matteo

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 17.

"Mr.Cortiano welcome,welcome." The doorman said in a cheerful tone as smiled up at MAtteo and welcome them. Then he moved his eyes to Aria and bowed his head respectfully. "Welcome Ma'am." 

Aria replied with a soft thank you as Matteo stopped walking and shifted slightly to face the doorman. 

"Steve, how are you?" His reply was casual as he stood next to Aria and buttoned up his suit jacket with one hand looking sexy as hell. All the while keeping his other hand firmly around Aria. 

"I am good Sir. I heard the congratulations are in order." Hearing that Aria turned to look at the doorman who Matteo called Steve.

"Oh, thank you Steve." Matteo's face up lifted with a huge smile as he glanced at Aria. "This is Aria, my darling wife-to -be." Matteo introduced her with a hint of pride and Aria blushed as she politely said hello.

"It is nice to meet you ma'am." Steve replied immediately but honestly. 

"So how's everything going. Is Joe liking his new school?" Matteo asked in a very casual tone, like they both knew each other from a very long time and were on first name basis.  

"Oh, Joe is loving the new school," A huge smile pulled on Steve's face "His grades have improved tremendously and so has his health. Now he hates weekends and holidays." Steve added the last part with a laugh and Matteo joined him in while I smiled politely. Not sure who Joe was or why he loved school so much??

"That is really great to hear Steve." 

"It is all because if you Sir. I can't thank you enough." Steve quickly added.

"I did nothing Steve. I just know someone who knows someone and they were more than eager to help." Matteo's tired to brush off Steve's thank as politely as he could. And for the first time Aria notice how uneasy he was. He loved helping people but hated when they thanked him or maybe he wasn't used to it.

Aria was surprised seeing this side of Matteo, who was he and what has happened to that up-tight , rude mafia underboss that met her in the gazebo. Did he had a twin brother, one he met that day or was he the same guy. And she just needed to give him some time, so she could know the real him and not the one he likes to show to  the rest of the world. 

After exchanging a few more words Matteo guided Aria in to the fancy Jewelry store. They were immediately seated in one of the VIP rooms in the back of the store and the store owner - Rosene joined them in seconds. 

"Good afternoon Mr.Cortiano, Mrs. Cortiano. It is really nice to have you both here." Rosene said as she walked in followed by two men. One of them was carrying a trays of  hors d'oeuvres while the other had his tray filled with different juices. 

"Rosene, it is always nice to see you. Maa said hi and that she loved the pearl necklace you designed for her." Matteo replied before unbuttoning his suit jacket with one hand. 

"I am glad and it is always an honor to serve your mother and your family." Rosene replied as she extended her hand out for Aria to shake. 

"Hello Mrs.Cortiano, it is really nice to meet you." Aria smiled as she politely accepted her hand "I can't wait to show you the engagement ring that I designed for you. Please take a seat." Rosene guestured as she took a step back and let Matteo and Aria take a seat on the couch. 

As Aria sat in the couch right next to Matteo, explained. "I trust Rosens's skills and that is why I exclusively asked her to design our engagement ring." 

Aria simply smiled, amazed how much effort Matteo was putting into the their wedding. He brought her to their family jeweler and had taken time from his busy life to explain what type of rig he wants for their engagement.