A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER XIV

As Matteo stepped into his house, the dim lighting casting long shadows on the walls, he felt a rare sense of joy wash over him. The space he usually referred to as "the box" felt lighter, warmer, after his evening with Isabella. He couldn't stop replaying the moment they kissed in his mind, his heart racing every time he thought about it. It was as if the weight of his world had been lifted, if only for a little while.

Matteo let out a content sigh, his lips curling into a smile that hadn't left his face since he left her apartment. For a moment, he felt like a different man-someone free from the darkness of his life, just like a puppy eager to chase after something new and pure. But as he walked pass the living room, that feeling was shattered.

Sitting on the leather couch, with an unreadable expression and a cigarette slowly burning between his fingers, was his father, Dominic Von De'Luca. The older man exuded an aura of authority, one that made Matteo instantly tense. His father wasn't just any man-he was the ruthless patriarch of the De'Luca family and the very reason Matteo's life had spiraled into the underworld.

Dominic's cold, calculating eyes locked onto his son the moment Matteo entered. The warmth and happiness Matteo had felt minutes before drained from him in an instant, replaced by the familiar chill of his father's presence. The man hadn't even said a word yet, but Matteo already knew this was no casual visit.

"Father," Matteo greeted stiffly, his voice lacking the lightness it had held just moments earlier.

Dominic slowly extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray beside him, taking his time before speaking. "You're in a good mood," he remarked, his voice low and dangerous, the kind that demanded attention. "Where've you been?"

Matteo tried to compose himself, erasing any traces of the happiness that had come from his time with Isabella. He couldn't afford to let his father see him vulnerable-especially not about her. Dominic's influence ran deep, and any weakness could be exploited.

"I was out handling some business," Matteo lied smoothly, his expression hardening as he met his father's gaze.

Dominic raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed with the vague response. "Business?" he echoed, standing up from the couch and slowly approaching Matteo. "I've taught you better to not waste time on distractions."

Matteo's jaw clenched as his father circled him, inspecting him like a predator does its prey. "It wasn't a waste of time," Matteo replied, his tone measured. "Everything is under control."

Dominic's eyes narrowed. "I'm not sure you understand what 'under control' means anymore," he said, his voice laced with cold menace. "You've been... distracted lately. The Stk enterprise deal isn't finished, and you've been out late, skipping meetings."

Matteo felt his heart pound in his chest, but he refused to let his father see his discomfort. He couldn't let him know that the reason for his distraction was a woman-a woman who brought him peace in a world filled with chaos.

"I'll close the deal," Matteo said firmly, keeping his voice steady. "Everything is moving according to plan."

Dominic stopped in front of Matteo, his face inches away from his son's. "You better make sure it does. There's no room for error, Matteo. Not in this life."

Matteo didn't flinch, but inside, he felt the weight of his father's words sink deep into his bones. He knew the stakes. One wrong move, one slip-up, and everything he'd built-his empire, his future, even Isabella-could be ripped away.

"I understand," Matteo replied, his voice cold and emotionless.

Dominic stared at him for a moment longer, searching Matteo's eyes for any sign of weakness or defiance. Finding none, he finally stepped back, the tension in the room lessening but not disappearing.