A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER XVIII

Matteo paced the floor of his dimly lit living room, his thoughts racing like a storm. His father’s words echoed in his mind, but it wasn’t just the argument that weighed heavily on him. There was something deeper, a truth that Matteo had kept hidden, and he could feel his father’s scrutiny cutting through the layers he had built around that secret.

He had known, on some level, that his father was perceptive—able to see the cracks in Matteo's facade. But now the fear clawed at him, gnawing away at the edges of his resolve. What if his father decided to take action? The very idea sent a chill down Matteo’s spine. He couldn’t shake the thought that his father might use his influence to push Isabella away, to take her out of his life entirely.

“No,” Matteo muttered under his breath, shaking his head as if he could physically dispel the notion. “That’s impossible.”

The mere thought of losing Isabella felt like a dagger to his heart. She had become the light in his shadowy world, the one person who saw him for who he truly was other than his late mother, not just the ruthless mafia heir he had been molded into. The thought of his father reaching for her, of using whatever power he had to manipulate her into leaving, was unfathomable. He wouldn’t allow it.

Matteo’s fists clenched at his sides, and he felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him. No one could harm Isabella—not while he was alive. He would do whatever it took to keep her safe, to shield her from the darkness that lurked in the corners of his life. The mafia world was brutal, and it was a truth he was desperate to keep her away from. She deserved more than that—more than him.

He recalled the moments they had shared: their quiet coffee breaks, the laughter that spilled effortlessly between them, the way she smiled at him as if he was more than just a businessman or a mafia heir. That happiness was fragile, and it was his responsibility to protect it.

“Over my dead body,” Matteo growled, the resolve hardening within him. He would confront his father, and he would make it clear that he wouldn’t let anyone threaten what he had built with Isabella. The stakes were high, but he was ready to fight for her.

As he moved through the house, he found his phone and dialed Isabella’s number. It rang once, twice, and then her voice came through, soft and warm.

“Matteo?” she answered, a hint of surprise in her tone.

Matteo took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking. “Hey, Bella,” he said, his voice steady yet warm. “I just wanted to check in on you. I hope you’re doing okay.”

Isabella smiled softly, her expression brightening at the sound of his voice. “I’m good! Just wrapped up a long day at the hospital. How about you?”

“Just busy with work,” he replied, keeping his tone casual. He didn’t want to burden her with his worries, especially when he was still wrestling with his own feelings about his father’s presence and intentions. “I was thinking about you, though.”

“Really?” she asked, a hint of surprise in her voice. “That’s sweet. I was just thinking about you too.”

Matteo felt a warmth spread through him at her words. “I’m glad to hear that. I just wanted to reassure you that you’re safe, no matter what’s going on around us. I care about you, Bella, and I’m always here for you.”

Her gaze softened, and he could see the appreciation in her eyes. “That means a lot to me, Matteo. I feel safe with you.”

“I’ll always make sure of that,” he promised, even though he knew the dangers lurking in the shadows of his life. He wanted her to feel secure, to know that he would do everything in his power to protect her from any harm.

After a pause, she leaned in slightly, her voice lowering to a whisper. “Is everything okay? You sound a bit… off.”

Matteo hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. “Yeah, just dealing with some things at work. It’s nothing you need to worry about,” he said, hoping to ease her concerns.

Isabella searched his face, her expression a mix of worry and understanding. “If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here. You don’t have to carry everything alone.”

He appreciated her offer, but the truth was he wanted to shield her from his world, from the chaos and dangers that surrounded him. “I know, and I really appreciate that. I just need some time to sort things out.”

“Okay,” she said, her voice softening. “Just remember, I’m here for you.”

They shared a quiet moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Matteo felt a surge of gratitude for her presence in his life, a grounding force amidst the turmoil.

“Let’s meet this Sunday, okay? I could really use some time with you,” he suggested, wanting to focus on the light they shared rather than the darkness surrounding him.

“Absolutely! I’d love that,” she replied, her smile returning.

After they said their goodbyes, Matteo ended the call and leaned back in his chair, the weight on his chest feeling a little lighter. He didn’t know what his father was plotting, but he was determined to keep Isabella safe, to protect their growing bond.

He had a plan forming in his mind. No matter the obstacles ahead, he would ensure that nothing and no one would come between him and Isabella. With her by his side, he felt like he could take on the world.