A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER XXVI

Matteo and Isabella finally embarked on their vacation to her mother’s house in XX, it's their hometown. The serene, countryside atmosphere of the village was a stark contrast to the bustling city life they were used to.
As they drove down the narrow, tree-lined roads leading to the village, Matteo felt a strange mix of contentment and unease. He was happy to be by Isabella's side, but the weight of his secret life hung over him like a dark cloud.

Isabella, on the other hand, was excited to see her mother and introduce Matteo to the peaceful world she grew up in. But neither of them could have predicted that something darker was lurking in the background, ready to disrupt their tranquil escape.

When they arrived at her mother’s house in XX village, Isabella was filled with anticipation. The cozy, modest home nestled among trees felt like a safe haven, a world away from the chaos of city life. Matteo parked the car, and Isabella led the way, her heart racing slightly as she prepared to introduce him to her mother.

As they approached the door, Isabella’s mother greeted them with a warm smile. She immediately embraced her daughter, glad to see her after such a long time. Matteo stood respectfully, watching the tender exchange between mother and daughter.

“Mama, this is Matteo,” Isabella said with a smile, glancing at Matteo. “He’s…someone very special to me.”

Her mother, though a bit surprised by the unexpected guest, welcomed Matteo warmly. “It’s so nice to meet you, Matteo,” she said kindly, offering her hand.

Matteo, with his usual charm, shook her hand. “The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Ca....Romano. Isabella has told me so much about you.”

They exchanged polite smiles, and as the three of them entered the house, the atmosphere felt light and comfortable. Isabella was happy to have Matteo by her side, sharing this important part of her life. Meanwhile, Matteo, while trying to relax and enjoy the moment, couldn’t completely shake the sense that something more was at play—something he needed to protect Isabella from.

Unbeknownst to Isabella, her mother and Matteo shared a deep secret that had been buried for years. As they sat around the dinner table that evening, the casual conversation flowed naturally, but beneath the surface, there was an unspoken tension between Matteo and her mother.

Isabella’s mother occasionally exchanged knowing glances with Matteo, her eyes betraying a hint of concern. She hadn’t expected him to come—not like this. They had made an agreement long ago, one that was meant to protect Isabella from the dangerous world Matteo inhabited.

She witnessed things that no one should have, things that led to a silent understanding between her and Matteo's family. In exchange for her silence, they had promised to keep Isabella safe.

Matteo knew this secret all too well. Seeing Isabella again had reignited feelings he had buried, but it also complicated everything. His relationship with her wasn’t just about love—it was tied to the old promises made to her mother.

As the evening wore on, Isabella remained oblivious, chatting happily about her life in the city, unaware of the storm brewing between her mother and Matteo. The secret they shared was now more fragile than ever, and both of them knew that the time would come when they would have to face the consequences of their past choices.

For now, though, they kept the secret buried deep, hoping it would never come to light. But secrets like these had a way of surfacing—especially when the stakes were this high.

That night, after a long day of reuniting with Isabella's mother and settling into the peaceful atmosphere of their hometown, Isabella prepared Matteo’s room. She smiled as she made up the bed, feeling content with how the day had gone. Everything seemed perfect—almost too perfect.