A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER XXX

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows on the road back to the house, Isabella and Matteo walked side by side, the comfort of the day's memories lingering between them.

When they arrived at the house, the warm, inviting aroma of home-cooked food greeted them. Mrs. Romano, ever the gracious hostess, had been busy preparing dinner. She was bustling around the kitchen when Isabella and Matteo walked in.

"Oh, you're back just in time!" Mrs. Romano exclaimed with a smile.

Mrs. Romano looked up from chopping vegetables and smiled at them. "I could use some extra hands in here. Dinner’s coming together, but there's still a lot to do."

Isabella nodded, slipping off her jacket. "Of course, Mom. Matteo and I can help."

Matteo, feeling more comfortable in the cozy atmosphere of their home, stepped forward. "Tell me what to do, Mrs. Romano. I'm happy to help."

Mrs. Romano handed Matteo a basket of vegetables to wash and chop. "You can start with these, and Bella, help me with the sauce."

Isabella’s mother moved about the kitchen, giving small instructions here and there. The scene was filled with warmth and an easygoing rhythm, the kind that only exists in a familiar, loving household. It was a stark contrast to the intensity of Matteo’s usual life, and he found himself appreciating the simplicity of it all.

"So," Mrs. Romano began with a playful glint in her eyes, "did you two enjoy your little adventure by the beach? It sounds like you had a good time."

Isabella blushed slightly, but Matteo chuckled, leaning into the relaxed atmosphere. "It was nice, very peaceful," he replied, exchanging a glance with Isabella that didn’t go unnoticed by her mother.

"Bella, used to like going there when she was a child, or whenever she's in bad mood, she used to scream there so no one could hear her" She giggles looking at Isabella

"Mama!," Isabella replied looking embarassed "don't listen to her, Matteo"

Matteo smiled as he continued chopping. "I can see why she loves it so much."

Isabella smiled to herself, focusing on stirring the sauce as the conversation unfolded. Her mother continued asking Matteo questions, and the warmth in the kitchen grew even more, not just from the food cooking on the stove but from the bond forming between them all.

The evening continued, filled with lighthearted conversation and laughter. Matteo, for once, felt a sense of peace and belonging—a stark contrast to his usual chaotic life. This felt different, like a glimpse of a life he didn’t know he needed. And with Isabella beside him, it felt even better.
The three of them moved around the kitchen, working together seamlessly. There was an ease in the air, a comforting rhythm to the way they all pitched in. Isabella stirred the sauce while her mother handled the meat, and Matteo, chopping vegetables beside them, found himself unexpectedly enjoying this quiet, domestic moment.

The evening passed with ease, filled with laughter and light conversation. Matteo couldn't help but feel like he was becoming a part of something special—something he hadn't had in a long time.

Once the vegetables were chopped, the sauce simmered perfectly, and everything else was in place, the trio worked together to set the table.

Once the table was set, they all gathered around for dinner. Mrs. Romano had outdone herself, the meal rich with comforting flavors. As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, with Mrs. Romano sharing stories from her friend, occasionally teasing Isabella about her day at the beach with Matteo.

As the night drew to a close, Isabella and Matteo cleared the table together. Mrs. Romano looked on, a soft smile on her face, clearly happy to see the connection between them growing.