A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER XLII

Matteo gently took Isabella’s hand, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. “Come with me,” he whispered, leading her away from the couch and into the soft glow of the hallway. She felt her heart race with a mix of excitement and nervousness as they stepped into the elevator.

As the doors closed, Matteo turned to her, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I promise it’s not as scary as it seems,” he said, trying to ease her worries.

Isabella chuckled lightly, the tension easing just a bit. “I’m not scared; it’s just… complicated.”

“Complicated is my middle name,” Matteo replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “But tonight, let’s forget about complications and just be us.”

When they arrived at his house, the air felt charged with anticipation. Matteo opened the door, and Isabella stepped inside, taking in the familiar scent of his space mixed with the faint aroma of his cologne. The house was dimly lit, giving it an intimate atmosphere that made her heart flutter.

"This is my house, I basically stayed here but I admit I like the apartment more, I just wants to take you here infact your the only woman that I have brought here"

"If you have a house this huge, then why do you pretend to stay in that appartment?" She asked curiously

"The appartment is just my way of clearing minds when I wanted to rest, I usually leaves my house and go to my appartment, where I go and relax so no one could disturb, but today I wanted to take you here, I want you to be the Queen of this mansion, my Queen." a smile crept his face, when he looked at her blushing.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Matteo asked, moving toward the kitchen.

“Just water is fine,” she replied, settling onto the plush sofa, her heart racing.

As he poured two glasses, Isabella glanced around, noticing how personal and warm his house felt. It was a reflection of him—tastefully decorated with a mix of modern and classic touches, but above all, it felt lived in.

Matteo returned with the glasses and sat beside her, their knees brushing against each other. He handed her a glass, and their fingers lingered for a moment longer than necessary.

“I missed this,” he said softly, his eyes locking onto hers. “I missed you.”

Isabella felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. “I missed you too,” she admitted. “But I can’t shake off this feeling that everything is about to change.”

Matteo placed his glass down, leaning in closer, their breaths mingling. “Let’s not think about that right now,” he murmured, his voice low and inviting. “Let’s just focus on us.”

He cupped her face in his hands, his thumb grazing her cheek as he leaned in for a kiss. It was gentle at first, a sweet exploration that quickly deepened, igniting the passion they had been holding back for so long. Isabella melted into him, forgetting all her worries as they lost themselves in each other.

Time seemed to stand still as they kissed, the world outside fading away. Isabella could feel her heart racing, and a part of her knew they were teetering on the edge of something monumental.

As they pulled apart, breathless and slightly dazed, Matteo rested his forehead against hers. “ I Love You, Bella, I love you more than you could imagine and I want to love you for the rest of my life”

Isabella looked at him nodded, a mix of relief and affection washing over her. “I want that too, Matteo. I just want to be with you—whatever that means.”

They shared another tender kiss, their hands intertwining as if to solidify the bond they were forging. In that moment, the weight of the world felt lighter, and for the first time in a long while, Isabella allowed herself to believe in the possibility of happiness, even amidst the chaos that loomed outside their bubble.

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The morning light filtered softly through the curtains as Matteo slowly opened his eyes. After a long time in the past years he get a good sleep, he was sure where he was, he felt the warmth beside him. Isabella was still asleep, her head resting on his chest, her breathing steady and peaceful.

He smiled to himself, a rare moment of peace settling over him. It had been a long time since he felt this good—calm, content, like he could forget the world outside and just exist in this quiet bubble with her.

Matteo gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, trying not to wake her. He watched her for a moment, feeling a swell of emotions that he wasn’t used to. Isabella brought something out in him—a softness, a vulnerability that he had buried deep inside. He didn’t realize how much he needed this until now.

He carefully shifted, trying not to disturb her, but she stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. She looked up at him, a sleepy smile forming on her lips. “Good morning,” she whispered.

“Morning,” Matteo replied, his voice low and warm. He kissed her forehead softly, pulling her closer. “You slept well?”

Isabella nodded, her eyes still half-closed. “Better than I have in a long time,” she murmured. “I guess being with you helps.”

Matteo chuckled softly. “Good to know I have that effect,” he said, playfully. But deep down, he knew it wasn’t just her—he hadn’t felt this rested in what seemed like forever.

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other’s warmth, the outside world forgotten. But as much as Matteo wanted to hold on to this moment, he knew it couldn’t last forever. There were things he needed to deal with—business, threats, and now, Carter.

But for now, in this quiet morning, none of that mattered. All that mattered was her, here with him, safe and close.

Isabella stretched beside him, breaking the peaceful silence. “We should probably get up,” she said with a small laugh. “I have work, and I don’t want to be late.”

Matteo sighed, not wanting to let the moment end. “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” he said reluctantly. “But let’s just stay here a little longer.”

And so, they did—holding onto the fleeting moment of peace before the realities of their lives came crashing back in.