Love in the ER

CHAPTER 36

It was another busy morning at the hospital, and Paris was mentally preparing herself for a full day of work. She had been trying to push aside all the drama from the previous day—Rodrigo's confrontation, Oliver's support, and Denise's manipulations. She just wanted to focus on her patients and get through the day without any more surprises.

As soon as she stepped through the hospital doors, though, she was greeted by a familiar face—Matteo.

"Oh, great." Paris muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes. She had barely been able to take a step inside, and already, Matteo was there, leaning against the nurse's station as if he had been waiting for her.

She let out a long sigh, her patience wearing thin. "What do you want this time, Matteo?" she asked, crossing her arms as she faced him.

Matteo looked up, a somewhat sheepish expression on his face. He pushed off the counter and took a step toward her, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Nothing. Can't even say hi to a fellow colleague?"

Paris raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "After everything? You've been a royal pain, Matteo."

Matteo winced slightly, but he nodded. "Yeah, I know. You're right. I've been... well, let's just say I've been a dick. And I'm sorry. I thought I was looking out for you, but I realize now I was just being selfish. I do care about you, Paris. I always have."

Paris eyed him warily, unsure of where this was going. "You've got a funny way of showing it, Matteo."

He let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. "I know. And I get that. I just... I don't know, I thought maybe if I could get you to see things my way, you'd..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "It doesn't matter. The truth is, no matter what I do, you're always going to love him."

Paris felt a small pang in her chest at the mention of Oliver, but she kept her face impassive.

Matteo continued, his voice quieter now. "Look, I'm hurt, of course. It sucks. But I've come to terms with it. I know now that no matter what I say or do, your heart belongs to him. And I guess... I just don't want to lose you forever. Even if it's just as a friend."

Paris frowned, still not entirely convinced. "You've been trying to break me and Oliver apart for weeks, Matteo. And now you want to be friends?"

Matteo nodded earnestly, stepping closer, though his tone was softer. "Yeah, I do. I promise, no more games, no more... trouble. I just want to be friends. I care about you too much to lose you completely."

Paris stared at him for a moment, weighing his words carefully. Could she really trust him? Matteo had proven himself to be manipulative and stubborn, constantly trying to wedge himself between her and Oliver. But something about his tone today felt different. He seemed... sincere, at least for now.

"Friends, huh?" Paris said, tilting her head slightly, eyeing him with suspicion.

Matteo raised his hands again, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Friends. I swear. No ulterior motives. Just... friendship."

Paris let out a slow breath, rolling her eyes slightly. "Alright, fine." She crossed her arms again, her voice cautious. "I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. But don't think for a second that I fully trust you, Matteo. You've burned that bridge one too many times."

Matteo nodded, looking genuinely relieved. "Fair enough. I'll take what I can get. I won't mess it up this time. Promise."

Paris gave him a pointed look, still skeptical, but nodded. "We'll see. But remember—one slip-up, and this is over. No more trouble from you. Got it?"

Matteo grinned slightly, holding up his hand like he was making a solemn vow. "Got it. No more trouble. Just friends."

Paris smirked, though her guard was still up. "Good. Now, I've got work to do. So if you'll excuse me..."

Matteo nodded, stepping aside to let her pass. "Of course. And... thanks, Paris. For giving me another chance."

Paris didn't respond immediately, but as she walked past him, she glanced back briefly. "Yeah, well... I'm a good person." She flashed him a small smile, though her tone carried a hint of sarcasm. "So, yeah. Friends."

Matteo chuckled lightly, watching her walk away. "Friends it is."

As Paris headed down the hallway toward her first round of patients, she couldn't help but shake her head. Matteo wanting to be friends? She wasn't sure if she could really trust him, but for now, it seemed like he was willing to step back from all the drama. Only time would tell if he would stick to his word.

But right now, she had bigger things to focus on. Denise, Rodrigo, and the uncertainty with Oliver still weighed heavily on her mind. But at least with Matteo backing off, it was one less thing to worry about.

For now.