A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER XLV

Carter decided to take a more personal approach with Isabella. After work, he made his way to the hospital, dressed sharply in his usual tailored suit. He found her just as her shift was ending. Isabella, looking a bit tired but still maintaining her warm demeanor, was surprised to see him.

“Carter?” she said, a little puzzled, pulling off her gloves and walking toward him.

He flashed a charming smile. “I hope I’m not bothering you, Isabella,” he said, his tone light. “But I wanted to stop by and personally invite you to my birthday party tomorrow night. It’s a special event, and I’d really love for you to be there.”

Isabella looked at him, caught a bit off guard by the personal visit. “Oh, you didn’t have to come all this way just to invite me,” she said, smiling politely. “You have just sent a message. You don't have to bother yourself coming here.”

Carter chuckled softly. “I know, but I wanted to make sure you got the invitation from me. It’s been a while since we’ve really caught up, and honestly, it wouldn’t feel right without you there. We had good times back in med school, didn’t we?” His voice took on a nostalgic tone, as if he was trying to reconnect to the past.

She glanced at him, feeling a mix of curiosity and hesitation. “I appreciate the invitation, Carter. I’ll try to make it, but things have been a bit hectic lately. You know how work can get.”

Carter took a step closer, his eyes steady on hers. “I understand. But I really hope you’ll come. Andria’s already confirmed. I promise, it’ll be a fun evening. Just take a break, enjoy yourself for once. You deserve it.”

Isabella looked into his eyes, sensing his sincerity, though something about his insistence felt heavy. She nodded slowly. “Alright, I’ll be there,” she finally said, giving in. “It’ll be nice Andria will be there too, so I'll come with her then,”

Carter’s smile grew wider. “Great. I’m looking forward to it,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of something more than just friendly excitement. He took a moment before turning to leave. “I’ll see you there, Isabella.”

As he walked away, Isabella couldn’t shake the feeling that Carter wasn’t just inviting her for old times’ sake. There was something deeper in his request—something she didn't  wanted although she had rejected him and he respected saying  it wouldn't affect their friendship she just didn't want to go to his birthday party but she find it rude he had been respectful to her decision, and she wanted to know more about Matteo even if it's from him.

Matteo stood in the shadows, hidden by the crowd of people moving through the hospital’s entrance. He had come to see Isabella, despite his hectic schedule. He missed her more than he could admit, and watching her from afar had become something he’d done far too often. He was protective—borderline possessive—over her, and today was no different.

But as he scanned the busy hospital corridor, his heart dropped when he saw her with Carter. They were standing close, and while their conversation seemed casual, Matteo’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. He recognized Carter immediately—their paths had crossed before, both in business and on more personal terms.

Carter's hand lingered on Isabella’s arm as they spoke, and that simple gesture was enough to set Matteo’s blood boiling. His jaw clenched, and the familiar, unwelcome sting of jealousy surged through him. He couldn’t stand the idea of another man being close to her, much less a man like Carter, whom he knew played dangerous games.

Matteo’s mind raced, thinking of all the years he had kept Isabella safe from the shadows, making sure no one harmed her or got too close. No one was ever allowed near her unless he deemed it safe. She was his, even if she didn’t fully know it yet.

Watching Carter smile at Isabella only fueled his anger further. He wanted to march over, pull her away from him, and claim what was his. But Matteo restrained himself, barely. He knew better than to make a scene here, but he wasn’t going to let this slide. Not this time.

As Carter walked away, Matteo’s fists tightened. He could see the subtle way Carter looked at Isabella, the way his eyes lingered a little too long. Matteo knew that look. He’d seen it in men before, men who wanted something that wasn’t theirs to take. And Carter clearly wanted Isabella.

Matteo’s thoughts darkened, his possessiveness growing by the second. He wouldn’t let Carter or anyone else get between him and Isabella. He didn’t care how much he had to fight or what lengths he had to go to—Isabella was his, and that wasn’t going to change.

His heart ached, seeing her look so calm, unaware of the storm brewing around her. She didn’t know the dangers Carter posed, and she certainly didn’t know the truth about Matteo’s world. He had kept her far from it, to protect her, but now, it seemed like danger was coming to her doorstep anyway.

As Carter disappeared around the corner, Matteo made a silent promise to himself: he wasn’t going to let Carter—or anyone else—come between them. One way or another, he would make sure of it.