A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER LI

Isabella walked away, her heart heavy with sadness and frustration, leaving Matteo standing alone. He couldn’t believe it was happening—he couldn’t lose her, not like this. His hands trembling as he tried to grasp the reality of her words. But just as he was about to chase after her, something caught his eye. Across the street, he saw Mia, his trusted secretary, embracing Carter, laughing as if they were old friends. His chest tightened, and his breath hitched as he watched them enter a sleek black car together.

Matteo's legs buckled beneath him. His heart felt shattered into a thousand pieces, not just from Isabella’s departure, but from the overwhelming betrayal. Mia—someone he had relied on, trusted for years—was now standing on the side of his enemy. It all made sense now. The secrets, the leaks, the suspicion—it was her.

Matteo collapsed to the ground, unable to hold himself up, his mind racing. His love was slipping away, and now the betrayal from within his own ranks was threatening everything he had built. The weight of it all felt unbearable, and for the first time in 20 years, Matteo De'Luca, the man feared by so many, felt utterly powerless.

Matteo sat on the cold pavement, his composure returning as he absorbed the betrayal that cut deeper than any physical wound. His men approached cautiously, sensing the storm brewing within him.

“Boss,” one of them began, his voice steady but laced with concern. “We confirmed it. Mia has been feeding Carter information about our deals. She’s been playing both sides.”

The news hit Matteo like a punch to the gut, but he forced himself to remain calm, the intensity of his gaze sharpening. “How long?” he asked, his voice low and dangerous.

“Since before the BK.Co negotiations started. She’s been meeting with Carter regularly, and it seems she’s been gathering intel on us for a while.”

Matteo clenched his fists, the realization igniting a fire within him. Betrayal was one thing, but treachery from someone so close felt like a personal affront. He looked up at his men, determination replacing the despair in his eyes.

“We need to stay intact,” Matteo instructed, his voice firm. “Gather everything you can on Mia. I want to know who else she’s involved with and what else she’s shared. We can’t let Carter or anyone else take advantage of this.”

As his men nodded and hurried to comply, Matteo stood, brushing off the remnants of the evening. He wouldn’t let this betrayal dictate his next move. He had lost Isabella, but he wouldn’t lose everything else he had worked for.

With a grim resolve, he set his sights back on the party, a new plan forming in his mind. It was time to reclaim his power and ensure that those who had wronged him would pay the price.

Isabella hurried back into the party, her heart heavy with the weight of her conversation with Matteo. As she walked through the crowd, she felt the vibrant energy of the celebration around her, but it felt distant and muted. She spotted Andria, who looked relieved to see her but quickly noticed the sadness in Isabella’s eyes.

“Isabella! I was worried about you,” Andria said, reaching for her arm. “Are you okay?”

“I just… I need to go home,” Isabella replied, her voice shaky. “I can’t stay here right now.”

Andria studied her friend’s face, seeing the turmoil swirling beneath the surface. “What happened? Did you meet Matteo?”

Isabella hesitated, not wanting to dive into the emotional chaos. “It’s complicated. Let’s just go home.”

Andria nodded, sensing the urgency in Isabella’s tone. “Alright, let’s get out of here.” They made their way through the throng of party-goers, Isabella stealing glances back toward where Matteo had been moments ago. She felt a mixture of guilt and sadness, torn between the love she felt for him and the hurt that had been building.

As they reached the exit, Isabella’s heart raced. She was anxious to escape the bright lights and loud music, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was leaving something important behind.

The ride home was heavy with silence, the only sound being the hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of clothing as Andria stole glances at her friend. Isabella sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window, her mind racing with thoughts of Matteo and the heartbreaking encounter they had just endured. She tried to hide her tears, blinking rapidly to keep them at bay, but it was futile.

When they arrived at her apartment, Isabella turned to Andria, her voice barely above a whisper. “Can you just give me some time alone?”

Andria nodded, concern etched on her face. “Of course, but please call me if you need anything. I’m just a text away.”

“Thanks, Andria,” Isabella said softly, forcing a weak smile before stepping out of the car. She watched as Andria drove away, feeling a wave of loneliness wash over her.

As soon as she closed the door behind her, the floodgates opened. Isabella leaned against the door, tears streaming down her cheeks. She felt the weight of her emotions crashing over her like a tidal wave. With shaky breaths, she made her way inside, where the quietness enveloped her like a heavy blanket.

Without thinking, she sank to the floor, the cold tiles grounding her in her despair. The pain in her heart was overwhelming, a deep ache that felt insurmountable. She covered her face with her hands, sobbing uncontrollably, feeling as if she was losing everything that mattered to her.

She cried for the love she felt for Matteo, for the uncertainty that now lay between them. The tears poured out, releasing the anguish she had tried to suppress. In that moment, all she could do was let the sorrow wash over her, wishing for relief but knowing it would take time to heal.