A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER LIX

For the past week, Matteo had turned into a shadow, meticulously observing Isabella from a distance. He was determined to understand every aspect of her life, especially in the wake of their painful breakup. His heart ached at the thought of her moving on, and he was desperate to know how she was coping without him.

Matteo had his men gather information, discreetly watching her interactions, noting who she spent time with and how she reacted to the world around her. It wasn't just about jealousy; it was about a profound need to protect her. He had seen Carter's persistent visits to the hospital, each one igniting a fire of protectiveness within him. Matteo's instincts told him that Carter was not just a friend, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that Carter was trying to win Isabella's affection, potentially taking advantage of her vulnerable state.

He watched as Isabella navigated her days with a determined spirit, even as the pain of their separation lingered in her eyes. She was dedicated to her patients, throwing herself into her work, but there were moments when he caught glimpses of her true emotions-an empty smile, a distant gaze, or a soft sigh that spoke volumes. Matteo's heart broke a little more each time, the weight of his regrets heavy on his shoulders.

As he followed her from afar, he learned more than just her daily routines; he noticed the little things that made her who she was-the way she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear when she was deep in thought, how she laughed with her colleagues, and the moments of silence when she thought no one was watching.

Every observation fueled his desire to make things right. He wanted to be the one to bring joy back into her life, to be the reason for her genuine smiles. The longing became a constant ache, a reminder of the love he still held for her, stronger than ever.

But as he gathered information, he also felt the sting of guilt for invading her privacy. He knew that he was treading dangerous ground. Each passing day without speaking to her made it harder for him to find the right moment to approach her, especially with the looming threat of Carter's presence.

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Months had passed since Isabella and Matteo's heartbreaking breakup, and the distance between them had only deepened her feelings of loss. She had tried to move on, focusing on her career and her patients, but there were moments when the ache of missing him became unbearable. Every time she turned on the TV, there he was-Matteo De'Luca, the enigmatic businessman, captivating the nation with his charm and charisma as he celebrated his partnership with BK.Co.

Isabella couldn't help but feel a pang of pride mixed with sadness. He was achieving everything he had ever wanted, yet the thought of him thriving without her felt like a cruel reminder of their separation. The media buzzed with excitement about Matteo's success, and Isabella often found herself drawn into the news coverage, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man she once loved so deeply.

Despite the façade of success, Isabella couldn't shake the feeling that Matteo was deliberately keeping her at arm's length. His interviews were filled with praises for his work and partnerships, but whenever the conversation veered toward his personal life, he would deflect, maintaining an air of mystery. She couldn't help but feel that he was looking down on her for not being more involved in his world, as if her role as a doctor wasn't worthy enough in comparison to the high-stakes business life.

Every time she saw him smile on screen, a part of her wanted to reach out, to reconnect and mend the rift between them. But pride and fear held her back. What would she say? How could she explain the ache in her heart without sounding desperate? She couldn't bear the thought of being rejected again, of having her feelings brushed aside like they had before.

As she tended to her patients, Isabella often caught herself daydreaming about what could have been. She recalled their laughter, the shared dreams, and the deep conversations that felt like they had forged an unbreakable bond. But now, that bond felt fragile, and the weight of their unresolved issues loomed heavily over her.

In the quiet moments at home, when the world outside was asleep, she would let her tears fall freely, wishing things could have turned out differently. She missed Matteo-the way he challenged her, the way he made her feel alive. But she also missed the man she had known before the business world consumed him, the man who had made her feel safe and cherished.

The longer she stayed in this limbo, the more she wondered if she would ever get the chance to speak to him again. The possibility of reopening that chapter of her life felt both exciting and terrifying. Deep down, she yearned for reconciliation, but she feared that too much time had passed, that too many walls had been built between them.

Isabella knew that she needed to make a choice: to either let go of the past or find a way to bridge the gap that had grown between them. As she prepared for another day at the hospital, she couldn't shake the feeling that her heart was still tethered to Matteo, waiting for the moment when they might find their way back to each other.

What Isabella didn't realize was that Matteo had been keeping a close eye on her from afar, even months after their breakup. He couldn't help but watch over her, ensuring she was okay despite the gaping hole she had left in his heart.

On a particularly busy day at the office, Matteo sat at his desk, buried under a mountain of paperwork. He felt the weight of the world pressing down on him as he navigated the complexities of his business. His mind, however, kept drifting back to Isabella. Every moment spent apart felt like a dagger to his heart, and he found himself wondering how she was doing, if she was happy, and whether she still thought about him.

Just then, his phone buzzed on the desk. He glanced at the screen and saw it was a call from Isabella's mother. A pang of anxiety shot through him as he answered. "Hello?"

"Matteo, dear," the voice filled the line, but there was an undercurrent of concern. "I heard you and Isabella broke up. What happened? You two seemed so in love."

Matteo's heart sank at the mention of their breakup. "I-uh, it's my fault," he admitted, his voice low. He had tried to prepare for this conversation, but the reality of it hit him hard. "I let things get too complicated. I pushed her away."

"Matteo, you're a good man. I know you love her, Isabella is hurting. You have to make it right. You can't just let her go like this."

"I know," he said, running a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "I'm going to make it up to Bella."

There was a pause on the other end, and he could hear her mother's sigh of relief. "I'm glad to hear you say that. Just remember, she needs to know that you're there for her. Don't let fear keep you from fighting for her."

"I won't," Matteo promised, but he couldn't shake the lingering doubts in his mind. How could he win her back after everything that had happened? Would she even want to see him again after the way he had treated her?

After the call ended, he leaned back in his chair, lost in thought. He couldn't ignore the deep-seated guilt that had consumed him since their breakup.
He remembered the times they had shared-the laughter, the dreams, the love that had once flowed so freely between them. It had all been overshadowed by the complexities of his world, by the mistakes he had made.

Matteo stood up from his desk, determination coursing through him. He needed to take action. He wouldn't let fear dictate his future any longer.