A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER LXIII

As she sat in the hospital garden that night, her frustration boiled over. The man she had saved earlier, shot over a debt, was a stark reminder of the kind of world she had fought to avoid.

"Matteo," she began, her voice quiet but firm, "I don’t understand why people like him—" she motioned toward the hospital, referencing her earlier patient, "—end up with bullets in them over money or power. And I’m scared.

Matteo’s expression darkened, but he held her gaze, his jaw clenched as if weighing what to say.

"You know what really gets to me? People who take lives without a second thought. Like, how can someone just decide to end someone's life? It’s disgusting." Isabella said while sighing, "Yeah, it is. It’s... unforgivable." Matteo replied

Isabella lays her back on the chair, rubbing her eyes "I just finished operating on a man who got shot because he couldn’t pay back some gang. He almost died. It’s like his life meant nothing to them. People who do that... it’s evil. I just don’t get it."
Matteo chest tightening, forcing a neutral expression "The world’s full of people who make those kinds of decisions. But not everyone’s like that, Bella." He said

Isabella looking at him, tired but passionate "I know... but why does it feel like there are more and more of them? Sometimes, I feel like we’re just fighting an endless battle."
Matteo continued lowering his gaze "Maybe the world’s darker than we like to admit... but people like you, you give hope. You save lives."

Isabella giving him a small smile "I hope so. But I hate them, Matteo. I really do. The people who take lives like they’re nothing... I can’t stand it."
He was clenching his jaw, feeling the weight of her words, his heart sinking "Yeah... neither can I." he pauses, and said with a voice cracking slightly "Bella, if you knew someone like that, someone who was close to you... would you leave them?"

Isabella pause thinking, sensing something in his voice  "Of course. I couldn’t stay with someone who... who does that, no matter what."
He nods slowly, his heart breaking replying "Right..." As he looks away, hiding his torment.

After their talk at the hospital garden, Matteo waited for Isabella as her shift had ended, as she just went to grabbed somethings from the hospital. She came back after a moment.

As they walked together under the city lights, Matteo and Isabella shared a quiet, yet comfortable silence. The cool evening breeze brushed against them, making the moment feel peaceful, even though there was so much left unspoken between them.

Matteo glanced at Isabella, taking in her tired yet serene expression. It had been a long time since they had shared a moment like this. He finally broke the silence, his voice soft, "It’s strange, isn’t it? Walking like this... feels different. Usually, I’d just drive you."

Isabella gave a small smile, looking ahead. "It does. But I think I needed this. No rush, just... a quiet walk."

Matteo's heart tightened at her words, and for a moment, he thought about everything they had been through. He wanted to tell her everything about his life, the secrets he carried, but the fear of losing her gripped him. Instead, he changed the topic. "You’ve been working really hard, Bella. How are you holding up?"

She exhaled softly, looking at the sky for a moment. "It's been exhausting, but it's what I chose. It’s hard seeing people suffer, especially when their lives are taken for senseless reasons."

Matteo's jaw clenched slightly at her words, knowing she was referring to the patient she saved earlier. He nodded, keeping his tone light. "I’m sure you’re saving many lives. You’re incredible at what you do."

They reached her apartment building, and as they stood outside the entrance, Matteo hesitated. He didn't want to let the moment end. "Would you like to go somewhere tomorrow? Maybe we can spend more time together."

Isabella looked at him, surprised by his request, but she could see the sincerity in his eyes. She smiled faintly, "Maybe. But for now... I should get some rest."

Matteo nodded, stepping back. "Alright. But just know, I’m here for you, Bella. Always."

With that, Isabella gave a quiet nod and turned to enter her apartment, leaving Matteo standing outside, watching her disappear into the building. He wished he could tell her everything, but for now, he had to keep his distance from the truth, even though it pained him.

Matteo stood outside Isabella's apartment, his senses heightened. He could feel the presence lurking in the shadows, watching him closely. His eyes narrowed, and a smirk curled on his lips. Without turning, he called out, his voice laced with challenge, "Come out, Carter. Don’t hide like a snake waiting under the grass for prey."

There was a moment of silence before Carter emerged from behind a nearby car, stepping into the dim light of the streetlamp. His expression was cold, but a hint of frustration flickered in his eyes. He had been caught, and he hated it. "Always the perceptive one, Matteo," Carter said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What are you doing here, lingering around Isabella like you own her?"

Matteo turned to face him, his calm demeanor masking the fire brewing beneath the surface. "What I do is none of your business, Carter. And as far as Isabella goes, she’s not someone you can manipulate to get at me."

Carter scoffed, taking a few steps closer, his anger barely restrained. "You think you’re untouchable, don’t you? Always one step ahead, always the one to win. But Isabella isn’t your pawn in this game, Matteo."

Matteo’s eyes darkened at the insinuation. "She’s not a pawn, Carter. And you’re the last person who should be talking about using people. I know what you’ve been trying to do—following her, trying to push her towards you, but you’ll never get her. She sees through you."

Carter clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over. "You don’t deserve her. You’ve already broken her once. She deserves better."

Matteo took a step forward, his gaze unyielding. "That’s where you're wrong. I’ve made mistakes, but I won’t lose her. Not to you, and not to anyone else."

The two men stood there, tension crackling in the air between them. Carter’s frustration was evident, but he knew this wasn’t the place or time for a confrontation. With a sharp glare, he stepped back. "This isn’t over, Matteo. Not by a long shot."

Matteo watched as Carter retreated into the shadows once more, disappearing into the night. He knew this wasn’t the last he’d hear from him, but for now, his focus remained on one thing—getting Isabella back, no matter what it took.