A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER LXVII

The atmosphere was somber at the cemetery as Matteo stood among the gravestones, his heart heavy with grief. The sun cast a muted light over the gathering, illuminating the sorrow etched on the faces of Mia's family and friends. Flowers adorned her casket, vibrant colors stark against the muted tones of the day, but nothing could mask the palpable sadness that filled the air.

Matteo's friends—Jo, Nathan, Albert, and Teros—stood close by, their presence a silent reminder of the bond they shared, yet even their camaraderie felt strained in the wake of such loss. His men kept a respectful distance, their faces grim, aware of the tension that hung thickly around their leader.

As the service progressed, Matteo's mind wandered back to the moments he shared with Mia. She had been more than just a secretary; she had been a confidante, a friend who had understood the complexities of his life, someone he had trusted implicitly. Now, that trust felt like a weight on his shoulders, a burden he couldn’t shake.

Carter stood at the back, a shadow among shadows, watching Matteo with a cold smile. He knew this was all part of his plan, but the sight of Matteo in anguish brought him a twisted sense of satisfaction. He relished the thought that Matteo would suffer, not only for Mia’s death but also from the pain of his love.

As the priest spoke words of comfort, Matteo clenched his jaw, a storm brewing within him. He felt the eyes of Mia's family on him, their grief heavy with unspoken accusations. They had no idea what truly happened, and he didn’t know how to explain. How could he tell them that Mia was trying to manipulate him, caught in a web of betrayal that led to her death?

When the time came to say their final goodbyes, Matteo stepped forward, his heart racing. The moment felt surreal, as if he were living in a dream he couldn’t wake from. He placed a hand on the casket, feeling the smooth wood beneath his fingertips, and swallowed hard against the lump in his throat.

“I’m so sorry, Mia,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “I should have protected you. I should have seen what was happening.” He remembered her laughter, her kindness, and how she had always believed in him, even when he had faltered. “You didn’t deserve this.”

As he stepped back, his thoughts were interrupted by Carter’s voice cutting through the muted conversations around him. “I hope you’re happy, Matteo,” he said, feigning innocence as he approached. “Seems like you’ve lost quite a bit yesterday night,Mia and then Her.”

Matteo turned, his fists clenching at his sides. “So it was you all along, you think this is funny?” he shot back, his voice low and dangerous. “You killed Mia”

Carter shrugged, a cruel smile playing on his lips. “I just pull the trigger on someone who dared to betrayed me, Matteo. This is the world you chose. You should’ve seen it coming.”

Matteo took a step closer, his temper flaring. “If you think you can use this against me, you’re dead wrong. I won’t let you manipulate anyone else.”

Carter laughed, the sound chilling in the mournful atmosphere. “You’re in no position to make threats. But you know, I could always let her know what kind of monster you really are like yesterday, she’s really so inloved with you didn't she I felt so sad for her. But don't worry soon she'll forget you, when she's with me”

The threat hung in the air, heavy with implication. Matteo felt a surge of rage and fear at the thought of it.

Before he could respond, the ceremony concluded, and Mia’s casket was lowered into the ground. The sobs of her family echoed around them, and for a moment, the world fell silent, save for the rustle of the leaves in the wind.

As the mourners began to disperse, Matteo stood his ground, locked in a battle of wills with Carter. In that moment, he knew he couldn’t let this continue.