A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER LXXIV

The morning sun streamed through the curtains of Isabella's apartment, casting a warm glow over the living room where she sat on the couch, still feeling the aftereffects of the previous night's events. She had just returned home from the hospital, and although she was grateful to be out, a sense of unease lingered in the back of her mind.

Matteo stood nearby, his presence both comforting and reassuring. He had insisted on coming with her, wanting to ensure she was settled back in her own space. Isabella's mother, Mrs. Cadres, bustled around the kitchen, her worry evident as she prepared a light breakfast. Andria was sitting on the other side of the couch, her expression a mix of relief and concern as she rushed towards her friend.

"Thank you for taking care of her, Mrs. Cadres," Matteo said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. He looked over at Isabella's mother, who paused in her preparations to give him a soft smile.

"Of course, Matteo. You know I'd do anything for Bella," she replied, her tone warm yet laced with concern. "But I wish she wouldn't push herself so hard. It's important to take care of herself, especially after everything that's happened."

"I'm okay, Mama," Isabella interjected, trying to reassure both her mother and Andria, who was still visibly worried. "Really, I just need some time to rest."

"Time is good, but it's not everything," Andria said, leaning forward, her eyes intense. "You need to talk about what happened, Izzy. And I'm sorry, Bella."

Isabella sighed, knowing her friend had a point. The memories of the night before were still fresh, and she wasn't sure how to articulate everything she felt. "I know. I just... I don't want to burden anyone with my problems," she said softly.

"You're not a burden," Matteo said firmly, his gaze steady on her. "You're my friend, and my Wom...." he paused before talking again "I'm here for you. We all are."

The warmth of Matteo's words wrapped around her like a blanket, and for a moment, she felt a flicker of hope amid the chaos. "Thank you, Matteo," she whispered.

Mrs. Cadres set a plate of toast and fruit on the table in front of Isabella. "You need to eat something. You're still recovering," she insisted gently.

Isabella nodded, grateful for the support of her mother and friends. She picked up a slice of toast and took a bite, the food grounding her in the moment. As she chewed, she could feel Matteo's eyes on her, filled with concern and something deeper-something that made her heart race.

"And what about you, Matteo?" Mrs. Cadres asked, breaking the silence. "You must be exhausted after everything. You've been such a good friend to Bella." she said slightly smiling knowing the tension.

Matteo shrugged, a modest smile on his face. "I'm fine. Just doing what any boy...... hahh I mean friend would do," he replied, though Isabella could see the strain in his expression. The events of the past few days had clearly taken a toll on him as well.

Andria leaned back, crossing her arms. "Well, you're more than a friend, Matteo." she said, her tone teasing yet sincere. "Isabella, you should be grateful for him!"

Isabella felt her cheeks heat up as she looked between them. "I am grateful," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs. Cadres smiled knowingly, sensing the bond between the two. "Just remember, Bella, it's okay to lean on those you trust," she said, her voice gentle. "You're not alone in this."

With her mother's words echoing in her mind, Isabella felt a renewed sense of determination. She glanced at Matteo, who was watching her with an intensity that made her heart skip. "I'll try to be more open," she promised, her voice steady. "I know I need to talk about everything."

Matteo nodded, his expression softening. "Whenever you're ready, I'll be here."

Isabella's heart swelled with appreciation. Surrounded by her loved ones, she felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, she could find her way through the darkness ahead. Together, they could face whatever challenges life threw their way.

Days before, in a tense confrontation, After seeking out Andria, he trusted Isabella lawyer friend, he had handed over the SD card containing critical evidence against Carter. The decision to confide in her was not made lightly; he knew how dangerous the situation had become.

Andria listened intently as Matteo recounted the events that led to Mr Cloce murder. He explained how Carter had manipulated situations to put the blame on him and make him the main suspect. As Andria processed the information, she felt a surge of determination. "I'll help you," she promised.

Andria looked at Matteo and give him a reassuring smile, that he got this, even though, he's a mafia and the world famous buisness man he had his weakness and his weakness is her friend, she couldn't help but slightly laughed at Matteo pity state. In which she remembers

Andria was at Isabella room, she told Isabella what happened to Carter and she's handling the Case and they have solid evidence against Carter and his doings and also his assualt to her, all were kept in the eyes of the police

"The day after tomorrow will be the hearing, of Carter" she said

"Hmmm... sometimes I feel pity for him and myself, when I think about it we're kinda in the same situation, him forcing on me and me forcing on Matteo, I can understand his heart, but that didn't keep him from the fact that he is a murderer and also tried to assaulted me, I won't forgive him"

A silent paused "and also back to Matteo and Mama don't you think I have every right to know about it, my past, I just don't know how to react and now I fell in love with a man who's father in his drunk state had killed my mother....and him being a mafia, you know I really hate people killing others and I hate people playing life like they have two or more lifes it hard,..My mind can't process everything in one go, but I only know one thing that I really Love Matteo"

"Andria, would he really leave being a mafia world if I told him?" She added

"You should tried to talk with him, about everything and start a new hmm" Andria said looking at her friend