A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER LXXV

As Isabella settled into the comforting familiarity of her apartment, she felt a mix of emotions swirling within her. The previous days had been tumultuous, filled with fear, revelations, and the unwavering support of those she cared about. After a their dinner, there was a gentle peace in the air as she sat on the couch, the soft sunlight filtering through the curtains.

Andria and Mrs. Cadres exchanged knowing glances. They understood that after everything that had transpired, Isabella needed time to process her feelings-and so did Matteo.

"Why don't we step out for a bit?" Andria suggested, her voice light and encouraging. "Let them have some time alone to talk. I think it's important for Isabella and Matteo to reconnect without any interruptions."

Mrs. Cadres nodded in agreement, her maternal instincts guiding her. "You're right. They've been through so much. It's time they had a chance to clear the air and see where they stand."

With a plan in place, they quietly gathered their things. Mrs. Cadres leaned down, brushing a hand over Matteo's shoulder. " I'll spent the night at Andria place make sure you both reconcile and talk about what had happened. I'm giving you a chance before I force her to go on blind dates."

Matteo looked up, feeling a warmth spread through her. "Thank you, both of you. I really appreciate this."

Mrs Cadres went to Isabella "Bella me and Andria we'll go for a walk outside, we'll come back soon" before she could respond

They left, the door clicked shut, leaving Isabella and Matteo alone in the soft glow of the afternoon light. Matteo shifted slightly in his chair, his eyes searching Isabella's face, trying to gauge her thoughts.

"Hey," he said softly, breaking the silence. "How are you feeling?"

Isabella took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she met his gaze. "I'm... okay, I guess. It's a lot to process."

Matteo nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "I know I've put you through so much. I'm sorry for everything that happened, for not being there when you needed me most."

She paused, contemplating his sincerity. "I thought you didn't love me, Matteo, by not being honest with me. I didn't know who you really were,."

He leaned forward, his voice earnest. "I never wanted to see you ima dangerous  situation like that. I wanted to keep you safe, I thought of it what if....." He paused"The truth is, I've always cared about you-ever since we were kids."

Tears brimmed in Isabella's eyes as memories of their childhood flooded her mind-the laughter, the carefree days spent together, and the bond they once shared. "I cared about you too," she admitted, her voice trembling. "But everything feels so complicated now. I don't know...."

Matteo's expression softened, a mixture of determination and vulnerability in his eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes. I'll fight for you, Isabella. I never stopped caring about you, and I'm not going to walk away now."

Isabella sighed, her gaze drifting away from him.

He crossed the room, standing in front of her, close enough to touch but not daring to. His hands trembled slightly as he fought to control his emotions. "I know I’ve hurt you. I know what I’ve done, and I can’t change the past. But what I feel for you, it’s real. It’s always been real."

Isabella’s eyes flicked up to meet his, searching for something, but her face remained expressionless. "Matteo, it’s not just about feelings. It’s about what kind of life you’re living. I don't want my kids to be part of it."

"I know," Matteo said, his voice breaking slightly. "But I love you, Bella. I love you more than anything in this world. And I can’t lose you. I won’t."

Tears welled in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. "Love isn’t enough, Matteo. Not when your world is filled with violence, with danger. How can I trust that this life won’t destroy us both?"

Matteo stepped closer, his eyes pleading with her. "Because I’m willing to change it. I don’t want this life anymore, Bella. Not without you. I’ve already started taking steps to get out, to leave it behind. But it’s not easy. You know that."

Isabella’s lips quivered as she held back her tears. "And what if you can’t? What if it’s too late?"

"It’s not too late!" Matteo’s voice was desperate now. "I will do whatever it takes. I don’t care how hard it is. I’m not going to let you go. You mean everything to me, Isabella."

She turned away from him, her shoulders shaking as she finally let the tears fall. "You should have told me the truth from the beginning. All this time... I thought I knew who you were. But you kept so much from me."

Matteo moved closer, gently placing his hands on her arms. "I didn’t tell you because I was afraid of losing you. I thought if you knew the truth, you’d walk away. And I can’t lose you. I don’t know how to be without you."

Isabella wiped her tears and looked back at him, her voice soft but full of pain. "Matteo, you can’t protect me from the truth forever. This is your life, and if I’m in it, I need to know everything."

"I swear, I’ll tell you everything," Matteo said, his voice filled with sincerity. "No more secrets. No more lies. I’ll leave the world I used to live for good just give me some time hmmm. I’ll build a life for us, a real life—away from all of this. Just give me a chance. Please."

Isabella closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steady her breathing. When she opened them, she saw the raw vulnerability in Matteo’s eyes, the fear of losing her written on his face.

"You love me that much?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"With everything I have," Matteo replied, his voice breaking. "I love you, Bella. More than anything. And I will never stop fighting for us."

She looked at him before cupping his face with her hands , she looked at him "Thankyou Matteo, Thankyou for loving me and for being with me, I really Love you more than anyone, so don't dare to loose me"

Matteo pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as if he feared she might slip away at any moment. "I won’t let you down," he whispered, pressing his lips to her forehead. "I’ll make sure we have the future we deserve. I promise."

Isabella rested her head on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. She wanted to believe him. She wanted to trust that Matteo could truly change. Deep down, she knew that only time would tell if love could truly conquer the darkness that had always surrounded him. But she choose to be with him because she knew she really Love him.