A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER LXXVIII

After dropping Isabella back at her apartment, Matteo drove in silence, his mind occupied with thoughts of her and their future together. The evening had been emotionally charged, but he felt a sense of relief that things were finally beginning to settle between them. However, one question still lingered—what exactly had his father said to her during their private conversation?

Matteo pulled into his father's estate, the familiar sight of the grand house that he had once called home bringing back a rush of memories. As he stepped inside, he found his father sitting by the fireplace, staring into the flames. His father turned his gaze to him, a look of calm and quiet reflection on his face.

Matteo approached, his voice curious but soft. "What did you say to her, Father?"

His father gave a small smile, one that held both pride and a touch of amusement. "Matteo, you’ve chosen the right woman for yourself," he began, his voice steady but emotional. "I must admit, I’m jealous. She’s a treasure. And I’m telling you, keep her safe. Don’t let anything happen to her.”

Matteo stood there, absorbing his father’s words, a small knot of curiosity tightening in his chest. "Wha... What did you just say? I thought you...."

His father’s expression softened even more, his eyes reflecting the deep admiration he had for Isabella. "She told me something, Matteo. Something that left me speechless. She said that more than what was important to her, you also deserve an apology. What kind of woman would say that?" His father paused, his voice breaking slightly. "And she told me,... she truly loves you. You’ve found someone rare, my son. Someone who sees your worth, even when you don’t."

Matteo’s heart swelled with emotion at his father's words, the weight of everything Isabella had said sinking in. She had always been selfless, always thinking of him, even when she had every reason to walk away. And now, she had given him something he never thought he could have—a future with love and hope.

His father stood up, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Matteo, I’ve made so many mistakes. I’ve done things I can never take back, but seeing you now, seeing the man you’ve become because of her... I want you to know that I’m proud of you. And I’m sorry, Matteo. I’m sorry for everything—for the way I raised you, for the things I dragged you into, and for all the pain I caused you. Can you ever forgive me?"

Matteo felt a lump in his throat as he looked at his father, a man who had once seemed so distant and cold but now stood before him, vulnerable and broken. He hesitated for a moment, but then, without a word, he stepped forward and embraced his father tightly.

The older man broke down in his son’s arms, tears streaming down his face as years of guilt and regret came pouring out. Matteo held him, his own eyes moist as he whispered, "I forgive you, Dad. We can’t change the past, but we can move forward. Together."

They stood there for a long time, father and son, finally mending the bond that had been fractured for so many years. In that moment, Matteo knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he had the strength to face them—with Isabella by his side, and with the forgiveness and love of his father.

As they pulled away from the embrace, his father wiped his eyes and looked at Matteo with a small smile. " Thankyou Matteo, I really am grateful of you, you've made the right choice, my son, make sure to give her a happy life."

Matteo nodded, feeling the weight of the past lift from his shoulders. "I’ll give her. I’ll make sure we both have a future we deserve."

His father smiled, this time with a sense of peace.

After the heartfelt talk with his father, Matteo felt lighter, a sense of peace washing over him as he drove back to Isabella’s apartment. The city streets were quiet, and his mind was filled with thoughts of her. He needed to see her again, to hold her close and feel that everything was finally falling into place.

When he arrived at her apartment, the soft glow of the lights from inside gave the place a warm, comforting feeling. He knocked gently, not wanting to wake her abruptly if she had already gone to sleep. Moments later, the door creaked open, and there she was—Isabella, standing in the doorway with her eyes still half-closed from sleep.

"Matteo?" she asked softly, rubbing her eyes. Her voice was groggy but filled with warmth, her face slightly flushed from the nap she had taken. She looked at him with curiosity, wondering why he had come back so late.

Without saying a word, Matteo stepped forward, his hand gently cupping her cheek. The warmth of her skin against his palm brought him a sense of calm. He looked into her sleepy eyes, a soft smile forming on his lips. Then, without hesitation, he leaned down and kissed her, a tender, slow kiss that conveyed all the love, relief, and gratitude he felt for having her in his life.

Isabella responded, her arms wrapping around his waist as she pulled him closer, feeling the steady beat of his heart against her chest. The kiss was gentle, unhurried, but filled with a quiet intensity, as if both of them were savoring the moment. When they finally pulled apart, she looked up at him with a small smile, her eyes still heavy with sleep but now full of love.

"Everything okay?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Matteo nodded, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "Yeah, everything’s more than okay. I just... I needed to see you."

She smiled and leaned her forehead against his chest, closing her eyes again. "I don't want to wake Mama, she needs rest" she murmured.

Matteo took her to her bed room and  held her close sleeping beside her, feeling the peace that came with knowing that despite everything, they had each other.