slytherin boys 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁.

mattheo riddle

୨୧

— y/n pov.

i had been wandering around all day, searching for mattheo. it felt like he was avoiding me, slipping away every time i thought i might find him. finally, as the evening settled in, i spotted him in the common room, sitting on the couches with blaise. their backs were turned to me, and for a moment, i hesitated.

i was about to call out his name when i heard mine instead. i froze in place, curiosity and dread tangling together in my chest. i leaned in, listening to their conversation.

"how's it going with y/n?" blaise asked casually, his tone laced with curiosity.

"it's good." mattheo replied with a short nod.

blaise tilted his head. "so, have you gotten your galleons yet?"

my stomach twisted. galleons? what was he talking about?

mattheo sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "not yet. it's just...a lot. this bet has gotten so complicated. i've been avoiding her because i don't want to hurt her feelings when she finds out."

i was a bet.

my chest constricted as the weight of his words sank in. everything shattered in that instant—every shared moment, every whispered word, every stolen glance. it was all a lie. nausea churned in my stomach as tears blurred my vision. i needed to get away.

without thinking, i turned on my heel and walked away, my mind racing and my heart in pieces. the tears came fast, streaming down my face as the reality of the situation hit me. how could he do this to me?

"y/n!" i heard my name, his voice urgent. mattheo must have noticed my retreat. i quickened my pace, desperate to escape, but he caught up, stepping in front of me and blocking my path.

"y/n, stop, please." he said, his hands reaching for my shoulders. i shoved him away, my anger flaring.

"what? no! our entire relationship was a bet? your love was a lie?" my voice cracked as tears streamed down my face. i couldn't hide my heartbreak.

"no, no, listen to me. please, just listen." he begged, cupping my cheeks. but i couldn't bear his touch—i ripped his hands away.

"stop it!" i snapped, taking a step back. he raised his hands in surrender, desperation etched on his face.

"baby, please." he pleaded, his voice softer now, almost breaking. "let me explain. let me tell you everything."

i hesitated, my emotions warring inside me. "why should i?"

"because you don't know the whole story." he said, his eyes searching mine. "please, y/n. all i'm asking for is a chance to explain. just hear me out."

i let out a shaky sigh, wiping at my face. "fine."

he exhaled in relief and extended his hand. "come with me."

reluctantly, i placed my hand in his, and he gently led me to an empty classroom. once inside, he closed the door and pulled out a chair for me. i sat down, wary, as he took the seat across from me and grasped my hands.

"listen." he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "this all started because of draco. he made a bet with me—if i asked you out and dated you, i'd get thirty galleons. i said yes, but not because of the money. i accepted because... because i already liked you. i liked you long before this stupid bet. i was just too scared to approach you."

his grip on my hands tightened slightly, his eyes pleading with mine. "when we got together, everything changed for me. you made me so happy, y/n. i don't want the money—i never cared about it. all i wanted from the beginning was you."

his words broke through the wall of anger and hurt around my heart. a small, bittersweet smile crept onto my face. "mattheo..."

"i love you." he said, his voice trembling with sincerity. "i love you so much, my love."

a tear slipped down my cheek, but this time it wasn't from heartbreak. "i love you too." i whispered. "thank you for telling me the truth."

he sighed, relief washing over his face. "i was going to tell you today. i hated keeping it from you. it's been eating me alive."

"i'm glad you told me." i said, my voice soft. "i'm glad we've sorted this out."

he stood and opened his arms, an invitation i couldn't refuse. i rose to my feet and stepped into his embrace, wrapping my arms around him tightly. for a moment, we just stood there, holding each other, finding comfort in the warmth of the other's presence. the storm had passed, and though there were still cracks in my heart, his love was the glue that began to mend them.

a/n happy thanksgiving guys!!! i had to work in the morning but i'm happy that i made it back to my family to eat wohooo! but i hope you guys ate amazing and had an amazing time, i'm happy i finally posted. i'm trying to update for mattheo book but i had to prioritize this book first.