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Chapter Twenty-Nine

"I'm looking for Matteo Giordano's room, please," I gasp to the nurse. "He was admitted a few days ago."

"It's past visiting hours, ma'am."

"I know, but I need to see him. I just found out he's been here. He almost died."

A doctor with a clipboard pauses, leaning against the desk. "You're looking for Giordano?"

I nod, swallowing. He looks to the nurse, nodding. "Give her a pass. I'll take her there."

"Thank you so much," I whisper, reaching out my hand. He takes it, smiling.

"And you are?"

"Emma Simone," I state, handing the woman my identification.

"I'm Doctor Carr. I am the physician for your-?"

"Friend. Ex-girlfriend."

"Do you have a good relationship?"

I nod, taking my ID and the pass, following him. "Yes."

"I'm glad to hear it. I'm only asking because he should be laying low for the next couple of days. He's being discharged tonight but I'm glad someone came to see him. It's always sad to have a patient that is alone, especially at so young an age."

"I just found out or I would have been here," I answer, feeling as if I could vomit. I'm about to see Matteo. He probably has no interest in seeing me.

The doctor stops, holding his hand out. "I just want to explain to you that he was a very close call. He, well, he needs to detoxify and I'd recommend urging him to find a rehab facility."

"Rehab?"

"Yes," he replies, gesturing me towards a door. "He's in there. I'll be with nurse Ratchet over there if you need me." He laughs and turns, leaving me at the large, intimidating gray door. I stare at it, feeling my courage plummet. Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, I hold my closed fist to the door, taking a deep breath before knocking.

"Come in."

I close my eyes at the sound of his voice and consider turning around. I consider running back the way I came. But I can't do that to him. I told him I'd always be there for him and I intend to keep to my word.

I open the door, quickly, holding my breath. Matteo is standing there, his back to me, buttoning his green shirt. He's in jeans, jeans that are too big for him clearly. I feel tears come to my eyes, finding his body has frailed since I last saw him. He's much thinner.

"You can leave the forms on the bed," he grumbles, obviously thinking I'm someone else. I glance around the room, finding it bare and I'm reassured that no one has been here to see him.

"Matteo," I whisper, shakily. His body tenses, his hands stop moving on his shirt. I wait for him to turn around but he doesn't. He resumes buttoning his shirt.

"Matteo."

"How did you know?" he asks, quietly.

God, please turn around. "Jacob called me, told me he had heard you were here."

He nods. "Um, I really... I need you to leave, Emma. And I'm not saying that to be a jackass. I'm grateful for this but I need you to go."

"I'm not leaving before you turn and look at me."

"Emma."

My eyes shut at the sound of my name coming from his lips. I didn't realize how much I missed it until now. He turns, slowly as if reluctant. My gaze falters as a man that resembles the person I've loved looks into my eyes, uncomfortably.