ARIA’s POV
It was surreal watching him approach, his hair swaying in the breeze, a radiant smile lighting up his face. Seeing him so happy because of me filled me with disbelief and joy. These past few days had been beyond amazing; it felt like I was living in a dream.
Yet, like a scene from a movie, I couldn’t shake the fear of losing it all. He seemed perfect, not the Matteo I once knew, not the one who would hurt me, but the one who would go to any length to make me smile. Having him in my life brought me immense happiness. I was grateful for my dad’s decision and thankful to be with him.
He reached me and stood close, his breaths coming in short bursts. His dark blue suit hugged his frame perfectly, the blue tie adding a charming touch. Pulling me close, he kissed me tenderly.
His kisses felt unlike any other, deep and passionate, and I savored every moment. When he broke the kiss, his gaze held mine in a way I’d never experienced before. It was as if I was the most cherished woman in the world to him.
“I got something for you,”
“What’s that?”. I asked, feeling his side burns.
“It’s a surprise”. He smiled. “Come with me”. He took my hand and guided me away from the lake, but our steps faltered when we spotted Carter by a tree, observing us. His forced smile upon seeing us struck me as odd.
“Carter…what brings you here?”
He waited for what felt like a minute before opening his mouth to speak.
“You told me that if I was feeling down or anything, I could come here and I’d feel better”
“Are you okay?”. I asked, and Matteo’s grip on my hand tightened.
Sensing his discomfort with the direction of the conversation, I moved closer to him and gently took his hand in mine, offering a reassuring smile.
” I have something for you”. Matteo mouthed, and I nodded.
“Carter, we can talk later, okay?”. I said to him, and I saw him force another smile.
“Of course”
Matteo lifted me effortlessly, cradling me in his arms like a bride, his laughter echoing as he hurried towards the mansion. I couldn’t help but smile back at him, enjoying the playful moment. However, our joy was interrupted when we entered the living room and found Evelyn seated on the couch, with Alonzo standing several feet away.
I glanced at Matteo and noticed him gulp, his eyes appearing even more intimidating than before.
“Who let her in?”. He asked as he held me even closer to his body.
“I let myself in”. She replied.
“Good, now leave”. He said, and I could sense the anger in his tone.
“I’m here to talk to dear Aria here. I have something important to tell her since the rightful person flopped. Am I right, Alonzo?”.
Alonzo avoided meeting our gaze, his eyes darting everywhere but towards us, and a sense of unease settled within me, signaling that something was up.
“What could that be?”. I asked
“Baby, I’m sure it’s nothing. Ignore her”. He said to me, but for the first time, I saw something else in his eyes. Fear. I nodded, not wanting to drag this any further.
“Good. Listen to him like you always do. You’re married to a dick anyway. Maybe he’s actually rubbing off on you-“. She said, and I watched Alonzo place his palm over her mouth as she struggled in his arms.
“Maybe she needs to be admitted to her own hospital. She’s lost it”.
“The only one who’s lost it is you, Aria. He’s playing you!”. She forced out, and I heard it loud and clear. Matteo was soon on his heels again. Hurrying away from the scene, I lightly tapped his shoulder, causing him to halt his pace. His eyes scanned my face, and then he locked his gaze with mine.
“Put me down”.
He did as he was told, and when I attempted to return and speak with Evelyn, he blocked my path.
“Matteo?”. I called out, but he didn’t move a muscle.
“Let me through”
“I have something for you, Aria”.
“Matteo, I just want to hear what she has to say”.
“She has nothing to say! Trust me. She has nothing to say!”. He shouted.
I looked at him for a good minute and nodded.
“I trust you”. I said, and I watched his smile grow.
“Come with me”. He said, holding unto his smile. Once more, he took my hand and guided me to his room, which had become ours since we stopped sleeping apart. Upon entering, he released my hand and went to the wardrobe. Retrieving a gift bag from it, he passed it to me. I accepted it, noticing the smile on his face as I unpacked its contents.
“Ta-da!”. He exclaimed when I pulled the red beautiful dress out. I laughed wholeheartedly as I took the dress in. It was more than just a dress; it was a symbol of his affection, a tangible expression of the love that bound us together. As I held it close, the warmth of his presence enveloped me, filling me with a sense of gratitude and contentment that I knew would linger long after this moment had passed.
“Tell me, what do you think?”
“I love it!”
“Really?”. He chuckled. I looked at him. In that moment, I couldn’t help but marvel at the revelation of a side of him that had remained hidden beneath the facade he presented to the world. It was a reminder that beneath the polished exterior he projected to the world, there existed a depth of emotion and vulnerability that he reserved for those closest to him.
“It’s beautiful, Matteo”. I said, stood on my tip toes, and kissed him. In an instant, he returned the kiss, his hand gently resting behind me, reassuring and tender.
At that moment, I knew without a doubt that I had found my happy place in his arms.