ARIA’s POV
I laid awake, my mind reeling with the day’s events. Matteo’s words still echoed in my mind, his eyes haunting me with a depth of pain I’d never seen before. The memory of his hurt expression lingered, a constant reminder of the pain I’d inflicted.
I had pushed him away, and now he was lost in his own darkness because he had the blood of his late wife on his hands, I didn’t want it to be me. I was frightened of him immediately I saw the letter. The letter that held some many secrets written in cheap ink. When I thought about it, I was certain someone dropped it out on my bed, and for some reason, I felt that person was none other than the old woman who made Matteo’s meals. He wouldn’t trust me if I were to tell him the woman who has been like a mother to him and who he trusted with his food was the one who brought that letter to me.
The thought of his touch, once a comfort, now filled me with unease. I tossed and turned on the cold, hard floor, unable to shake the feeling that I’d made a grave mistake. My fear and doubts had guided my actions, leading me to reject Matteo’s attempts to connect with me. The weight of my regret was crushing, a constant reminder of the damage I’d done.
The memory of his tears, his anguish, played on repeat in my mind. I felt a pang of regret, of longing. I wanted to go back, to take back my words, to comfort him. But I knew it was too late and that the damage was done.
I finally gave up on sleep and stayed still on the bed. I stared out into the window into the night, my eyes searching for answers, for a way to make things right. But the darkness outside seemed to mirror the emptiness within me, and I knew I had a long road ahead to heal the wounds he’d inflicted on me.
The next morning, I jolted awake, my heart racing, my mind foggy. I tried to move, but my body was heavy, my limbs weighed down by cold, unforgiving metal. I was in the basement once more, the darkness suffocating me. The chains were tighter this time, digging deeper into my skin , and I began to miss the ropes.
Panic came in as I struggled to free myself, but it was no use. I was trapped and helpless. My mind raced with thoughts of Matteo, of his lies, his deceit. He promised to protect me, but here I was, a prisoner once more.
I screamed, but my voice was muffled by the soundproofing. No one could hear me. No one would come to save me. I was at Matteo’s mercy, and I fear i might never escape. The darkness closed in, and i was consumed by despair.
I raised my gaze from the metal around my wrist, and my eyes met Gia’s. Her eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race. “Gia, what’s going on?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Gia took a step closer, her voice low and urgent. “Aria, there’s something off about Matteo. Something I can’t quite put my finger on, but I know it’s not right.”
My mind raced as I processed her words. “What do you mean?” I pressed..
Gia glanced around the dimly lit room as if scared of being overheard. “I can’t reveal too much now, but trust me, Aria, you need to be careful around him. He’s not what he seems.”
My eyes narrowed, a sense of unease creeping up my spine. “What do you mean? What’s going on?”
Gia’s eyes locked with mine, her expression grave. “I’m leaving for the States tomorrow, Aria. I can’t do anything to help you, but you need to uncover the truth about Matteo. You need to do so before it’s too late.”
“Tell me”
“I can’t explain right now”
“Explain what?” I demanded, my frustration growing. “What is it about Matteo that’s so off?”
Gia’s eyes fill with a mix of fear and determination. “I can’t tell you here, Aria. But I need you to trust me. You have to get close to Matteo again, gain his trust.”
I shook my head vehemently. “Are you crazy? I just escaped from him! Why would I go back?”
Gia’s grip on my arm tightened. “Because you’re the only one who can uncover the truth. Whatever it is, it’s big, Aria. And Matteo will stop at nothing to keep it hidden.”
I hesitated, my mind racing with the implications. Get close to Matteo again? It’s a risky move, but Gia’s words sparked a flame of curiosity within me. What is Matteo hiding? And why is Gia so convinced that I’m the only one who can uncover it?
“How did you know?”
“I overheard Charles talking about something, but I couldn’t quite get it”. She paused and studied my face for a quick minute with a serious expression on her face. “Aria, I think Matteo’s obsession with you goes beyond mere captivity. I think he’s in love with you.”
I laughed. “That’s ridiculous! He’s a monster, Gia. He was only using me. The one woman he loves the most is dead, and he killed her.”
Gia shook her head. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you, Aria. The way he talks about you. It’s not just possession or control. It’s something deeper.”
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I recalled the way Matteo’s eyes seemed to bore into my soul, the way his touch sent shivers down my skin. Could Gia be right? Is Matteo really in love with me?
“That means I’m not safe. He could kill me as well”
The thought sent a wave of unease through me. If Matteo truly believes he’s in love with me, what lengths will he go to in order to keep me by his side?
Gia’s eyes welled up with tears as she took a step back, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry, Aria. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you. I have to go.”
I reached out, desperation clawing at my heart. “Gia, no! Please don’t leave me! You have to help me get out of here! Please!!”
But Gia turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving me alone and helpless. I screamed her name, begging her to return, but only the echoes responded.
I slumped against the cold wall, my body shaking with sobs. This was worse than the life I envisioned with Matteo.