ARIA’s POV
I froze as the door creaked open, my heart racing with anticipation. Alonzo’s piercing gaze met mine, his expression solemn. Without a word, he slipped into my room, his eyes scanning the space as if searching for something – or someone.
“I just want to talk, Aria,” he said finally, his voice low and gentle.
My guard remained up, but I nodded curtly, intrigued. What could Alonzo possibly want to discuss? Matteo’s rules were clear: no one entered my room without his permission. Yet, Alonzo’s presence seemed to whisper secrets, his eyes hinting at a truth I wasn’t sure I wanted to know.
“Talk, then,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper, my eyes fixed on his.
Alonzo hesitated, his gaze darting around the room before settling on mine. “It’s about Matteo,” he began, his voice measured. “There’s something you should know…”
And with that, he paused as if collecting his thoughts or summoning the courage to continue. My heart raced with anticipation, sensing that whatever he was about to reveal would change everything again.
Alonzo’s eyes clouded, his brow furrowing as he sighed and rubbed his temple. “Aria, listen… Matteo isn’t who you think he is.” His voice was laced with a mix of frustration and concern.
My mind raced, a shiver running down my spine. “What do you mean?” I asked, my voice barely audible.
Alonzo’s gaze locked onto mine, his eyes intense. “There’s something worse to him, something darker. He’s not the charming, devoted husband he appears to be.”
He paused as if collecting his thoughts or debating how much to reveal. My heart raced with anticipation, a sense of foreboding settling in.
“What is it, Alonzo?” I pressed, my voice a little stronger now. “What’s going on?”
Alonzo’s eyes seemed to bore into my soul, his expression a warning. “You need to be careful, Aria. Matteo’s secrets… they could destroy you.”
“Tell me, Alonzo!” I demanded, my voice rising in frustration. “What secrets is Matteo hiding?”
But before Alonzo could respond, the door burst open, and Carter strode in, his eyes narrowed in confusion. “What’s going on here?” he asked, his gaze darting between Alonzo and me.
Alonzo’s expression turned guarded, his eyes flicking to Carter before returning to mine. “Nothing, Carter,” he said smoothly. “Just having a discussion with Aria.”
Carter’s eyes lingered on me, his brow furrowed in concern. “Is everything okay, Aria? You look upset.”
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal in front of Carter, Matteo’s loyal right-hand man. But Alonzo’s words had ignited a spark of defiance within me. “I’m fine, Carter,” I said coolly.
Carter’s gaze lingered on me as if sensing there was more to the story. But Alonzo’s warning glance kept me silent, and Carter seemed to accept my response. “Okay, Aria. If you’re sure you’re okay…”
But his eyes lingered on Alonzo, a hint of suspicion lingering in his expression. “Alonzo, can I have a word with you outside?”
As soon as the door closed behind Carter and Alonzo, I let out a shaky breath. My mind raced with thoughts, trying to process the fragmented pieces of information. Reconciling with Matteo had been a difficult decision, especially after discovering his involvement in his late wife’s murder. Yet, I had convinced myself that I could move past it, that my love for him was stronger than the darkness of his past.
But now, Alonzo’s warnings and Carter’s suspicious gaze had awakened the doubts I thought I had laid to rest. What secrets was Matteo still hiding? And why did Alonzo seem so determined to reveal them to me? Besides. he had never liked me? So why is he turning on Matteo now.
My thoughts swirled in uncertainty, as if I was trapped again. I felt like I was living in a house of mirrors, where nothing was as it seemed, and every reflection revealed a distorted truth. I knew I had to confront Matteo to demand the truth once and for all. But a part of me trembled at the thought, fearing what I might uncover and whether our love could survive the revelation.
I walked towards the door, my heart racing with anticipation. As I opened it, I was met with a scene that made my blood run cold. Carter’s hand was clenched around Alonzo’s collar, his eyes blazing with anger. But when his gaze snapped to mine, he suddenly released Alonzo and turned to me with a fake look of sadness.
“Alonzo, here was just leaving. Weren’t you, Alonzo?”
I gasped, my eyes wide with shock, as Alonzo’s blade sliced through my skin. Pain seared through my abdomen, and I felt my legs buckle. But instead of anger or remorse, Alonzo’s face contorted in a maniacal grin.
Carter’s laughter echoed through the room, a wild, unhinged sound that sent chills down my spine. He was laughing along with Alonzo, their eyes locked in a moment of twisted camaraderie.
I felt my vision blurring, my strength failing. But as I looked at the two of them, I realized there was something off about them.
I jolted upright, my heart racing, my sheets drenched with sweat. But as I looked around, I realized it was just a dream. My bedroom was quiet and dark, the only sound my own ragged breathing.
But then, I felt a gentle touch on my arm, and I turned to see Matteo’s concerned face. He was sitting beside me, his chest bare, his eyes filled with worry.
“Aria, what’s wrong?” he asked softly, his voice husky with sleep. “You were thrashing around, whimpering… I thought something was really wrong.
I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs. “Just a bad dream,” I whispered, my voice still shaky.
Matteo’s eyes narrowed. “Want to talk about it?”
I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to relive the terror of that dream. But Matteo’s gentle gaze and warm touch made me feel safe, and I nodded slowly. “I’m okay,”