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34
Emilia’s POV
The hospital was its usual blur of activity when I arrived. I made my way through the familiar hallways, taking the elevator up to Matteo’s floor with a sense of relief. Finally, today was the day he’d get out of here and move into his new apartment. I couldn’t deny that the thought gave me a sense of closure. All those weeks of worry and sleepless nights had felt endless, but now, knowing he’d be in a place of his own, I could breathe a little easier.
When I reached his room, Matteo was sitting on the edge of the bed, a mixture of excitement and impatience on his face. He was fiddling with the edge of his shirt, his casted arm making it a bit awkward. Despite everything he’d been through, he still looked like the brother I’d known my whole life-tough and stubborn, even if his body wasn’t quite as ready as his mind to take on the world.
“Ready to go?” I asked, giving him a soft smile as I entered the room.
He looked up, his face softening when he saw me. “God, I’ve been ready since last week,” he muttered, swinging his legs over the bed. “Hospitals drive me insane.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “Well, you’re almost free. They just have to process the paperwork, and then we’re out of here.”
He sighed, running a hand over his face. “Honestly, Em, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Hiis words caught me off guard, leaving me shocked and speechless. Matteo wasn’t one to say things like that often, and it reminded me just how close I’d come to losing him. The emotion in his eyes was raw, but before I could respond, he looked away, brushing it off like he always did when things got too real. Too emotional.
A nurse came in then, giving us a few forms to sign, explaining the discharge process. She had that sympathetic smile, the one you get used to when people know your story but can’t truly understand it. I thanked her, gathering up his belongings as she walked out.
“Here,” I handed Matteo his jacket, helping him slip it over his cast. “Let’s get you out of here.”
The car ride to the new apartment was quiet, each of us lost in our own thoughts. I hadn’t allowed any of Alaric’s men to bring me here because that would just put Matteo on the edge. I didn’t want that for him, and Allaric had given me his card to Uber us there.
This apartment was a fresh start for Matteo, a space where he could heal, recover, and eventually get back to his life. I knew Alaric had arranged it all, and as much as I hated to admit it, I was grateful.
We reached the apartment complex, and I helped him out of the car, steadying him as he got his balance. Matteo glanced around as we walked inside, his expression unreadable. We got to the elevator and climbed in, taking us to Matteo’s apartment floor.
The apartment was on the second floor, and I could tell Matteo was anxious to see it. I unlocked the door, and we stepped inside together. It was fully furnished now-a small kitchen off to the left, a cozy living room with a couch and coffee table, and a hallway that led to the bedroom and bathroom. Everything was simple but practical.
“Wow,” Matteo said, running his good hand over the back of the couch. “I didn’t expect this.”
I set his bags down and shrugged, trying to keep things light. “Hey, don’t thank me. I just got you here.”
He looked at me then, really looked at me, and I could see the gratitude in his eyes. “I know this wasn’t easy for you, Em. And I know…I know who helped make this happen.”
I glanced away, feeling a flicker of discomfort. Alaric’s name wasn’t mentioned, but it didn’t need to be. We both knew what had happened, the strings that had been pulled. I didn’t want to dwell on it. Not here, not now.
“Let’s get you settled in,” I said, changing the subject. “You need anything? Food? I can pick up some groceries.”
Matteo shook his head. “Just…stay for a bit. We can go through the basics, make sure I know where everything is.” He hesitated, then added, “I could use the company, at least for a while.”
I managed a small smile. “Of course.”
We spent the next hour unpacking his things, arranging the essentials, and figuring out the space. I helped him set up the TV, showed him where I’d organized the bathroom supplies, and made sure he had his phone charger within easy reach.
Eventually, we sat down on the couch, both of us taking a deep breath as we looked around the room. It wasn’t much, but it was his, and that meant more than anything right now.
“So,” he started, breaking the silence, “are you…going to keep working with him?”
The question caught me off guard, and I glanced over, surprised by the seriousness in his tone. Matteo wasn’t one to pry, but I knew he was worried. After all, he’d been through enough to understand the dangers of Alaric’s world, even if he didn’t know the full extent.
“Matteo…” I began, unsure how to answer. “It’s complicated.”
He raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as best as he could with the cast. “Complicated, how?”
I sighed, searching for the right words. “It’s…it’s just a job. I’m there for Francesca, his daughter. And I’ll be honest, it’s not like I have a lot of other options right now. And it’s not like I can leave until he wants me to.”
He frowned, clearly displeased. “Emilia, I don’t want you mixed up in that world. Not because of me.”
“I know, but it’s more than that,” I admitted. “It’s…stable. It’s given me a chance to help you, to be here for you. And Francesca-she’s just a little girl, Matteo. She needs someone.”
He didn’t look convinced, but he let it go, shifting his gaze to the window across the room. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt. That world-his world-isn’t something you can walk away from easily.”
I nodded, understanding his concern. “I get it, Matteo. But I’ll be careful. And for now, this is the best option I have.”
He sighed, his expression softening as he leaned back against the couch. “Alright. But promise me, if things ever get too…dangerous, you’ll leave. No questions asked.”
I managed a faint smile, appreciating his protective instincts, even if they felt a little unnecessary. “I promise. But you need to focus on getting better. This is your fresh start, Matteo. Don’t waste it worrying about me.”
He chuckled softly, his gaze meeting mine with a warmth that I’d missed. “Guess that’s something I’ll never stop doing.”
All the regrets about my decision to work with Alaric left my chest immediately. I knew I’d made the right decision by being here for him, by helping him find a place to heal. And I would do it over and over again. If it ever came down to it, I’d risk my life to keep my brother safe.