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Gianna’s POV
The envelope sat on the edge of my kitchen table, and I was still deciding whether I should open it or not. It had been lying there for two days now, and I still hadn’t tore it open. Matteo’s name was scrawled on the envelope in his familiar handwriting and it should feel like a comfort that he had even tried to reach out to me at all, but instead it kind of felt like a challenge. I wanted to read it. I really wanted to, but I couldn’t bring myself to touch it.
What if it only made things harder?
I sighed and leaned against the counter, staring at the letter like it might burst into flames. My friends had tried to distract me with dinners and movies, but every time I returned home, the envelope was sitting right there, successfully reminding me that I couldn’t forget everything that happened.
Picking it up, I traced my fingers over the edges. He didn’t text or call anymore, not since this letter arrived. It felt like he’d poured everything into it, leaving the ball in my court.
“I’m being ridiculous,” I muttered under my breath. It was just a letter. Words on paper couldn’t hurt me, could they?
Before I could second-guess myself again, I tore it open, the sound loud in the quiet of my condo. I unfolded the letter and the neat, precise handwriting immediately greeted me.
“Gianna,
I don’t even know where to begin, but I guess I’ll start with the most important thing: I love you.”
The words stopped me cold. I sank into the chair, the letter trembling slightly in my hands. Matteo had said he loved me before, but seeing it written down felt different. Felt more permanent.
“I know I’ve said it before, but I don’t think I’ve ever said it in a way that truly captures what I feel for you. You’ve changed my life in ways I never expected. You’ve shown me what it means to be vulnerable, to trust, to hope for something better. And now that I’ve had that with you, I can’t imagine my life without you in it.
I know things haven’t been easy lately. Dinner with Emilia…it didn’t go the way I wanted. I should’ve done more to make you feel supported, to stand by you. I hate that you felt judged or unwelcome because of my sister’s attitude. That’s not fair to you, and I’ll never forgive myself for letting you feel that way.”
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I blinked them away, my chest tightening as I read on.
“But Gianna, I need you to know this: you’re the one for me. Not Emilia, not anyone else, can change how I feel about you. You’re smart, strong, kind, and you challenge me in ways no one ever has. I’ve never met anyone like you, and I know I never will again.
I understand why you need space, and I respect that. But please don’t doubt for a second how much I care about you or how far I’m willing to go to make this work. You’re it for me, Gianna. You’re my future.
Take all the time you need. I’ll be here when you’re ready. And if you’ll let me, I’ll spend the rest of my life proving to you that you made the right choice by loving me.
I love you, okay? Please let me be sure you’re okay.
Yours, always,
Matteo”
The tears fell freely now, falling on the paper and smudging the ink in places. His words were raw and heartfelt, and I could feel the pain he was feeling through these words. I could see him so clearly in my mind-his earnest eyes, his boyish charm, his captivating smile. God. I couldn’t get him out of my head even if I wanted to.
“Damn it, Matteo,” I whispered, folding the letter carefully.
I set it down and leaned back, staring at the ceiling as emotions churned inside me. He loved me. Really loved me. And I loved him too-there was no denying that. But love didn’t erase the complications that came with our relationship.
Emilia’s judgment still stung very painfully. Her disapproval still lingered in the back of my mind and I couldn’t get it out even though I tried so hard to. I didn’t blame Matteo for her actions, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I didn’t belong in his world.
I was older than him, and while that never mattered to Matteo, it mattered to everyone else. To his sister. To his family. And no matter how strong our connection was, I couldn’t ignore the voice in my head whispering that they might be right.
This letter reminded me of how much I missed him, how much he had become my lifeline. It pulled me towards him, but it also scared me. I wasn’t sure I could face him again. I wasn’t sure I could face his family knowing they might never accept me.
My phone buzzed on the table, breaking my thoughts. A text from one of my girls, Clara: Movie night tomorrow? Let me know.
I picked up my phone, staring at the screen for a moment before typing back a quick Sure. Maybe a distraction would help. Or maybe it would just delay the inevitable.
Because no matter how much I tried to avoid it, Matteo’s words were already carving their way into my heart.
I needed to get my mind off him. And it didn’t take long before I found myself pacing my apartment, unable to focus on anything. I tried reading, cleaning, even baking-anything to distract myself-but the letter was all I could think about.
I finally grabbed my phone and scrolled to Matteo’s contact, my finger hovering over the call button. My chest tightened. What would I even say?
Instead, I opened the letter again, reading it for the tenth time. The more I read it, the more it felt impossible to stay away.
Clara’s voice echoed in my head. “If you love him, Gianna, don’t let fear hold you back. Love is messy, but it’s worth fighting for.” She’d said.
She was right. Matteo was worth fighting for. But was I ready to fight for us?
I sat down, clutching the letter to my chest. I didn’t have all the answers, but one thing was clear: Matteo hadn’t given up on me. And maybe… maybe it was time I stopped giving up on myself.
With a deep breath, I picked up my phone and started typing.
Matteo, can we talk?
I stared at the message for what seemed like an eternity, and then I erased it. Even if we got back together, Emilia still wouldn’t accept me in the family, and that changes everything.