Matteo's POV
My sister, Livia, had called me out to have dinner with her. I raised an eyebrow, finding it awkward that she'd suddenly invited me out.
"Is it bad if we have dinner out like normal siblings? Why are you so uptight?" she had said, when I declined. I grudgingly agreed to go after much persuasion from her.
As I arrived at the restaurant, my heart sank. Seated at the table, with a smile plastered on her face, was my ex-girlfriend, Camilla. Realization hit me - my sister had planned the whole thing!
This was typical Livia - always meddling and trying to reunite me with Camilla. But I would rather die than go back to her.
Camilla and I were college sweethearts, but our relationship ended last year. She had an affair with her ex, and I received a video of them making out, courtesy of her ex, who somehow got my number. The video was recent, and it shattered my heart to see her lying to my face while secretly meeting him behind my back.
I confronted her with the evidence, and initially, she denied everything. But the truth was undeniable.
I had made it clear that I wanted nothing to do with Camilla. I blocked her number and told her to leave me alone. I had been trying to move on from the betrayal, but now, here she was, standing in front of me with those pleading eyes.
I tried to call Livia, but her number was unreachable. I clenched my fists, holding back my anger. This was the last straw. After dealing with Camilla, I would have a few choice words for Livia.
"Matteo, I thought you wouldn't come," Camilla said, standing up.
"I wouldn't have if I knew you'd be here," I replied coldly.
"Matteo, why are you being so harsh? Can't you forgive me? It's been a while now," she pleaded.
I clenched my fists tighter, holding back my anger.
I didn't want to engage in a heated conversation, but I couldn't help myself. "I'm done here, and with you," I said, turning to leave.
"Matteo, listen to me, please," she begged, gently grasping my arm and spinning me back around to face her.
"I thought you said you loved me," she continued. "If you love me that much, you should have forgiven and forgotten what happened. It was just a one-time silly mistake."
Her words triggered me, and I was ready to unleash the pent-up emotions and words I had been holding back. But what really got my blood boiling was the familiar tactic she was using - gaslighting.
I stared at her, feeling disappointed in myself. How did I end up dating, let alone falling for someone like her?
"I loved you in the past, and you claimed to love me too," I said. "So why did you cheat? You took me for a fool, lying and going back to your ex constantly, fucking him and then coming to me like it didn't matter."
"A mistake? No, never. The process of cheating is too long to be a mistake. Not once, not twice, not thrice, Camilla. You made that 'mistake' multiple times. I can't tolerate a woman like you. Stay away from me, and I don't ever want to see your face again. I'm dead serious."
I emphasized the last words, making sure she understood the warning. Then, I stormed outside, heading towards my car. That's when I noticed another car blocking my path.
"Who the fuck parked here?" I thought, gritting my teeth. I was ready to unleash my aggression on whoever was responsible. I marched towards the car, ready to confront the driver.
But when I saw that it was Alessia's car, my anger subsided. What was she doing here at this time of the day? For some reason, seeing her calmed me down, and my anger melted.
Alessia looked stressed, her hazel eyes strained, and I sensed that something was greatly bothering her. She was acting completely out of character, unlike the Alessia Rossi I knew. Something was definitely eating away at her.
****
After receiving a call from her dad, her hands began trembling, and fear crept into her eyes. She didn't say a word, but her body language screamed that something was off.
"Are you okay?" I asked, my concern getting the better of me, as I held her trembling hands.
She blinked, as if snapping out of a trance, and yanked her hands away. "I'm leaving," she said abruptly, returning to her car.
But I was too worried about her to let her go. I couldn't explain why, but I'd always felt drawn to Alessia, even if it meant getting under her skin.
"You should eat first, you don't look so good," I said, trying to sound nonchalant despite my growing concern.
"It's fine," she replied curtly.
"Miss Alessia..." I started, but she cut me off.
"Can you back off already! You should know I'm not in the mood for your shenanigans," she snapped, her face in a deep frown and her voice rising.
"You know you can tell me," I said, turning to leave. "If something's bothering you, I can lend you an ear or a hand. This offer lasts until tomorrow evening."
I placed my business card and the crocs on the trunk of her car and walked away, feeling her eyes on me. I couldn't help but hope she would take me up on my offer.
As I drove home, my mind kept drifting back to Alessia. What was bothering her? Why was she so upset?
When I finally arrived at my apartment, I headed to the small bar and poured myself a glass of wine. I swirled the liquid, watching as the colors danced in the glass. The grape flavors rolled across my tongue as I took a sip. I let out a sigh, tilting my head back.
"Today was a hectic one," I muttered to myself, refilling my glass.
I got up and headed to the shower, checking the time as I walked. I had completely wasted my evening because of Livia's meddling. I should try calling her again.
I grabbed my phone and dialed her number. She picked up on the first ring.
"Hello, big bro!" she chimed, her voice bubbly. The background music and noise gave away her location - she was out partying.
"Where are you?" I asked.
"I can't hear you!" she shouted back.
"Then leave the noisy place," I said, raising my voice so she could hear me.
A few seconds later, the noise died down.
"I can hear you now," she said, her voice clear.
"What was the meaning of the stunt you pulled earlier?" I asked, getting straight to the point.
"I don't understand," she feigned innocence.
"I'm sure you do," I countered. "Now listen to me, Livia. I won't repeat myself. Camilla and I are done for good. Don't you ever try to...no, don't even think about trying to bring us together again."
"But big bro, I just... it's because I care about you, and you've been so withdrawn since you and Camilla—" I cut her off mid-sentence.
"Livia, your intentions are good, but know your limits. Let this never repeat itself," I warned firmly.
She hesitated before speaking. "Alright, I'll just stop caring about you. It's not my fault that I love you."
I rolled my eyes, recognizing the guilt trip she was trying to lay on me. "Send me the address of where you are right away. I'll come pick you up later."
"I'm not a kid," she complained. "Who gets picked up by their brother at a party?" But I didn't give her a chance to protest further, disconnecting the call instead.
If given the chance, Livia would talk and argue all night. But there was something she didn't know - the real reason behind Camilla and my breakup. And I intended to keep it that way, locked away as a closed chapter in my life.
The next morning, I dressed up and headed to work. As I parked, my eyes scanned the parking lot, searching for Alessia's car, but it was nowhere to be found. She was always punctual, often the first to arrive at the office. Her absence was unsettling.
"Is she alright?" I wondered.
I shoved my hands into my pockets and walked into the building. As the day unfolded, I didn't catch a glimpse of Alessia, even when I made a point to visit her office under the pretext of needing to pick up some important files. But her chair was empty, her desk vacant.
I observed her office, noticing the familiar sight of her nerd glasses, usually perched on her nose.
But today, they lay idle on her desk.
Since I joined the company, Alessia had never missed a day of work, not even on her scheduled leaves. She was a workaholic, always dedicated to her job.
"I wonder why Miss Alessia isn't here today?" I muttered, trying to sound nonchalant, while actually fishing for information from her secretary.
Her secretary's words only added to my concern. "I'm so worried. Her number isn't reachable. But I'm pretty sure it's a good reason," she said.
I nodded, taking a sip of my hot coffee before leaving. As I walked back to my office, my mind began to wander. I drummed my fingers gently on the table, recalling my encounter with Alessia. Her stressed expression, the fear in her eyes - it all came flooding back.
I crossed my legs, shifting slowly in my chair. My gaze drifted to the blank screen of my phone, waiting for her call. But then, doubts crept in.
I had left my card, even though I was certain she had my number, just to make sure.
"Argh, why on earth would she call me of all people?" I thought. "Maybe I came on too strong when I told her she could call me."
Another thought nagged at me - I should call her. I dialed her number, but it was still unreachable.
"Shit," I cursed, almost throwing my phone in frustration, when it suddenly rang. I grunted, picking up the unknown number. Who could this be?
I rolled my eyes. "Hello?" I answered, my tone somewhat irritated.
"Hello. Is this Matteo?" a soft voice asked.
My heart skipped a beat as I wondered if it could be Alessia. I glanced at the unfamiliar number again.
"Yes, you're speaking with Matteo," I replied, trying to sound calm while hoping against all hope that it was indeed Ales
sia.
"Good. It's Alessia. I need your help," she said.
A grin spread across my lips as my concerns faded. But what did she need help with?