6. Fears

Aria’s Pov

Slowly, I pulled myself out of bed, letting the heavy duvet fall to the floor. I stumbled into the bathroom and caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were red and swollen from crying the night before, and my hair was a mess. I sighed, wondering how things had come to this point.

It was supposed to be my wedding night, a night that was meant to be special and memorable. Instead, I had spent it alone, grateful for Matteo's absence. I didn't need him, I told myself. The rumors about him were troubling, but I couldn't help but wonder if there was more to him than to meet the eye. Was he really as cold and heartless as people said, or was there a hidden side to him that few knew about? I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than what I saw on the surface. I quickly took a bath and headed straight to the dining room, silently wishing never to see Alonzo again. He was a big frightening man. Why would Matteo need someone just like him to protect him?. He has himself.

As I entered the dining room, Matteo was already seated at the table, completely absorbed in his breakfast and his phone, taking a seat at the far end of the table, giving him plenty of space. Even as I sat down, he didn't even glance up from his phone.

There was an uncomfortable silence in the room, but it looked like I was the only one bothered. Shifting from side to side on my seat, I was excited to see Mrs. Fletcher, join us again. She poured me a good cup of warm tea and headed back into the kitchen.

Matteo, the stunning, most breathtaking man I’ve ever seen in twenty-three years of my life, walked out of the room with his phone pressed against his ear. His broad shoulders and confident strides leave me breathless. He looked worried for some reason with his brows furrowed in concentration. He took his mouth watering scent with him, and I sipped my tea thinking of how life would be with Matteo from now on.

*

Deciding to take a walk around my new home, I scouted the house. Moving from room to room. It was a bit odd that some of the doors were locked. I wondered what secrets they may hold. Looking out one of the windows in one of the balconies, I spotted Matteo. It looked like he was pissed and he was yelling at a man just as tall as he was but a little low on the body build. It was Carter! The man from church.

Matteo rolled up his sleeves and marched for the woods. I strained my neck to see if they was some kind of shed that hid behind those tall trees. Why the woods?. I couldn't understand why he would want to be associated with a place that was overrun with wildlife. It seemed like a risky and potentially dangerous place to be.

I was utterly alone in one part of this vast house. Matteo's mansion was like a maze, a puzzle I couldn't solve. I had left a trail of tape to mark my path, but even that felt tenuous and unreliable. I was lost, surrounded by luxury, but completely adrift. A hand fell on my shoulder and squeezed hard. I turned to see Alonzo. His face even angrier than before, and his eyes as deadly as I could remember. He was frightening. I squeaked and gulped hard. He moved closer, but before his hand could get a hold of my fidgeting body, Carter held him from behind me.

“She is bad news”. He growled.

Oh, congratulations. The first good sentence I’ve heard from him.

“The boss is waiting for you down there”. Carter, in his all cheering attitude, said. He has a charming smile and a pretty face. The kind of guy every girl in high school would die for.

“Boss wants me?”. Alonzo asked, startled.

“Yes, He does”. Carter whispered as Alonzo turned to me again.

“Bad news”. He said with a grunt and left.

“I don’t think he likes you very much”. Carter started as I smiled, too scared to make a move.

“Yes” my voice just above a whisper.

“He’ll warm up to you”. He smiled down at me.

For a minute, I struggled to collect my thoughts. What would have happened to me if Carter didn’t step in

“Are you okay?”. He asked, concern etched on his face.

“I am”. Nodding with a smile as he sighed and began walking. I followed, not wanting to stay there any longer considering the dangers I could face there.

“He’s not very good at English but he is very loyal to Matteo”. Carter said. Hands in his pocket and his lengthy hair over his shoulders.

“Why keep him?”. I asked, confused.

“Like I said, he’s very loyal. Matteo is a man of loyalty. That’s all he’s for”. Carter stopped dead in his tracks

“Alonzo has given that for years”. His American accent was rolling off his tongue. I was glad I had the accent, too, and was able to speak English like a pro. “That’s why he’s still here. Matteo trusts him with his life”.

“Why?”

“Alonzo has saved his life more than enough time to make him worthy of any position”. Carter said, resuming his walk.

“Saved his life from what? Rival companies?”.

“You could say that”. He shrugged.

“How’d you meet Matteo?”. I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me.

“You ask a lot of questions”. He said, smiling down at me. I casted from eyes to my feet, feeling shy as my body trembled in fear.

“It could get you in trouble one day”. His voice was a little bit off and stern all at once. I didn’t dare meet his gaze or take my eyes away from my feet till he began walking again.

“Matteo bought this house before the wedding. You know that?”

“Ye-yes”. I stuttered.

“He bought it so you could be comfortable”. He said

“I don’t understand. He hates me”. I pointed out.

“I don’t know about that” he chuckled. I sighed heavily. My legs match up to Carter’s pace. It was a large house. I was worried he might get us lost.

“Carter”. I called out, pressing my hands together to reduce it’s trembling.

“Yes, my lady”.

“How was she?”. I asked.

“How was who?”. He asked, hands in his pocket as he walked. I wanted to believe I was safe with him, but something in me told me not to trust him as much as Matteo did.

“His first wife”. Carter kept walking, pretending like I didn’t say a thing to him.

“She was his entire life”. He said finally, taking a turn by his left, and there we were in the living room of this huge mansion.

I let his words sink. His entire life. He did love her. A knock on the door pulled me out of my reverie and walked to the door. My bare feet padded softly on the wooden floor, making barely a sound as I approached the door. I pulled it open, revealing a tired and disheveled Matteo. His hair was mussed, his face etched with exhaustion and sweat glistened on his brow. He looked at me, his eyes taking in every detail of my appearance. I cowered under his gaze. His breaths were labored and heavy, brushing against my face as he stood so close. He towered over me, so tall that I had to tilt my head back to meet his gaze. He brushed past me as he entered the house, leaving his scent lingering in the air where he had stood.