Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Sophia

IT WAS MORNING.

I stifled a yawn and stretched out my hands in the air as my eyelids fluttered open once I felt the sun seeping through the curtains fall over my face.

I still needed more sleep.

Before I could close back my eyes and lull myself back into slumber, from the corner of my eye, I caught sight of something on the other side of my bed. I sat up immediately and turned fully to the side and a frown took over my features as I stared at the things lying beside me.

On the other side of my bed lay a bouquet of flowers and a chocolate bar. I stretched my hands and picked them up, accessing them for any sign of whoever must've sent them.

It couldn't be Matteo.

Matteo knew I loved to take chocolates every morning, but he had never sent them to me, so-

My eyes fell on the white card tucked neatly in the flowers. Pulling it out, I unfolded it.

'Morning, Amore mio.'

I narrowed my eyes at the writing, trying to understand who it belonged to. I couldn't recognise the writing, and it was so bad that no one had ever called me 'Amore mio' during my whole lifetime.

It had been a week since I last got a similar note from the same person. The last time, it was a congratulatory note, and then, a good morning one.

I was confused.

To think of it, it seemed as if that person had an eye on me, else how would they know I loved taking chocolates every morning? How did they-

My thoughts got interrupted by a knock on my door, and I snapped my gaze towards the closed door.

I got down from the bed and shivered slightly as the cold tiles touched my feet. I grabbed the bouquet of flowers and chocolate, along with the note, and hid it before walking to the door.

On opening it, I found Matteo standing there, clad in a navy blue suit which hugged his body in the rightful places. His hair was gelled to the side, and he had this smouldering hot look.

Too bad he didn't make my heart beat like a particular mysterious man did.

"Good morning,"

His voice pulled me out of my thoughts, and I blinked, adjusting my night dress robe around me. "Morning,"

"I hope I didn't wake you up, "He passed me an apologetic look.

I shifted on my feet. “What makes you think so?"

His thin lips curled into a full-blown smile. “You obviously have that 'I-just-woke-up-from-sleep' look,"

"Actually, I just woke up before you knocked, so it's not a problem, "I laughed it off. "Is there anything you need? Any problem?"

"No," He shook his head. “I only came to ask you if you could come with me for breakfast. I wanted us to have a breakfast date,"

I was meant to swoon at his gentlemanliness, but I didn’t. I couldn't.

I was already used to a not-so gentleman.

"Sophia,"

I blinked and looked up at him. “sure. That would be great,"

"I hope I won't be making you cancel any of your plans with your friends?” He asked. “It’s no problem if you don't want to come,"

"Don't worry about that,” I said. "I'll have a bath and meet you down shortly, "I tilted my head to the side. "How about that?"

"Sure,"

♡♡♡

Matteo and I were seated in a private booth in a famous restaurant. There was an eerie silence as we both sat opposite each other, waiting for our breakfast to be served.

I was dressed in a tailored short and white button-down blouse, pinned with a leopard belt matched with braided sandals.

Matteo decided to break the silence. “What do you think of the place?"

I averted my gaze from the painting I was staring at to him. “It’s lovely. I love the place,"

"It's good you love it,"

I smiled.

Soon, our dish was served and we were both digging in our Pumpernickel Waffles. Midway into our meal, I noticed Matteo staring at me as I ate, not eating his own food.

I stopped eating as well and stared back at him. “Why aren't you eating? You don't like your food?"

He pushed his plate and glass of grapefruit cocktail aside, then leaned his elbow on the table, staring deeply into my eyes. “I was wondering something,"

My brows furrowed. “What?"

He sighed and pulled away, leaning on his chair as he looked away from me. "I hope this doesn't come out awkward,"

"What's that?"

He looked back at me. "I want you to be my plus one tonight. Tonight, we'll be celebrating the company's sixtieth anniversary,"

I raised my brow and a teasing smile appeared on my lips. “You’re asking me to be your date? Is that why you think it will be awkward?"

He shook his head and buried his face in his palms, before peeking at me through his fingers. “You don't understand,"

It was my turn to push my plate of food aside. I took a sip from my grapefruit cocktail and passed him an amused smile. “Make me understand,"

"Fuck" He dropped his hands. "You've been in love before, right? You should know how it feels being around the one you love. The nervousness and-, "The nervous look on his face changed into a worried one when he saw the forlorn look on my face.

At the mention of being in love, my smile fell.

"I'm sorry if I said something wrong” He said. “I didn't mean to just say it out like that,"

I shook my head at him. “It’s okay. I understand,"

"Sophia, I-,"

I cut him off. “I want to go back home,"

He hesitated for a second before nodding. “I’ll drop you off,” He stood up.

"You don't need to,” I stood up, grabbing my bag. "I'll just order an Uber or something,"

"You sure you're okay?” He asked. “I feel like I've already ruined everything,"

I placed my hand on his arm. "I promise, Matteo, you haven’t,” I smiled at him. "In-fact, you've only made me feel loved. That was something I've always yearned for since I lost my Nana" My throat clogged up. "By the ways, don't you dare take someone else as your plus one to the party. You don't want to see the possessive side of me, "I said in a joking manner, hoping he wouldn't overthink it.

"What do you mean?"

"Dummy,” I hit his arm slightly. “You’re my fiancé won't let you take another woman as your date tonight. I’ll be there with you,"

He smiled. “I’ll take that as a yes,"

"Yep,"

"Okay then" His smile widened. “Please, allow me to send you a dress so you can wear it tonight,"

I jokingly placed my hand on my chest to feign pain. “That hurts. You take your fiancé as a woman who can't even select a dress to a party herself, "I pouted.

"That's not it, Sophia" He said. “I just want you to wear something I pick,"

"I'll be awaiting the dress, then" I said. I reluctantly stepped on my toes to match his height and placed a small peck on his cheek. "Bye,"

I walked away from there, hoping to be able to make the marriage work.

Just because I was hurt by love didn't mean someone as nice as Matteo deserved to get hurt as well.