Amelia was immediately on high alert as the man approached them, his glittering eyes glaring at Matteo. She touched her sling bag, feeling inside to check her weapon. Yes, it was there! “Matteo, it’s good that you came over. I wanted to talk to you.” Matteo stood up at the sight of him, walking up to clasp his outstretched hand, leaving Amelia’s for the first time since they entered the house. “Hello, Bill. I wanted to talk to you too.” Bill Phantom frowned and released his hand to give Amelia a suspicious look. “What is it, Matteo? And who is this woman with you?” He sat down on the couch facing them, gesturing for them to take a seat. “This is Amelia. I have something to show you.” Bill Phantom scowled at Amelia and then held up his hand at Matteo. “Hang on. First, tell me what’s going on between you and Cadence. Why is she upset and shedding tears over you? Didn’t I clarify that the monetary concession for the shop would cease the moment you break off the engagement with her?”
The man’s pleas didn’t soften Matteo. He punched his face so hard that he dropped to the ground. His comrades came rushing in to help him but Matteo kept on hitting at the injured man. Before the others could restrain him, he pulled out a gun from inside his leather jacket and held it to the man’s head. “You know I don’t forgive anyone, Rob. You deserve to die.”“Drop the gun, Matteo. I’m sure he’ll never do this again,” said Ryan as he emerged with Cadence. The sight of him made Matteo’s blood boil even more. The men inched towards him to divert his attention, but Matteo was livid with fury. “Stay right where you are or I’ll blow his brains up.” “Let him go, Matteo. Don’t do it,” pleaded Amelia, as a strange fear gripped her heart. Was Matteo a criminal too, like them? “Please, Matteo. Don’t kill my brother,” sobbed Cadence. The sight of her made Matteo shove the gun more into his head. “This is all because of you, Cadence. Now watch your brother die.” “Your girl won’t live to
“My family won’t allow it. I’m sure you can appoint an accountant better than me, Matteo.” Amelia couldn’t look at him after she declined him directly in his face. Matteo frowned and drove on in silence, his hard expression not allowing her to know how he really felt. He parked his car and walked out towards his apartment while Amelia followed him in silence. She knew the time had arrived for her to pack up and leave. Maybe she would do that. “I’ve ordered dinner. Should be here anytime,” he announced the moment he entered the apartment. “Okay.” He walked away towards his room without another word and Amelia somehow felt he was upset with her decision. She picked up her phone to book herself a flight home. Her heart felt heavy as it revolted against her decision. She somehow couldn’t make herself press the button and book. The urge to stay back was so strong that it made her lose all her common sense. She went to her room to freshen up and change. There was no use living here with
After the third ring, Matteo trudged over to open the door, wondering who would disturb him so late in the night. Couldn’t Freddie wait until morning? What could be the emergency? He opened the door to blast him when his eyes popped out at seeing a tired Amelia on his doorstep. For a minute, his mind went blank, and he couldn't believe his eyes. Was he hallucinating? Was she really here? He rubbed his eyes to focus better and found her still standing there. “Emelia?” he breathed unsteadily.“What? Am I not welcome anymore?” asked Amelia breathlessly. Realization hit him and he blinked at her with disbelief. She really had come back! A lazy smile lit up his face, and he pulled her luggage inside, allowing her to enter. “How did you come back?” he asked, his gaze not leaving her even for a second. Amelia smiled and closed the door, turning to face him finally. “You wanted me to find my dreams, and I did. Pursuing an MBA is my dad’s dream, not mine,” she admitted breathlessly, her ch
“Any problem, my accountant?” Amelia rolled her eyes and flashed him a sweet smile, all the while groaning inwardly. “No, Matteo umm, boss.” He looked quite pleased with her address and squeezed in a chair beside his. “Here you go. You can use the spare laptop there. I’ll tell you what to do right away.” Amelia stood like a statue, wondering how she would squeeze in there. “Come on. Get moving, accountant.” She rolled her eyes at his enthusiasm. Why was he so excited? She squeezed in through the tiny space and collected the laptop he pointed at. Sitting with it on her chair, she waited for Matteo’s intervention. “What’s the password, boss?” Matteo chuckled and sat down beside her, leaning almost over her. With his arm resting at the back of her chair, she was almost in his embrace! This was what she had been dreading. Now all she could feel was her arm brushing against his chest and the heady smell of his aftershave tingling in her nose. It was the worst torture possible. “So this
Amelia wanted to correct him about their fake engagement, but his phone buzzed with an incoming call from a customer and he released her hand. Amelia went back to her work while he got to his. The rest of the time, she didn’t meet him since he and Freddie went away on a customer call. It was almost seven in the evening, and Amelia wrapped up her work for the day. In Matteo’s absence, she didn’t know if it was time to leave. Her phone buzzed with an incoming call, and she frowned at the unknown number. Who could it be? Accepting the call, she held it to her ear. “Yes?” “Hey, Matteo here. I’ll be late tonight. I’m fixing a Porsche at a customer's place. Why don’t you go home?” Amelia felt relieved to be able to go home, but instantly frowned as a thought hit her.“Where did you get my number from?” She could hear Matteo’s chuckle at the other end and scowled. Was he mocking her? “I found your mobile phone lying around inviting me to give myself a missed call.” Amelia rolled her eye
Matteo parked his car and rushed into his shop, his face creased with worry. He found Bruce still there, just as he instructed. “Matteo, some men came over to get Rob Phantom, and he left with them a few minutes ago.”“Yes, I’m aware. Thanks for staying over, Bruce. You can leave if you’re done for the day.” He went towards the office, feeling bad for Amelia. She would be so tired, cramped up in the small office room all day. He opened the door, and she jumped up, startled out of her mind. “Hey, it’s me, Cara! Don’t be afraid. Phantom has left.” He went inside, but Amelia was too scared to hear a word he said. She rushed straight towards him and clung to him, holding onto his torso for dear life. She was a brave girl, but seeing Rob Phantom back for revenge, she had the eerie feeling that he had no plans to spare her tonight. Her sudden move surprised him but he wrapped his arms around her soft body as a strange feeling of belonging spread all over him. He wanted to protect her fr
“Matteo, I can handle this, please,” whispered Amelia, unable to take in the torture any longer. She knew she couldn’t resist him for long. “I don’t want you to. Let me help you, Emilia.” His voice was hoarse, laden with desire and it made her heart race. She quickly rinsed the last pan and handed it to him. “Umm, can you put a shirt on?” Matteo placed the pan down, his eyes sparkling with interest. “Why? Does it affect you so much?” Amelia shook her head vigorously, her body taut with awareness. She could feel him close behind her, slowly grinding his growing arousal against her, making her blush. “No, not at all!” She gasped, but his arm snaked around her waist, and he pulled her flush against his bare body. “You can’t lie to me, Emilia. I know you want me as much as I want you.” His lips grazed the soft skin below her ear, slowly, provocatively, trailing to her chin. Another gasp escaped her lips when he whirled her around to face him, his eyes searching hers. “Look into my ey
A Month Later“Emilia, start packing up. We’re going to Sicily next week. Marcello just called to announce his wedding.”Amelia gaped at her husband in shock. “When is the wedding? I don’t have a dress to wear!” “Mama will arrange for a seamstress for you. The wedding is three weeks later but I have to help her out.”“Okay, Mila and I will start packing up. Have you informed Marie's school?” “I will today.” Amelia wondered why he looked so excited today. Was it because of Marcello’s wedding? “Will we celebrate our wedding anniversary there, or will we celebrate it here before we leave?” She needed to know to make the preparations. Matteo smiled, his eyes glinting with secrecy. What was he hiding from her? “We’ll celebrate it there. I’ve invited your siblings and their families. Even Brooklyn is coming over with hers.” “Oh, are you making any gala plans? I’m not prepared at all!” she protested helplessly, but he just winked and left. What did it mean? For the next few days, Ameli
After Six Months“Mmmmamaa!” said Aurelio and Mariella clapped with delight. “Mama, Leo said his first word. I taught him!” Amelia smiled at her firstborn with pride. She has been an angel in their lives, helping them in every way just like a grown-up would. “Yes, good job, Marie! I’m proud of you,” said Matteo, watching her interact with the little ones in the nursery. He had just come home after dropping his Mama and Marcello at the airport. His Mama had helped them for the last six months, although Marcello had returned two days after the twins were born. He just came over to escort their Mama back home. “Papàaaap,” said Armano, and Mariella’s little heart swelled with pride. “Yay! Even Armie has learned his first word!” Amelia fed the twins and tucked them for the night, but they didn’t at all look sleepy. “Marie, have you completed your home assignments?” Amelia asked as she went to the dining room. “Yes, Mama.” “Fine, have your dinner and sleep. Mila, please, can you hel
Amelia could feel the contractions rocking her body after every few minutes. Matteo stayed by her side all the time, stroking her hair, and holding onto her hands with concern. It relieved her a lot this time, unlike the last time when she was all alone. Matteo’s family had arrived much later, and she had missed him like a sore thumb then. “Nurse, when will you take her to the birthing room?” asked Matteo agitatedly. “There’s time. It’s still early labor! When the contractions increase in frequency and last longer, we will take her to the birthing room.”Unable to see her in pain, Matteo called his Mama.“Can you come over, Mama? I’m feeling so lost with Emilia in labor pain.”“Are you in the hospital? Where’s Mariella?” asked his Mama in a state of panic. “Yes, Amelia started her contractions and we are in the labor room. Mariella is at my friend’s house.” “Why didn’t you inform me before?” said his clueless Mama. “The delivery date was two weeks later. I thought of informing yo
The next morning, Matteo received the biggest shock of his life! Lucas’s blog post and his social media post went viral overnight. His shop became the go-to place for people with expensive cars to repair. The space in front of his shop was teeming with cars left behind by the customers. The men were struggling with work. Matteo employed extra hands to help. He became a star mechanic overnight! “Mama, look! Papà is on TV!” squealed Mariella as she browsed through the channels. Amelia emerged from the kitchen and sat down to watch the talk show. Her eyes popped out to see her husband with Lucas Donnelly! They discussed cars and the cars he designed, repaired, and remodeled at affordable prices. Tears pricked at Amelia’s eyes while her heart swelled with pride for him. He had gone through a lot and truly deserved some happiness now. “What’s your inspiration, Mr. Ricci? Apart from your love for cars,” asked the host.“This shop is a dream project of mine, but I don’t give up only becau
With so much work to do, Matteo didn’t get a moment's respite to go home. Freddie and his team worked on the Ferrari, since their fate depended on it. They had to please Lucas Donnelly. It was, after all, his favorite car! It was late when Matteo returned home to find Amelia fast asleep with Mariella. He felt worried about her since she always waited up for him. He had to talk to her and convince her to see the doctor. The next morning he sat down to breakfast, but Amelia wasn’t present at the table with them. Mariella gave him a sad look as she ate her breakfast alone. “What happened to your Mama, Marie?” “She’s sick, Papà. Last night she threw up her dinner. Even today she threw up twice already. Can you make her better? I hate it when she’s sick!” “Don’t worry. Have your breakfast. I’ll check up with your Mama.” He went into their bedroom to see his Emilia lying down. “Emilia? What happened to you? I’ll take you to the doctor right away,” he insisted. “Who will drop Marie at
Matteo went to see his lawyer to take an update on his health. Mr. Berkeley had stood by him in his time of need, and he was indebted to the man. He wasn’t in great shape and Matteo found him resting on his bed, which was odd. He was the most hardworking person on earth and in all these years, Matteo had always found him in his office, working. “Matteo! I’m so glad to see you, son!” he said, getting up to embrace him.“I’m happy to be back too, Mr. Berkeley. How are you now? Freddie told me about your health issues.” “I’m much better now. I’m sorry I let you down. We didn’t have another option before us. The mafia Don would have burned the entire shop down or killed all of us if we didn’t pay.” “I understand Mr. Berkeley. I’ll figure it out somehow.” He spent some time with the lawyer and then returned home to help Amelia. It was evening and she would be worried about him. “Matteo! What happened? Did you find out anything? Is the shop still there? Marie and I were about to go dow
The customer care representative showed him the figures in their database. Matteo realized the money was withdrawn from the Brooklyn, New York, branch of the bank. It was too hefty a sum to withdraw from an ATM. What was going on? He had given Mr. Berkeley the sole authority to handle his account. It was alright that he shared it with his wife, but why did he confiscate so much money for himself?“Thank you for your cooperation. I’m not carrying money right now. I’ll deposit it later on.” They left the bank in a state of shock. “We have to go to New York right away, Emilia. I don’t know what’s going on. Apart from you, only one person had access to my account. That was Mr. Berkeley. How could he confiscate my hard-earned money?” Amelia looked at him with concern, wondering if he believed her. “You know, I withdrew very little, Matteo. I can show you all the ATM slips.” “I wouldn’t have minded if you used the money in my absence for your and Mariella’s needs. But it was a hefty sum
The next day, Evita visited them with her son, Riccardo. Not once did she mention Rafael during the entire time she stayed in their house. Amelia felt bad for her. She was quite nice and didn’t deserve a man like Rafael who destroyed her life. “You should move on, my dear. You can’t live alone all your life,” said Matteo’s Mama. “I’m working in a multinational company now as a PA to the CEO. I’ve moved on, Aunt Bianca.” “I meant it on a personal front. Rafael didn’t marry you despite everything. I think you should marry a nice young man and settle down.” “I am marrying my boss next month, Aunt Bianca. He loves me and Riccardo. No one has ever loved me the way he does. I’m glad I met someone like him,” said Evita, and they felt relieved that she found the happiness she deserved. “What’s his name?” asked Marco with avid interest. “Leonardo Bernardi.” “Ah, Leo? He’s a gem of a guy!” said Marco with a satisfied grin. “Do you know him?” asked Evita with surprise. “Yes, he’s Viola’
“Why not? Don’t you want to start Synergist?” asked Amelia in surprise. “Not yet. I want to concentrate on my children. I have three,” said Genelia proudly. “I too have three. I’ll bring them the next time we meet,” said Brooklyn. Matteo, Marco, Marcello, and their Mama joined them soon. “You can keep Dad’s money, Amy. I will shift to South Africa near Brandon’s place soon. I’ve applied for a senior position in a prestigious hospital there,” said Ryan. “Are you both sure? I’ll divide the money and transfer your shares to you.” Viola brought the girls into the room and Amelia introduced them to her guests. “So, when are you shifting to Sicily?” asked Carlos. “In a couple of days. We still haven’t booked the flight tickets,” said Marco. “I could drop you on our way back home. I have my private jet. We’re returning to Napa Valley, California, a day later,” said Nikolas. “That would be great, Nikolas. I don’t want to stay here for so many days. We’ll go with you,” said their Mama.