“I don’t think they’ll be back tonight. Do you know the way to Rebecca’s uncle’s place?” asked Matteo, softening a little. He didn’t know why her tears shifted something in his heart, but it did. Now he wanted to make amends and release her. Maybe he would think of another way to see her again! After all, he wasn’t in this for just the money. He wanted her near him! It was a crazy wish since he had just met the girl! “I don’t!” Amelia wiped her eyes and looked at him hopefully. “Would you drive me over to get my card?” “I can after closing this place down. Why don’t you ask them for the address in the meantime?” He smiled at her and left the office to wrap up his work for the day. Amelia messaged her friends, but they didn’t reply. She called them but they didn’t take her call! She searched for Rebecca’s uncle on her mobile phone and found out the address of his house at last. Relieved, she walked out to inform Matteo. She saw Matteo working on a damaged Rolls-Royce with two other
“Eating!” he prompted, his voice deep and husky again. Really the guy was a pro at his flirty games! How can anyone blame her innocent heart? Amelia folded her arms and shot him a pointed look. “I was thinking about going over to Becca’s uncle’s house to get this over and done with.” Although her cheeks flushed with color, she refused to show how he was affecting her. A few more hours in his company and she could go back home, far away from him. “Sure, you were.” She didn’t miss the amusement in his tone as he finished his meal. “Hurry if you need to go.” Amelia tucked into her dinner while Matteo went to his room to freshen up. She was ready and waiting for him when he emerged freshly showered and ready in figure-hugging jeans and a black muscle tee. At that point, Amelia couldn’t help but feel envious of him. She too needed a shower so badly! She looked away this time before he could catch her checking him out. “Let’s go.” He ushered her out and locked his apartment, walking tow
Matteo gave her a look of concern and glanced through the rearview mirror to see her friends peering at them from the front door. He was sure she had confronted them, but didn’t ask her anything yet. He drove away towards his own apartment instead of the airport, as she had insisted. “What happened?” he asked at last, seeing her flushed face. “Uncle Denver will pay your repairing charges. I handed him the bill,” she mumbled, staring out of the window with a frown. It didn’t look like they were heading towards the airport. Where was he taking her? “Did you tell him about the accident?” “He knew. Rebecca dumped all the blame on me, right from sneaking the car out to the accident. She even explained my absence to her uncle in her own twisted way.” Matteo frowned and glanced at her, wanting to know more, but she sat broodingly without explaining further. “How?” he asked at last. Amelia turned towards him with a flushed, angry yet embarrassed expression on her face, hesitating a littl
Amelia’s ears flushed hot with embarrassment and she couldn’t even look at Matteo. His words played in her head like a broken record, making her blush.I thought you would be sore!No, she had to divert her mind in some way.“Why was I in your room, Matteo?” was all she could muster up the courage to ask while walking towards the kitchen to grab a strong cup of coffee. She needed it badly. “What option did I have than to carry you there? Cadence was at the door and I didn’t want her to know the truth. She would force me to get back with her,” said Matteo, following her to the kitchen. His statements had her worried. So was the dream a reality? Did he touch his lips to hers? Did she beg him to stay with her on the bed? She poured her coffee absent-mindedly. “One for me too.” Amelia came out of her trance and looked at him, serving the breakfast he had prepared. She smiled at the delicious-looking toast, bacon, and eggs he had made and forgot her predicament. “When did you make so mu
“What’s the need for it? I have a spare ring we can use for the act.” Matteo shook his head and gently shoved her inside his car. “Just get in.” He closed the door and went around to the driver’s seat with a scowl on his face. Amelia found his behavior weird. Why was he willing to spend on a fake ring? The emerald ring she had bought on her last birthday could work perfectly. “Why are we spending so much for nothing? We could use my emerald ring,” she said, trying to put some sense in his stubborn head. “No, I want you to wear my ring, not anyone else’s.” He started the car with the same scowl, making her roll her eyes at him. “It’s not anyone else’s. I bought it for myself on my last birthday.” “Whatever! We won’t use it.” Amelia shrugged and looked out of the window. There was no point in arguing with such a headstrong man. Let him waste his money on a ring! “Have you checked out NYC yet?” he asked suddenly as they stopped at a signal. “No, we had just set out when the accide
Amelia wore a conservative navy blue dress, pairing it with small diamond studs. Her hands trembled with fear as she waited for Matteo’s arrival. With only 30 minutes at hand, shouldn’t he be here already? Weird thoughts about the man they were about to face haunted her mind. Her heart pounded with every passing minute, anticipating the worst viable treatment there. In Matteo’s absence, she had cowered in her room all afternoon, repenting her decision to stay back. Why did she have to bring this upon herself? Her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Lizzy for the fourth time since the afternoon, but she didn’t pay any heed to it. She wouldn’t tell anyone of her whereabouts until Matteo’s problem was solved. The door clicked open and she could hear Matteo grumbling to himself. Was he still in his shitty mood? God! He was such a jerk! She was right about him. He wanted to get into her pants right from the moment he lay his eyes on her. Maybe he was the same with all women! A knock
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
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.