The room bed with wealth and Bubuence, each detal–brem the
calarrangements to the Lash decur–seeming meticulously crafted to impress Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling casting a rott glower the elegantly dressed crow their laughter and murmurs filling the air like a gentle buzz. Marea moved through the throng like he owned the place, is confident stride drawing attention from yes
abelled him, trying to keep up while resisting the gorell her eyes at how some guests practically threw themselves in his path, eager to shake his hand or offer overly polite greetings. He greeted then all with an easy smile, quick nods, and occasional words in talian. His was palpable, this was his world, and he was fully in his rent. Each interaction felt like a carefully crafted performanor, kaving lubelle feeling a bit out of place.
Mattes glanced back at her, amusement glisting in his eyes as if he could read lige thoughts. “Surprised?” he asked, his tone light.
“Not exactly,” the replied, keeping her expression nentral “But I didn’t expect to be dragged into a business meeting disguised as a party.”
He laughed, arich, genuine sound that made hoals him. “Come on, babele. This ain’t a meeting–it’s more of a social gathering”
“Asocial gathering.“she repeated dryly, eyeing the crowd around them. “Sowhere’s the fine print?
His laughter continued, though something more serious flickered in his eyes as he regarded her. “Not everything here is about deals and contracts. Sometimes people just want to
like they’ve part of something port
Shearsedan brow, skeptical “And you’re the one who makes them feel that way?”
He shrugged, his expression playful. “Something like that. Or maybe they just like the free drinks.”
led her through the crowd, pausing occasionally to exchange a few words or shake hands. She tried not to look too uncomfortable, but it was hard to shake the feeling of being out of place. These were Mattoo’s people, after all. Every laugh, every hindy smile, felt like it had a hidden meaning, a code she didn’t know how to break.
After what felt like an emity, he finallystopped beside her, his gaze softening “Want to get out of here?” he asked, his voice low. “know somewhere quieter. Somewhere a little more..personal”
Isabelle hesitated, but the look in his eyes compelled her to nod. Without waiting for her to change her mind, he placed a gentle hand on her back, guiding her toward a side door, away from the glitering chandeliers and polished smiles
They walked in silence for a few blocks, the city buzzing around them, until Mall, backed away lounge that resembled an old brary me than abar. The walls were lined with bookshelves, the dim lighting casting a warm, intimate glow over the room Soft ja music played in the background, setting a relased, almost timeless mood
“This is dilet, “1ubelle said, glancing around, trying to hide how much she appreciated the shih in atmosphere.
Matte grinned, holding a chair for her “Not what you expected?”
She took the thing him a slightly defiant book “Let’s just say I’m still adjusting to your social gatherings.“”
He sat across from bet, looking almost pleased with her response bele, you’re the last person I’d spect to be impressed by all the flash and glamour.”
“You’re right,” she admited, leaning back in her chair. “But I have to say, I’m a Inle curious. This it exactly the first impression you gave me.”
He chuckled, nodding thoughtfully. “No, I suppose it isn’t. But you didn’t strike me as someone who’d be satisfied with just one version of a story.” She mirked,arching an eyebrow. “So you brought me here to tell me them!“”
He leaned forward, sting his elbows on the table, his
contest!
steady and an intense. “Something like that,” he replied. “I thought you might appreciate it a bit more…
Labele studied him, trying to ignore the way his stay one quickened her pulse. The was a softness there, a hint of something real beneath the smooth exterior he usually
“You know, you don’t have to act like a mystery all the time,” she said, her voice softer than she intended.
A smirk played on his lips. “Where’s the bus in that?”
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the small smile nigging at her lips you’re impossible, you know that?”
Heedback crossing his arms as he looked at her. possible, maybe. But I’d like to think you’re at least intrigued”
She tried to scoff, but there was no denying the curiosity that had been building since the moment they’d met Manted wasn’t the anyone she’d ever known. There was a depth to him, a layered complexity that made it impossible to look away
“You’re not wrong, “she admitted, die words slipping out before she could
dstop them
He smiled, a genuine almost surprised look crossing his face. Take that as a compliment”
Since settled between them, comfortable yet charged. There was a magnetic pull in the air, a sense of inevitability neither of them seemed willing to acknowledge. Finally, he bekethesdence, hic quer and morous
“Look,sabelle. I wanted to show you this part of my world because, well because thought you’d understand it.”
She inked, caught att guard “Understand what, exactly
He hesitated, his gefickering the table befor meeting hers again. “This world isn’t a black–and–white as you might think Power, loyalty, trust they don’t mean the same thing here an they do in other places. It’s more complicated”
Isabele studied him, trying to decipher the mening behind his words. “Complicated bow?
He leaned forward, lowering his vocero have to understand that sometimes, you have to make choices that don’t fit neatly into right or wrong. Sometimes, you have to work with what you have, It’s less than ideal”
A small frown creased he bow as sheeensidered his words. “And you’re okay with that?”
He shrugged, his expression though I don’t know if I’d say I’m okay with it. But I’ve learned to accept it. I thought maybe you’d understand that ”
She looked away, feeling exposed, as though he had somehow so through the walls she’d built up over the years. There was a part of her that did understand and knew exactly what I was the to live in shades of grey
“Maybe i do,” she said quietly, surprising herself with her honesty.
He smiled a small, almost sad sue that made her heart ache a line. “Then I’m glad I brought you here”
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Finally, he spoke, his tone shitting back to its usual lightness. “Tell you what, tabelle. You give my world achance, and I’ll give yours a try. 1‘ even let you pick the next place we go.”
She raised an eyebrow, smirking. “oh really? And what if I pick something completely ridiculous?”
He laughed that rich, warm sound filling the small room. “Then I’ll just have to trust you.”
Isabelle shook her head, trying to hide how his words made her heart skip a beat. “You’re a strange one, Matteo,”
He leaned back, looking at her with a mixture of amusement and something deeper. “I think you’re going to like Italy, Isabelle. More than just the people and the food.”
She rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t deny the truth in his words. “We’ll see,” she replied, trying to maintain a casual tone.
As they sat there, the soft music and warm lights wrapping around them, she couldn’t shake the feeling that he might be right
