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"Are you alright? I'm so sorry, I didn't... I didn't realize something like that could be the reason," I babbled, my words a mixture of concern and genuine regret.
He looked at me, his eyes softening as he seemed to appreciate my concern. "It's... It's alright. You couldn't have known," he replied, his voice laden with emotions.
I realized his father's death had never come up in conversation during our time together. I had no idea that he wasn't even alive.
My heart sank as I considered the weight of his burden, the pain he must have carried in silence.
"It's not as if I wanted to leave," Matteo began, his voice carrying a mixture of explanation and apology. "As you can see, I had to go. It was something I needed to handle."
I sighed, my anger slowly giving way to understanding and empathy. I felt bad for my initial reaction, for jumping to conclusions without knowing the full story.
But even as I softened towards him, it didn't mean I would suddenly agree to move in with him. I shook my head, meeting his gaze.
"I'm sorry for my reaction earlier," I said sincerely, my regret evident in my tone.
"But just because I understand now doesn't mean I'm going to change my mind about living together. I can't make a decision like that based on this revelation."
Matteo nodded, a mixture of disappointment and acceptance in his eyes. "I won't force you, Sophia," he said, his voice gentle. "I'll give you the time you need to decide. Even if you don't want to live with me, I'll respect your decision."
I appreciated his understanding and his willingness to let me decide without pressure. It was a complex situation that couldn't be resolved in a single conversation.
I still had doubts and concerns and needed time to figure things out. But knowing that he wasn't pushing me into anything made a difference.
"Thank you, Matteo," I said, my voice carrying a mixture of gratitude and relief. "I need some time to think about everything."
He nodded once more, his gaze steady. "Take all the time you need, Sophia."
With that, Matteo took his leave, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I watched him go, a sense of mixed emotions swirling within me.
It wasn't like our conversation had tied up all loose ends, but at least there was some understanding now.
A knock echoed through the room as I stood there, contemplating the whirlwind of events just about five minutes after Matteo's departure.
I furrowed my brows, wondering if Keisha had returned. She was in for an earful for disappearing like that if she had.
I approached the door, my frustration brewing at the thought of giving my best friend a piece of my mind. But as I swung open the door, ready to launch into my tirade, the words died on my lips.
It wasn't Keisha.
Standing before me was the man who had made me uncomfortable at that charity event, the same guy whom Matteo had warned me against.
Francisco, that's what he had introduced himself as. His presence there, on my doorstep, sent me an unexpected jolt of surprise. What the fuck was he doing here?
How the fuck were people finding out my location? At least with Matteo, I could still understand how he found me. He could find out anything if he could find my hacking past, but what about this man?
Why was he here? "Francisco?" The word escaped my lips, more a reflex than an actual question, as I stood there, caught off guard by his presence at my doorstep.
He smiled. However, it was a gesture that didn't quite reach his eyes, making me feel oddly uncomfortable.
"Ah, I'm pleased you remember my name," he said, his tone smooth and polished.
I shifted slightly, my discomfort growing as he seemed to take in every detail of my reaction. He then asked, "May I come in?"
I hesitated, my instincts urging caution. Despite his polite demeanor, something about him made my skin crawl. "I'm sorry, but I can't invite you in," I replied politely, trying to mask my unease.
His smile didn't waver, but a glint in his eyes made me even more wary. "Fair enough," he said, his tone even.
"I was driving by and saw my nephew leaving your place. Surprisingly, I also saw the beautiful woman who had captured my attention at the charity event."
