CHAPTER SIX
791 Words
HIS POV
“You’ve been staring into space ever since,” my mother leaned against the doorframe.
“Mama, good morning.”
After everything that happened last week, I decided to visit my mother. My house reminded me of the betrayal I faced and... Ada-Rosa.
“Antonio Salvatore Romano,” she smiled, walking into the room.
“You had to call my full name,” I returned her smile.
“What’s her name?” she asked.
“Hmm?”
“The woman who has you staring into space like a madman,” she added.
“Who to—”
“Guilia told me about her,” she interrupted.
“That snitch!” I muttered.
“If you truly love someone, you should go after them,” she advised.
“But she betrayed me. She broke my trust. She…” I trailed off.
“She did what she did for her mother. You would’ve done the same.” She paused. “And if anyone should be angry, it’s her. She got caught up in your mess, something she had no control over.”
That’s when I realized my mother was right. Matteo had used Ada-Rosa because of our connection. She had been dragged into our rivalry, even while caring for a sick mother. The same reason she left me was the very reason that brought her back.
“Do what’s right, figlio,” she urged. “Bring back the woman you love.”
She was right. Instead of moping here like a coward, I had to go after Ada-Rosa. No matter what happened between us, I knew I still loved her and couldn't live without her.
I had lost her once, and I wouldn’t lose her again.
HER POV
“Mama, it’s 10 p.m. Why are you still awake?” I smiled.
“Why are you still awake?” she shot back.
“Feisty, are we?” I chuckled.
She paused for a moment, staring at me.
“"What?" I arched my brow.
“Do you miss him?” she asked.
“Who?”
“Matteo. Do you miss him?” she repeated.
I shrugged. “I don’t know, Mummy. The good thing is, you're alive and well.”
“You know he’s the reason I’m still here, right?” she said.
“Yes, I know, Mom.” I gently rubbed her hands.
Antonio was the one who ordered his men to take my mother away from the hospital before Matteo could reach her. My mother told me they took her to a penthouse in Bangladesh, where a doctor started her treatment. Thanks to Antonio, she's getting better, more lively than she’s been in the past three years. I couldn’t be more grateful to him.
“You know, that was the best time of my life. I almost wished to get sick again,” she joked. “The house was so big, and everyone was at my beck and call.”
“Well, it wasn’t the best time for me,” I frowned. “I was nabbed and witnessed the death of many people.”
“You never told me he was that rich,” she gasped. “And that was just one of his houses!”
I laughed. “Mama, you’re a gold digger—a big one!”
She waved me off. “Nne, hapu that thing. Who doesn’t like money?”
The doorbell rang, and I stiffened. “Who’s that?”
“Just go check,” my mother replied.
“Who would visit this late at night?”
“Stop worrying and check,” she urged.
I opened the door, gasping when I saw Antonio. “Antonio!”
“Hi,” he smiled. “Can I come in?”
“Yeah, sure.” I stepped aside to let him in.
“You have a beautiful home,” he gestured around the living room.
“Thanks.” I rubbed my clammy palms on my nightdress. “What are you doing here? Is everything okay? Did something happen? What did Matteo do?”
“Relax,” he chuckled. “Matteo won’t be bothering you for a while.”
I exhaled. “That’s good news. But why are you here?”
He shrugged. “Came to check on your mother. How is she?”
“She’s fine. Thank you for everything, Antonio. I’m so grateful.”
“You don’t have to thank me.” He smiled. “You know I’d do anything for you.”
“I’m sorry, Antonio,” I whispered. “I shouldn’t have betrayed your trust. Please forgive me.”
“I’ve forgiven you,” he replied. “But there’s still a punishment.”
“What punishment?” I asked.
He smiled, his eyes gleaming. “Marry me.”
- Writer
