Chapter 242 Longing For Her

Words : 1115 Updated : May 23rd, 2025

Matteo stared at the illuminated mansion of Alessandro Valentino, the Italian don and his closest friend. But the rapid thumping in his chest wasn't because of Alessandro-it was because of Emily, the woman he loved more than anything. Sitting in the car on the way over, he'd rehearsed the conversation, just as he would before arguing a case in court, a habit that had made him one of the country's most skilled and successful lawyers. But tonight, this wasn't an argument he intended to win. He was prepared to lose if it meant he could gain the trust of the woman he loved. Taking a deep breath and rubbing his hands together to wipe away the sweat, Matteo straightened his posture and strode confidently into the mansion. The guard quickly informed Alessandro of Matteo's arrival, and just as Matteo stepped into the living area, Alessandro came down the hall. It was late-almost midnight-and Alessandro looked like he'd been interrupted mid-way through something, his robe loosely tied and his hair a bit disheveled. The sight made Matteo clear his throat, forcing himself not to think too much about his friend's bedroom life. "What's the matter, Matteo?" Alessandro's voice was gruff and slightly irritated, a hint of confusion etched on his face. "I told you I was coming, remember?" Matteo teased, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. Alessandro glared at his lawyer friend, snapping, "Do you have any idea what time it is?" Matteo flipped his wrist to check his expensive watch. Yeah, it's still night," he replied with a casual grin. When Alessandro narrowed his eyes in annoyance, Matteo chuckled. "Okay, a little late, but you're still awake!" He shrugged, adopting an innocent expression Alessandro sighed in frustration, leaning back in his chair. "What happened with the news?" Matteo's face suddenly turned serious, his eyes becoming stern as he replied, "It's been taken care of and removed." "Did you find out who spread it?" Alessandro asked, taking a seat and gesturing for Matteo to sit across from him. "It was Tomas Bradford who gave the statement to a tabloid and spread the rumors. But I made sure he knew exactly who he was messing with. He won't be able to pull a stunt like that again, having made certain. of it." Matteo's jaw clenched, a subtle tension that didn't go unnoticed by Alessandro. He watched his friend intently, recognizing a depth of emotion he had never seen before. Matteo wasn't a family man; he didn't care about relationships, except for their friendship. Until now, the only person who mattered to Matteo was Alessandro. So what had changed? Alessandro was perplexed, wondering why Matteo was so invested in Emily's case. The concern etched on his friend's face was new and concerning. What had sparked this intense interest in her honor and safety? "Are you alright?" Alessandro asked, his gaze trying to decipher the shifting expressions on his friend's face with each passing second. "Yeah!" Matteo breathed out heavily. "I'm fine." He was careful to keep any hint of his father's involvement hidden. He could have mentioned Bruno Vassalo's name, but that would risk dragging his father into Alessandro's unforgiving hands. Matteo knew well that the Italian don's definition of retice une ewift and lethal Rut Matten was confident he could Handles his own family. After tonight's confrontation, he was certain his father wouldn't interfere in his relationship with Emily again. "How's Emily?" Matteo asked, his tone shifting, carrying a rare hint of vulnerability that Alessandro had hardly ever seen in him, "She's fine. Aria's with her and has been looking after her," Alessandro assured him with a firm nod. "Can I see her?" Matteo asked, his voice steady but insistent. "Now?" Alessandro's brows shot up, surprised at the request. "It's late- almost inappropriate to disturb her at this hour. She might be asleep, and I told you, she's doing fine. You can see her in the morning." But Alessandro didn't know that Matteo couldn't wait until morning. His heart was anxious and restless; without seeing Emily's face, he felt he wouldn't make it through the night. "I'll see her right now, and I won't take much time," Matteo insisted, making Alessandro sigh. Alessandro nodded, pulling out his phone and texting Aria to check if Emily was awake. A moment later, Aria replied, confirming that Emily was indeed awake and that she'd accompany Matteo to see her. "Alright, go to the guest room on the first floor. Aria will meet you there and take you to see Emily. Just don't overwhelm her with questions, and keep it brief, okay?" Alessandro advised, his tone firm. Matteo nodded, relief and excitement swirling in his chest. Unable to contain his impatience, he quickly headed toward the stairs, rushing up to the first floor to see her. He reached the guest room before Aria and waited anxiously, his gaze fixed on the door. Every fiber of him wanted to knock, to open it and pull Emily into his arms, but he held back, respecting Aria and Alessandro's protection over her. "Matteo," Aria called softly as she descended from the second floor. Her steps were careful, and the slight curve of her baby bump was now visible beneath her nightgown. She found it unusual, even strange, that Matteo insisted on seeing Emily at this hour with such urgency. Normally, she would have argued with Alessandro to give her friend some privacy, but knowing how much Matteo had supported them, Aria agreed-though only for a few minutes. She planned to ensure that Matteo didn't overstay, giving Emily the rest she needed. Matteo tried to smile, but in his desperation, priorities slipped his mind. Instead, his words rushed out, "Can you please ask her to open the door?" The urgency in his voice didn't escape Aria's notice, and with a quiet nod, she knocked on the door. Emily opened it, expecting Aria, as she'd received her text moments before. But finding Matteo standing just behind her, his gaze brimming with emotion, took her by surprise. She felt a wave of vulnerability rising within her, but steadied herself, redirecting her attention to Aria. "Emily," Aria began softly, "Matteo's here. He wants to talk to you." Emily's expression hardened, a cool resolve settling over her. "I don't want to talk to him," she replied firmly, her gaze unwavering, "Tell him he should leave.

Chapter 242 Longing For Her

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