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CH 19

bebeeizrael
last update Zuletzt aktualisiert: 25.02.2026 19:39:41

✨

Silence.

 

I licked my lip - still tasted like regret and champagne. My heart was doing that stupid pounding thing again like it wanted out of my chest.

 

Part of me felt... proud? I saved Tony. I actually did something useful for once. But the rest of me felt small. Stupid. Like I'd been playing pretend this whole time.

 

Mateo didn't do anything bad. He helped me - plane ticket, apartment, cash, clothes, spa, everything. But sitting here staring at him across the table, I couldn't shake it: I didn't feel anything deep. Not really. Just... attraction. Heat. Want. And a whole lot of insecurity screaming that he's rich, he's powerful, he's got women throwing themselves at him every day - women like Aisha, perfect, classy, confident. Not me. Not the girl with bruises under makeup and a dad who threw her away.

 

He took me out to look at me and tell me he isn't allergic to anything which I already know. 

 

"Sir," I started - voice barely there - "I'm sorry but... we can't keep-"

 

He scoffed. Short. Sharp.

 

His fist clenched on the table. Knuckles went white. Then loosened. He looked at me - calm. Too calm.

 

"You worried I can't take care of you, Angioletto?"

 

I reached for the champagne glass. Empty. He signaled the waiter. I shook my head fast. No more. I couldn't let him spend another cent while I sat here dumping him.

 

"I don't know if you get it..." I swallowed. "What do you even think I do for your company?"

 

His eyes narrowed. "Look around." he watched me look around then back to his face "I have everything. I haven't seen what I can't get and you talk to me about not knowing the name of someone that works for me?" He paused , forcing a smile then continued "If it wasn't for our...our close relationship or you father, I wouldn't even know your name" he added.

 

His voice was getting a little loud. I looked around to see if anyone was staring but none. Chandeliers. Velvet. People who looked like they smelled like money. No one cares to look our direction.

 

"I know I don't do anything," I whispered. "I sit in an office. Watch movies. Get paid. I owe you everything and I can't keep pretending this is okay."

 

He didn't blink. Just watched.

 

"Your company is great," I kept going. "Weird. Sexist. The way the men talk in the elevator. The way they look at Aisha. At me. Like we're... decorations. Or targets."

 

Still nothing. No denial. No defense.

 

I looked at my hands. Shaking.

 

"If I call you Mateo here," I said quietly, "can I still call you Sir at work? Are we a thing or business?"

 

He breathed out through his nose - almost a laugh, but not quite.

 

"You can call me whatever you want," he said. "As long as you are good."

 

My phone buzzed. I glanced. Unknown number, I knew it would be Ethan calling with a new number again.

 

His phone rang at the same time. He checked the screen. Then me.

 

"Excuse me."

 

He stepped away. Kept his voice low - but not low enough.

 

"...What the hell do you mean you can't find Lucian?! Again"

 

My stomach dropped. Lucian. Who was Lucian?His son.

 

He paced. Hand in his hair.

 

"...I don't care! Ask his Nanny again. Ask her again!"

 

He looked back. Caught me staring. Gave a tight smile. Turned away.

 

I looked at my phone. Text from Aisha:

 

**Still good for tonight? Black dress. 8 sharp. You deserve a night off.**

 

I typed quick:

 

**I'll be there. Happy early birthday.**

 

Mateo came back. Face tight.

 

"Change of plans," he said. "I have to go."

 

I nodded. Didn't ask. Didn't want to be more baggage.

 

He signaled someone and muttered a quick "add it to my tab" . He then looked at me - really looked.

 

"You look fucking beautiful tonight," he said quietly. "But next time... jacket. Or I'll rip that dress off you myself."

 

Heat hit my face. My core. Gawd, I have no self respect.

 

He kissed my forehead - soft. Lingering.

 

"Be safe. I'll call you later." he stood up "Stay as long as order as much as you want. I will have someone drive you home"

 

He stood for a while and just stared at me. His eyes longing like he didn't to leave just yet but have too. He looked like he wanted to tell me things. Like who Lucian was. I have heard that name before from him. Can't place it but I heard that name before.

 

"Tomorrow," he paused for a few seconds. "We start fresh." he said instead.

 

Then he left. I sat there. Alone. Champagne flat. The waiter came back. Refilled my glass and asked what more I wanted.

 

"Your man said to keep it coming," he smiled. "Anything else?"

 

I stared at the bubbles.

 

*Your man.*

 

The words stuck. I drank it all in one go. Then I stood. Grabbed my bag. Walked out. And the fresh start. He had been hiding something and he dare ask for a fresh start? The fvck is wrong with him?!

 

What else might he be hiding. Maybe he might be a happily married man with kids. Who knows?

 

As I sat watching his empty glass and his empty chair, I felt a presence. I looked up to see a woman staring down at me. 

 

Her long black hair over her shoulders. Her lips in a flat smile as she moved her shade and glared at me. I lifted my brows, trying to read what was happening.

 

"Hi bitch, I am Valentina Cortez" she said.

 

I sat back. 

 

She moved closer, stooped as she wanted me to hear and see her clearly and smirk.

 

"I meant to say 'YOU FVCKING CHEAP SLUTTY, HOME WREAKING, LAPDOG CHEAP BITCH!" She yelled.

 

She stood straight. Sighed in relief as she moved her hair off her face. Her shade went back to her face as she watched my absolutely shocked expression.

 

"You aren't deaf, are you?" She asked "You want to to repeat myself for you sweetheart?" 

 

I blinked. The whole place heard her.

 

"Stay away from my husband. Stay away from him so he CAN KEEP HIS HAPPY FAMILY AND STAY FOR OUR SON!!!" She yelled.

 

Embarrassed, I looked around. People were staring but I didn't know what to do. Could it be denial or I was trying to protect myself, I stood up.

 

"I have a party to attend" I whispered to her as I walked out.

 

Aisha's party was in two hours. Black dress waiting. Tonight - I'd let myself feel something dangerous. Even if it burned.

 

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    The cab pulled up to a gated driveway that felt more like the entrance to a private estate than a house. Tall black iron gates, flanked by stone pillars and climbing ivy. A long, curved driveway lined with perfectly trimmed hedges and soft ground lights that glowed amber against the evening. The mansion itself rose behind them , modern but timeless, all clean lines, dark glass, and pale stone that caught the last of the sunset. As much as I thought it was too much, it was exactly what I expected from Mateo Rossi.The driver hesitated. Looking like we had gone lost from the rearview mirror."You sure this is the place, miss?"I nodded and offered to pay buy he just stared."I got already. With huge tips too" he smiled.Well, that was expected.The gates slid open silently before I even reached them - someone was watching. I knew he was.A woman in a crisp black uniform met me at the front steps. Mid-forties, kind eyes, gentle smile. "Miss Hartley. Mr. Rossi is expecting you. Please,

  • Falling For My Father's Best Friend    CH 27

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  • Falling For My Father's Best Friend    CH 26

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