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Home / Romance / Falling For My Father's Best Friend / Chapter 111 - Chapter 120

All Chapters of Falling For My Father's Best Friend : Chapter 111 - Chapter 120

164 Chapters

111

**ISABELLA'S POV**I felt completely empty when I finally got home. Being fired should have hurt more, but it was just one more step toward the leaving I had already decided on. Part of me was relieved - no more early shifts, no more hiding the pregnancy, no more walking on eggshells around hospital politics and that Asshat Lukas! Still, the silence in the penthouse pressed in on me like a heavy blanket. I didn't even bother changing. I crawled straight into bed and let sleep pull me under.Hours later, I woke up in the middle of the night, stomach growling loud enough to echo in the quiet room. I dragged myself out of bed, hair messy, eyes half-closed, and padded toward the kitchen.Jake was standing near the living room window, phone pressed to his ear, speaking in a low voice. The moment he saw me, he went completely silent, ending the call with a quick tap."Ma'am," he said, straightening up. "Can I do something for you?"I shook my head, too tired for conversation. "No, I'm good

CH 112

The first-class seat was ridiculously comfortable - wide, reclining, with a little private pod-like space that almost felt like a tiny room. Jake sat right beside me in the next one, close enough that I could even hear him breathing but far enough to give me space. The flight to London felt both too short and endless at the same time.I kept replaying the goodbye at the airport - Olga's tight hug that turned into both of us crying, her promising to visit soon, Dew making ridiculous jokes to keep things light, Hanna and Ben waving like maniacs. The more I thought about it, the emptier my chest felt. I turned toward the window, staring at the clouds, trying not to let the loneliness settle too deep. Eventually exhaustion won. I slept off, curled up under the soft blanket the attendant had given me.When I woke up, I could feel eyes on me. I didn't even need to turn my head. I already knew it was Jake.He held out a cup of coffee without a word, steam curling up gently."Thanks," I mumb

CH 113

I slept like a log the moment my head hit the pillow in Mateo's house. The flight, the emotional airport reunion, the car ride through familiar London streets - everything had drained me completely. Or maybe I was just being dramatic.When I finally stirred, the room was bathed in soft evening light filtering through the heavy curtains. My body felt heavy in the best way, limbs loose and warm under the thick duvet.I stretched slowly, a small groan escaping as my back arched. That's when I noticed him.Mateo was sitting in the armchair across from the bed, elbows on his knees, chin resting on his clasped hands. He wasn't moving. Just... staring. His dark eyes were fixed on me with that intense, unblinking focus that always made my stomach flip.What in the ...I rubbed my eyes and gave him a sleepy half-smile. "Creep," I muttered calmly, voice still raspy from sleep.Mateo's laugh rumbled low, breaking the quiet. He leaned back in the chair, the tension in his shoulders easing just a

CH 114

Well, yesterday went well. I woke slowly, the kind of deep, satisfied sleep that left my body heavy and my mind still floating. The room was quiet except for the distant sound of running water. I blinked, turning my head toward the en-suite bathroom. The door was slightly ajar, steam curling out like an invitation.Mateo was in the shower.Through the frosted glass, I could see the outline of his tall, powerful frame - broad shoulders, the defined lines of his back and arms as water cascaded over him. He looked like something carved from stone, every muscle shifting as he rinsed his hair. My mouth went dry.He must have sensed me watching because he turned, water streaming down his chest, and met my eyes through the gap in the door."Morning, baby," he said, voice low and rough with sleep. "I need to get to work soon. You want to join me?"The question hung in the air, heavy with suggestion. I didn't answer with words. Instead, I slipped out of bed, completely naked, and walked past

CH 115

I wandered into the kitchen later that afternoon, still wrapped in one of Mateo's soft robes, hair damp from another hot shower. The house smelled incredible - garlic, herbs, and something rich simmering on the stove. Elena was at the counter, chopping vegetables with practiced, steady movements. She looked up when I entered, offering a warm smile."Good evening, Miss Isabella," she said, voice polite and gentle, the kind that made you feel welcomed without being fussed over. "Did you sleep well?""Like the dead," I admitted, leaning against the island. "That bed is dangerous.... and it's new."She chuckled softly, eyes crinkling at the corners. "Mr. Mateo had it imported from Italy. He said only the best for... well, for you."The small awkwardness hung between us for a second. I wasn't sure how much Elena knew about me - about the pregnancy, about my complicated history with this family - but she never pried. She just kept working, respectful and quiet."You know about the Rossi cof

CH 116

"Just a little bit of that. A little of this...." I finished packing the last few items - mostly warm clothes, a couple of books I might not read, and the small things that had started to feel like mine in Mateo's house. One of the house staff, a quiet young man whose name I still hadn't caught, helped carry the bags down to the driveway. When I stepped outside, my eyes widened at the car waiting for us.A sleek black Bentley Flying Spur gleamed under the weak winter sun. The lines were elegant and powerful at the same time. I walked around it slowly, running my fingers lightly over the glossy paint. Reckless thoughts flickered through my mind - what it would feel like to drive something like this, foot down on an empty road, wind rushing past. Dangerous. Fun.The rear door opened suddenly.Rafiq stepped out.My stomach twisted instantly. That old mix of fear and deep-seated hate surged up, making my shoulders tense. This Asshat!I remembered every cold look, every veiled threat, ev

CH 117

**MATEO'S POV** The Bentley hummed smoothly along the winding road leading to my childhood home. I kept one hand on the around Isabella and the other resting on Isabella's thigh in the back seat. She was trying to make small talk with Lucian, who sat in the front passenger seat, twisting slightly so he could see her."So... how's the new chain treating you?" she asked, voice light and careful, like she was testing thin ice.Lucian touched the gold wrist chain I'd seen her give him earlier, fingers tracing the links awkwardly. "It's... nice. Heavy. But good heavy." He paused, then added, "Thanks again. For real. I told my friends you got it for me"I glanced in the rearview mirro watching us. Isabella smiled softly, but I could see the tension in her shoulders. She knew what Lucian had done in the past - the spitting, the threats, the public humiliation. Yet here she was, talking to him like he was just a normal kid. That kindness hit me harder than I expected. My chest tightened with

CH 118

The long dining table gleamed under the crystal chandelier, silverware arranged with military precision. Servants stood discreetly along the walls, ready to refill glasses or clear plates at the slightest nod. My father sat at the head, posture straight but eyes tired. My mother occupied the opposite end like a queen on her throne. Lucian was to my right, Isabella beside me, her hand resting lightly on her lap.We had barely started eating when Isabella turned toward my mother with a polite smile."Thank you for inviting us, Mrs. Rossi," she said, voice steady and warm. "The meal looks wonderful."My mother didn't even glance at her. She simply lifted her wine glass and took a delicate sip, as if Isabella hadn't spoken at all.My father cleared his throat, attempting to smooth the moment. "So, Isabella... how was Berlin? You were working there, yes?"Isabella nodded, fork pausing mid-air. "It was good. Busy, but good. The hospital shifts were long, but I liked the pace. Different from

CH 119

**ISABELLA'S POV**I knew exactly what I was doing. Although it felt wrong, it felt like I was commiting a terrible sin but I wouldn't let his mom break me again. I will also not lose the man I love again!I stood there in the hallway, back straight, chin slightly lifted, while Mateo's mother approached with that fake, saccharine smile plastered on her face. Lucian had already stepped away, giving us space, but I felt his presence nearby - quiet support from the boy who had stood up for me earlier. And Mateo... I knew he was watching. I had his support too. That knowledge settled warm and steady in my chest, giving me the confidence to play this game.But was the game necessary?Mrs. Rossi stopped a few feet away, hands clasped elegantly in front of her, eyes cold despite the concerned tilt of her head."Isabella," she began, voice dripping with insincere sweetness, "If I may... I may have spoken harshly earlier. The stress of the holidays, you understand. I apologize if I offended yo

CH 120

I woke up slowly, cocooned in warmth and the lingering scent of Mateo's cologne. His arm was heavy across my waist, his breath steady and warm against the back of my neck. "My beautiful man" For a few peaceful, fleeting seconds, everything felt perfect, a blissful escape from reality. Then, like a dam bursting, last night crashed back into me with full force – the fake tears I had carefully cultivated, the hidden smile I had plastered on my face, the way I had played the innocent victim while twisting the knife with calculated precision.Crap.Guilt twisted sharp in my stomach, a burning knot of shame that threatened to consume me. I carefully turned to look at him, my heart aching with a mixture of love and remorse. He was still asleep, his face relaxed and unguarded, his dark lashes resting against his cheeks like delicate fans. This man, this beautiful, infuriating, fiercely loyal man, had chosen me over his own family last night, defying his mother and risking their disapproval

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