Chapter 188 Scared Of Losing You

Chapter 188 Scared Of Losing You
The night was quiet, the soft hum of the city below barely reaching the rooftop where they stood.

Sofia stood near the edge observing the beautiful scenery.

Matteo’s gaze was fixed on her, on every subtle movement.

He took a slow breath, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. “Sofia…”

His voice trembled slightly, betraying the depth of what he felt.

She turned to look at him, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

“I… I need to tell you something,” Matteo began, his tone rough “Something I should have said a long time ago, but I didn’t… because I was scared. Scared of losing you, scared that if I said it, I’d ruin what little we had left.”

Sofia’s brow furrowed, her heart tightening, sensing the gravity in his voice.

“I love you,” he said, stepping closer, letting the words hang in the space between them.

“I’ve loved you for a while, even when I tried to stay in the background, even when I thought I had no right to feel this way… my heart never lied. Sofia, I love you.”

Her chest tightened, emotions rising, the words she’d feared hearing finally spoken.

“I know things haven’t been easy,” Matteo continued, his voice breaking slightly. “I know we’ve both been hurt. I know you might not feel the same, or that you’re scared… but I need you to know that I’m not asking for perfection. I’m asking for a chance. A chance to start over, to build something real, with you.”

He reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “I’m not asking for promises from the past. Just… just give me this moment, and then we can decide everything else together. Please… Sofia. Give me a chance.”

Sofia’s lips trembled as she smiled happily.

Her hand rose, tentatively brushing against his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart. “Matteo… I… I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything yet,” he whispered, stepping closer until their shoulders touched. “Just… let me love you. Let me try. That’s all I ask.”

Her lips curved into a slight mischievous smile. "Okay," she whispered. “We’ll try… we’ll start over.”

Matteo’s face lit up with relief and joy, and he gently pulled her into a careful, warm embrace.

_____________

Marco stood behind the counter of his small wine bureau, the faint aroma of oak barrels and aged wine filling the room.

The shelves around him were lined with bottles, each carefully labeled and arranged, some he had sourced himself, others local treasures he was proud to showcase.

The small space was warm, intimate, just big enough for him to move around comfortably, greet a few customers at a time, and manage his modest records and orders.

He had combined this with his part-time classes, setting up a schedule that let him study during quieter hours and tend to the bureau when people came in.

Running a wine bureau wasn’t just about selling bottles, it was about sharing a story with every pour, explaining vintages, helping someone find the perfect wine for a celebration, a quiet evening, or a gift.

Sometimes, a customer would come in asking for advice, and Marco would smile, recommending a smooth Merlot or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

It was simple, and he found a kind of peace in it, far removed from the chaos that had once defined his life.

Evenings were quiet.

He’d sit on the small stool behind the counter, notebook in hand, balancing his business records with lecture notes.

He had dreams for this little bureau: maybe hosting small tasting events, inviting friends and family, slowly growing the business while keeping it personal, meaningful.

This bureau was more than just a business. It was his way of creating a space that wasn’t dictated by threats.

It was a small corner where he could build a life on his own terms.

_________________

Isabella and Sofia were sitting on the balcony of Isabella’s apartment.

A gentle breeze lifted strands of Isabella’s hair as she leaned back, a small, shy smile tugging at her lips.

Sofia looked at her curiously. “You’ve been smiling like that all evening… what’s going on?”

Isabella took a deep breath, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her sleeve.
“It’s… something big, Sofia.” She paused, then laughed softly, a mix of relief and happiness in her voice. “I… I got proposed to.”

Sofia’s eyes widened in surprise, and then a grin spread across her face. “Wait, what? Really? Dante?”

Isabella nodded, a blush rising to her cheeks. “Yes, he… he took me to that hill, our favorite spot.” She smiled wistfully, remembering the moment. “He told me he loved me, Sofia… and he apologized for everything, all the pain, everything we’ve been through.”

Sofia reached over and squeezed her hand. “I’m so happy for you, Izzy. I could see it in his eyes, too, how much he cares for you. And the hill.”

Isabella nodded, biting her lip. “I gave him back the necklace, the one with the ring and then he took the ring and asked me to marry him.” She laughed softly. “And I said yes.”

Sofia’s hands flew to her mouth, eyes shining. “That must be so nice, I’m so happy for you. You two… you deserve it. After everything, you finally get your happy ending.”

Isabella leaned back, letting out a contented sigh. “It feels surreal, Sofia.”

Sofia smiled warmly, teasing gently. “Well, now you better start planning the wedding. And no running away, okay?”

Isabella laughed, the sound light and free. “No running away. Not this time.”

The two sisters sat there, feeling happy.