Chapter 4

<divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="72dk1-0-0"> ISABELLA <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="7u36r-0-0"> <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="7qgsi-0-0"> Somehow I had managed to excuse myself from the madness, and had actually been suprised when Matteo let me go, but not before giving me a warning glare that told me to not mess up. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="c3jvr-0-0"> I staggered my way into the bathroom, and released a shaky breath of relief, when I found it empty. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="lulh-0-0"> Of course it was going to be empty. No one would have liked to miss the drama that had just unfolded. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="8s20g-0-0"> I looked at my reflection in the mirror, and hardly recognized myself. My eyes were wide. And glassy. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="1v5jn-0-0"> My lips a darker shade than it was supposed to be. Why not? I had just been thoroughly kissed my Matteo De Santis. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="6itan-0-0"> I was kissed by Matteo. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="43rtm-0-0"> Somehow, my already wide eyes seemed to grow wider with that thought. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="5aq16-0-0"> I reached for my lips with shaky hands, and got a sizzling flashback of the kiss that brought out a gasp from my lips. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="k00g-0-0"> If only the circumstances were different.... <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="nreu-0-0"> The door burst open, and I smelled her before I even saw her. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="4nrh0-0-0"> "You bitch!" Clarissa yelled hysterically, and I turned to see her leaning on the closed door. "You just have to have it all, don't you? You just don't know when to stop! How did you get you slimey bastard hands on Matteo!" <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="nrpo-0-0"> If my head hadn't been pounding before, it certainly was now, as her high-pitched voice echoed round the room. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="fi601-0-0"> I looked at her, not believing my eyes. "What the fuck are you yapping about? If someone has slimey hands here, we all know it's you!" I retorted, wanting more than anything, to be alone to gather my thoughsts and keep myself from falling apart. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="b7j4a-0-0"> She advanced towards me. Her blue silk scrap of a material that could barely be called a dress, did it's best to cling to what little dignity was left of her barely clad body. Her toned legs were of course, the highlight, in the silver heels she wore. I could remember my legs being compared to hers by my ex fiance. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="bbptp-0-0"> "How did you do it? What do you have on him? You better go out there and break up with him, because I would not let you have him!" <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="8ql3l-0-0"> My blood boiled. My ears rang. "You seriously sound more stupid than you look. You would not let me have him? You are married! And funny you will think that I am like you, going around blackmailing men into your little glittery web." I stepped closer, towering over her. "You cannot dictate who I am with, sister." <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="7v5h8-0-0"> Her expression turned into a pained one, and she raised her hands. I caught her wrist easily. "Try it, and I would smear your face in the toilet. You will wish you din't step your stupid feet in here!" I pushed her, and watched in satisfaction as she staggered backwards, looking every bit as spoiled as she was. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="214h5-0-0"> I never hated her. Even when she had stolen the one person I had loved more than anything in the world. I had never for once hated her. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="e38hn-0-0"> Instead, I had hated myself. Hated my life. Hated anything than the people who actually caused me pain. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="f4c9u-0-0"> It hadn't been her fault that she was more beautiful than I was. Hadn't been her fault either, that she knew just how to use it to her advantage. Hadn't been her fault that my fiance had gone behind my back to sleep with her. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="an5c5-0-0"> My father had spoiled her to the very end. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="eqb0l-0-0"> And that was what I saw her for. A spoiled brat. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="f4hl9-0-0"> "What has gotten into you? You are being a bitch!" she looked at me with surprise, her features tensed like she was expecting me to pounce on her. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="23ras-0-0"> And heaven help me, I was so close to doing exactly that? <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="ajrhg-0-0"> What had gotten into me? <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="7vpm5-0-0"> Matteo De Santis. That was what had gotten into me. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="2svm7-0-0"> "Stay the fuck away from me." I hissed instead. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="jatg-0-0"> "This isn't over!" she spat, and made for the door. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="bttbr-0-0"> Sophie rushed in, giving her a glare as she left, before rushing towards me. "God, you look like hell. What did that bitch want?" She asked, grabbing my shoulders and hovering over me like a mother hen, checking on her chicks. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="acdfq-0-0"> She had always had my back against my sister. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="e1rsh-0-0"> I don't know how, but her look of concern made my eyes water, and I leaned into the sink. "The question is, what doesn't she want?" I murmured shakily. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="aovld-0-0"> Sophie's features softened. "What is going on? I came late, but I heard a rumor that I am yet to understand. I only got to know you were here, because I saw her go this way." <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="9vhl7-0-0"> I broke down then. "Sophie, my whole world is crumbling apart. What you heard. It's true. Matteo De Santis just proposed to me." Even hearing myself say it, still sounded unreal. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="dev3t-0-0"> Hey eyes instantly lit up. "You mean it's true? You are getting married to the Matteo? How? When? H..How?" She sounded both excited and concerned. "You little crazy girl! Is that why you always shied away from any topic concerning them? You have been secretly dating him all this while and didn't tell me! I will not forgive you for this easily!" <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="bfi73-0-0"> I could only stare at her outburst. My eyes refused to stop watering. I opened my mouth to say somehting, but didn't find the words. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="bkuoh-0-0"> How could I tell her that every single one of those accusations were false, and that up until few minutes ago, the closest I had been with Matteo was way across the company's boardroom? <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="cq14r-0-0"> And how was I sure Matteo would want me to let anyone know of this propestrous proposal he had made? <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="7khes-0-0"> Sophie narrowed her eyes at me. "I get it that your sister got to you, with her usual bitchiness, but shouldn't you be celebrating?" her face was beginning to change from excitement, to genuine suspicion. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="8mvhc-0-0"> I opened my mouth to say something, but got interrupted when the door burst open, and a group of women made their way inside. On seeing me, some threw congratulations my way, while others made snide jealous remarks. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="bb77-0-0"> "Can we leave here?" I told Sophie who agreed with me, but our flight was cut short, because just outside the door, was one of Matteo's men. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="1foth-0-0"> "The boss will like to see you." The big bulky man in suit said, his tone deep and gruff. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="a20g5-0-0"> Sophie held onto my arm and leaned in so only me could hear. "You get the hottest fiance on planet earth, after David, and now you have a piece of delicous cake as a future bodyguard? Sign me up." <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="4a6eb-0-0"> Despite myself, I almost giggled and nodded to the man who I was sure heard everything she said. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="91mks-0-0"> He turned and led us. <divbox-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="ck66o-0-0"> My heart race increased again at the thought of meeting Matteo again.