A Lifetime With You by Athrhteera novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22
Alena
My eyebrows furrowed as I tried to open my eyes at the sudden movement beside me. I didn’t realize I had fallen asleep when I got into my room. Maybe because I got exhausted when cried my heart out earlier, but it had gotten dark and the movement beside me indicated another presence.
Of course, it was none other than Matteo.
I could tell from the smell of his cologne.
“Hey,” he spoke as he kissed my temple.
Ever since he confessed his love, he was being too sweet. I thought I was going to stay high on cloud nine and we were going to have a happy marriage but after finding out the truth, I didn’t know how to feel anymore.
“Hi.” I muttered before sitting up, slowly moving away from him.
I turned to look at him, seeing that he has a small smile plastered on his face as he kept his distance. He didn’t know I was trying to increase the distance between us because I could tell, he only wanted to check up on me.
“Should I turn on the lights? It’s getting dark,” he was about to stand up and walk towards the switches or take the remote control, but I grabbed his hand, shaking my head.
I didn’t want him to turn on the lights because as soon as he did, he was about to see my red eyes and dark circles. He was going to ask me what’s wrong and assumed I had been crying-even though that was the truth.
“No, I just want the lights turned off, now.” I replied.
“Okay… are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m having a migraine. I mean, I had a migraine.”
The lie escaped my lips with ease, not wanting him to question anything. I just wanted him out of my room. I just wanted him to leave me alone. If we were under different situations, if I didn’t find out about him, I would’ve been happy. I would’ve stayed still in his arms, but I didn’t want him anywhere near me.
“That’s why you fell asleep …” He nodded his head, tucking a few strands of hair behind my ear. “Do you feel better now? Did you take any painkillers?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“I got us takeaways. I did call you earlier to ask you what you wanted for dinner, if you didn’t eat anything yet. I guess you were already asleep when I called. I also wanted to tell you I was going to come home a bit late, and you shouldn’t wait up for me, but work finished early.”
“Oh, it’s fine. I’m going out,” I responded and regretted immediately.
Who was I going to ask out? I had no one in mind.
“Are you going out with friends?”
“I’m out with Ana.”
“Your sister?”
“Yes.”
1/3
08:32 Wed,
Chapter 22
“Will you be drinking? If you’re going out for drinks, I can drop you off and pick you up when you’re ready to come home. I don’t think it’s safe for you to drink and drive.” He continued to speak, sounding genuinely concern as usual.
“It’s fine. Matteo. I can take a cab.”
“I can drive you there, Alena, I’m not doing anything tonight.”
I was sighing because I started to feel annoyed. If I hadn’t found out about him, maybe I wasn’t going to be annoyed but it was too late.
Alexei came at the right moment to reveal the truth. I needed a few moments away from him to clear my mind because if he was anywhere near me, like he was now, I couldn’t think straight.
I could be blinded by his actions and sweet talks.
“Yeah, sure.”
“So, I assume you won’t be eating the takeout?”
“No, you can have them.”
“Okay, let me know when you’re ready to leave.”
Matteo leaned in to kiss my lips, but I slightly moved to the side, causing his lips to meet my cheek instead of my lips. I knew he wanted more affection, and he wanted me the same way he did before but like I said, I needed space.
He leaned back with a frown, “Is there something wrong, Alena?”
“Why do you ask me that?”
“You just seem… different. Is there something that I did? You can always tell me if there’s anything wrong.”
“No, there’s nothing wrong. I still have a little headache.”
“Okay, do you want me to bring up some pills?”
“No, I have them in my drawer. Besides, I’ve already ate them earlier.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked, caressing the side of my face.
Our eyes met in an instant and I was almost lost in them. I missed his touch and his embrace, but I couldn’t let myself give in too quickly. At least a few days were needed until I cleared my mind and asked Igor to do some background checks, or I could always ask Matteo later.
But for now, I wanted to pretend we had nothing.
No relationships. Nothing.
“I’m fine, Matteo. Can you please stop asking me that?” I sounded different. Annoyed ever and it showed clearly.
He seemed a little taken back by the tone of my voice and my facial expression, but I quickly looked away, wanting to hide them. I didn’t want to hurt him until I found out the truth about him-Alexei could be playing with me.
Hence, I wanted to solve the mystery first.
I needed a clear answer of my own.
If I asked Matteo now, he could be lying, and I wasn’t going to hesitate in falling back into his arms. They were tempting.
08:32 Wed, Oct 16
Chapter 22
“I’ll be downstairs to wait for you when you want to leave.”
I didn’t bother to turn around and look at him as he left the room, closing the door shut behind him.
I appreciated the genuine concern because I knew he cared for me. He was curious about my sudden change, but it was needed. I wasn’t going to hide the way I feel just to take care of his feelings. I needed to put myself first.
Being vulnerable got me nowhere… I had my own experience with that.
So, I was prioritizing myself as always.
色