THE SPITEFUL BRIDE: Marry To Rival's Son novel Chapter 89

Chapter 89

“Hello there, newlywed,” Matteo greeted with a grin as he dropped onto the empty spot beside Stefan, his long legs stretching out like he owned the ground under him. Aidan followed, sitting at his front. The same style they all sat, His arm rested casually over Mia’s shoulder like they’d been friends forever.

Stefan raised his brow, but said nothing. There was nothing to be worried about. He doesn’t have to cut off anyone’s hand’s.

The conversation picked up like it had never paused……. teasing, laughter, light swats on shoulders as stories flew around. Everyone was loose, relaxed, basking in the warmth of the flames and the kind of companionship that came without effort.

Mia was really enjoying her day, it’s been a while she’s been in such a warm gathering where everyone let love lead.

After a while, Matteo pushed to his feet with a stretch. “Alright, I need to mix more drinks. Stefan, help a man out?”

“Sure,” Stefan replied without hesitation. He kissed Mia on her back before getting up. An Act he’d noticed James do to Beth. Mia was shocked but masked it up completely. They were among lovers so it’s normal to act like one. Absolutely normal.

Stefan and Matteo strolled a short distance to a wooden side table lined with bottles, mixers, and an ice bucket. Matteo handed him a shaker, tossing over a few simple instructions. Surprisingly, Stefan followed every step flawlessly.

Matteo paused and gave Stefan a side-eye. “Okay. Time out. How does a man who smells like money and like someone who controls several countries know how to do that without a single mistake?”

Stefan didn’t stop what he was doing. “Worked as a mixologist in a bar when I was younger. And how come I smell like money?” he said, his voice a little calm and playful.

“Hmmm. Nice.” Matteo said, genuinely impressed. Then his eyes narrowed just slightly. “And how do I know you’re a billionaire? Easy. I know a man that controls boardrooms when I see one. Also,” he pointed at Stefan’s shirt with a small smirk, “that button-down is practically screaming ‘private jet money.’ It cost more than my car, didn’t it?”

Stefan chuckled lightly and gave a small shrug. “You’re observant. But you’re wrong, it doesn’t cost more than your car.”

“Mm-hmm,” Matteo said, then turned fully to face him, expression soft but sharp. “So… what is it you want?”

Stefan stilled. Then he raised his brow slowly in a questioning manner.

“I mean it,” Matteo continued, his voice still friendly but serious now. “You’re not the kind of man who does something without cause. You agreed to this get-together without a fuss. You followed me here without hesitation. And, no offense but…… I notice, you’ve been looking at me like you’ve got a hundred unspoken questions and just not enough time to say them.”

Stefan blinked once, slow. Then looked down at the glass in his hand, swirling the liquid inside like it held an

answer.

“You came here for something,” Matteo added gently. “So to ahead. Ask. Before we head back.”

For a second, Stefan said nothing. Then he finally looked at him.

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89 MED TELL MIA HOW HE TRULY FEELS TONIGHT

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“How….. did you know?”

Matteo tilted his head slightly. “Know what?”

“That he was the one?”

The Nicker of the fire danced in Matteo’s eyes as he paused bottle in hand, looking over at the group. Then he turned back to Stefan, his tone gentler now.

“I didn’t,” Matteo admitted. “Not right away. But after few days, I just knew I couldn’t imagine not having him.” He smiled gently.

“Because when he’s not beside me, even on good days, something feels missing. And when he’s there…. even when we fight…. the world just… makes more sense.”

Stefan’s jaw flexed just once. Barely noticeable. But Matteo caught it.

“And then?” Stefan asked, his voice quieter.

“Then I stopped fighting what I didn’t understand,” Matte said. “And I started choosing what made me feel alive.” He lifted a brow. “So… what are you fighting, Stefan”

Stefan’s paused, contemplating if he should answer or not. ‘A lot of things,” he muttered finally. He was not someone who admits what he feels, but if he wants to become someone better for Mia, he needs to start learning.

Matteo gave a soft nod. “Then maybe start by not fighting whatever you feel when she’s around you.”

There was a pause. Long and silent. Then Stefan finally nodded, one that could be easily missed. Matteo gave his shoulder a pat before continuing what he was doing.

“How did you and Aidan last this long?”

Stefan swallowed. “And… how did you show him? That you love him, without having to always say it?”

That last part made Matteo tilt his head slightly, like Stefan had touched something deeper than he thought he would.

His eyes met Stefan, not too serious, but the air shifted like something important was about to be said.

He didn’t speak right away.

Then finally, he said, “First of all, allow yourself to feel the love you’re giving out.”

Stefan’s brows creased slightly.

Matteo poured the drink, placed the glass down carefully, then leaned back a little.

“You’re probably the kind of man who gives in silence,” Matteo said. “You show up. You protect. You stay calm. You give and expect nothing.”

Stefan looked at him, but didn’t deny it.

“That’s good, Stefan. But love isn’t just about protecting others from your chaos. Sometimes love is showing the mess. Letting her see it. Not hiding it away like a broken thing.”

Matteo’s voice softened.

“You asked how we’ve lasted? It’s not some grand magic. It’s the small things. I learned to see Aidan. And he saw me. Not the perfect parts. The messy ones. And we didn’t run.”

Stefan stood still. Paying close attention and mentally taking notes.

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BHED TELL MIA HOW HE TRULY FEELS TONIGHT

“How….. did you know?”

Matteo tilted his head slightly. “Know what?”

“That he was the one?”

The Nicker of the fire danced in Matteo’s eyes as he paused bottle in hand, looking over at the group. Then he turned back to Stefan, his tone gentler now.

“I didn’t,” Matteo admitted. “Not right away. But after few days, I just knew I couldn’t imagine not having him.” He smiled gently.

“Because when he’s not beside me, even on good days, something feels missing. And when he’s there…. even when we fight…. the world just… makes more sense.”

Stefan’s jaw flexed just once. Barely noticeable. But Matteo caught it.

“And then?” Stefan asked, his voice quieter.

“Then I stopped fighting what I didn’t understand,” Matte said. “And I started choosing what made me feel alive.” He lifted a brow. “So… what are you fighting, Stefan”

Stefan’s paused, contemplating if he should answer or not. A lot of things,” he muttered finally. He was not someone who admits what he feels, but if he wants to become someone better for Mia, he needs to start learning. Matteo gave a soft nod. “Then maybe start by not fighting whatever you feel when she’s around you.’

There was a pause. Long and silent. Then Stefan finally nodded, one that could be easily missed. Matteo gave his shoulder a pat before continuing what he was doing.

“How did you and Aidan last this long?”

Stefan swallowed. “And… how did you show him? That you love him, without having to always say it?”

That last part made Matteo tilt his head slightly, like Stefan had touched something deeper than he thought he would.

His eyes met Stefan, not too serious, but the air shifted like something important was about to be said.

He didn’t speak right away.

Then finally, he said, “First of all, allow yourself to feel the love you’re giving out.”

Stefan’s brows creased slightly.

Matteo poured the drink, placed the glass down carefully, then leaned back a little.

“You’re probably the kind of man who gives in silence,” Matteo said. “You show up. You protect. You stay calm. You give and expect nothing.”

Stefan looked at him, but didn’t deny it.

“That’s good, Stefan. But love isn’t just about protecting others from your chaos. Sometimes love is showing the mess. Letting her see it. Not hiding it away like a broken thing.”

Matteo’s voice softened.

“You asked how we’ve lasted? It’s not some grand magic. Its the small things. I learned to see Aidan. And he saw me. Not the perfect parts. The messy ones. And we didn’t run.”

Stefan stood still. Paying close attention and mentally taking notes.

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He turned back to the drinks, then looked sideways at Stefan again.

“And you asked how I show Aidan I love him without saying it?” Matteo raised a brow. “Well… I don’t.” Stefan looked up at him, a bit confused.

“I show it and I say it,” Matteo said. “All the time.” He reached for a lime, cut it in half. His voice softened again.

“I show him I love him by learning him,” Matteo added not even close to being done. “I know what annoys him. What calms him. What makes him feel seen. I bring him peace. That’s what love should do.”

“But, I always tell Aidan I love him. Always. I don’t assume he knows. I make sure he hears it, feels it, sees it. Every way possible. Because even if showing is good… but words?” He tapped the table lightly. “Words are a pillar too.”

Stefan’s chest tightened in a way he didn’t expect.

Matteo continued, “People need to hear that they’re loved. Not just feel it in glances or gestures. We all have doubts. Insecurities. Fears. But a simple ‘I love you’ can quiet a thousand of those thoughts.”

He paused. “Don’t just act it, Stefan. Say it. Even if you’re mad. Especially when you’re mad.”

Stefan swallowed hard. His hand gripped the glass tighter than he realized.

Matteo smiled again, warmer now. “You don’t look like a man who gives up easy. So don’t be a man who hides either.”

There was a stretch of silence. Just the crackling fire and the faint sound of laughter in the distance.

Then Matteo bumped Stefan’s shoulder playfully again. “Alright, that’s enough deep talk. Let’s go before Aidan gets suspicious and thinks I’ve run away with the hot new guy.”

That earned a small chuckle from Stefan.

As they picked up the drinks and turned back toward the firelight, something had changed in Stefan.

He wasn’t just returning to sit beside Mia now. He was returning to be present…. and maybe even learn to speak his heart the way it needed to be heard.

A determination grew in his mind. He’d tell Mia how he truly feels tonight.

“Stefan” Matteo called stopping Stefan in his track. “I wish you and Mia sort whatever is going on between you two and come out stronger and better. Though I have no idea what it is. But, I really do wish.”

Stefan gave him a grateful look before picking up his steps.

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