Chapter 12: The Veil of Secrets
(First-person POV: Alessia)
The night wrapped itself around the mansion like a velvet shroud, heavy and oppressive. Despite the luxurious trappings of the house, I felt trapped in a world that wasn't my own. My reflection in the wide-paneled windows seemed foreign—a woman standing on the edge of shadows, caught between fear and defiance.
Matteo had left hours ago with no explanation, as always. I hated how his absence made me feel vulnerable, hated even more that I craved the reassurance his presence gave me.
I tried to distract myself with a book in the library, but my thoughts kept circling back to the cryptic note I'd found in his office and the events of the past few days.
"The traitor is closer than you think."
Was it Luca? Nico? Someone else entirely? And why had Matteo been so tense lately?
The sound of approaching footsteps broke my thoughts. I looked up to find Nico standing at the entrance of the library, his hands tucked into the pockets of his suit. His expression was neutral, but there was an undercurrent of something in his eyes—concern, maybe, or weariness.
"You've been here all night," he said.
I shrugged. "Better than sitting in my room, waiting for answers that never come."
Nico leaned against the doorframe, his usual stoic demeanor softening just a fraction. "Matteo told me to keep an eye on you while he's gone."
I raised an eyebrow. "So you're my babysitter now?"
He smirked faintly. "Call it what you want. But if you keep wandering around the house at night, you're going to give me gray hair."
I sighed, setting the book aside. "Why is he always gone? And why does it feel like the entire house is keeping secrets from me?"
Nico hesitated, and for a moment, I thought he might actually answer. But then he shook his head. "It's not my place."
I scoffed. "Of course it isn't."
He straightened, his expression hardening. "Look, Alessia. I know you're frustrated. But Matteo's protecting you. If you knew everything, you wouldn't be able to sleep at night."
"Maybe I'm tired of sleeping in ignorance," I shot back.
His lips pressed into a thin line, and he pushed off the doorframe. "Get some rest, Alessia. The answers will come when it's time."
He walked away before I could argue, leaving me alone with my restless thoughts.
Later That Night
I couldn't sleep. The bed felt too big, too cold, the silence of the house too loud. I tossed and turned, Matteo's absence like an ache I couldn't soothe.
When I finally gave up, I found myself wandering through the darkened halls. The mansion seemed different at night—its grand opulence gave way to a sense of foreboding. Shadows pooled in the corners, and the faint creaks of the old house set my nerves on edge.
I didn't realize where I was going until I found myself outside Matteo's office. The memory of the note and the folder sent a shiver down my spine. I hesitated, my hand hovering over the doorknob.
Did I dare?
The rational part of me screamed no. But the part of me that was desperate for answers, desperate to understand the man I had married, refused to turn away.
The door creaked as I opened it, the sound echoing in the stillness. The office was exactly as I remembered it—cold, methodical, every detail meticulously arranged. The air smelled faintly of leather and Matteo's cologne, a scent that made my heart ache in ways I didn't want to admit.
I moved to the desk, my fingers brushing over the smooth surface. The folder was gone, of course, but I couldn't shake the feeling that this room held more secrets.
Before I could begin searching, the faintest sound reached my ears—a rustling, like fabric brushing against wood.
I froze, my heart pounding.
"Who's there?" I whispered.
No response.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Slowly, I turned, scanning the shadows for movement.
And then, I saw it—a figure in the doorway, barely illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the windows.
"Couldn't sleep?"
Matteo's voice was low, almost amused, but there was an edge to it that made my stomach twist.
"You scared me," I said, pressing a hand to my chest.
"Did I?" he asked, stepping into the room. The way he moved—calm, deliberate—sent a shiver down my spine. He looked tired, but his eyes were as sharp as ever, taking in every detail of my presence.
"What are you doing in here, Alessia?"
"I…" I hesitated, knowing I was caught. "I couldn't sleep. I thought maybe—"
"You thought you'd find answers in my office?" he finished for me, his tone unreadable.
I bristled at his accusation. "You've been keeping me in the dark, Matteo. How can I trust you when you won't even tell me the truth?"
He closed the distance between us in two strides, his presence overwhelming. "The truth is dangerous, Alessia. And I've been trying to keep you safe."
"Safe from what?" I demanded. "Your enemies? Luca? Or you?"
His jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought I'd pushed too far. But then his hand reached out, his fingers brushing against my cheek.
"You're afraid of me," he murmured.
"I don't know what to believe anymore," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
His thumb traced a line along my jaw, sending a shiver down my spine. "You should believe this—I will do whatever it takes to protect you. Even if it means keeping you in the dark."
I wanted to argue, to demand more answers, but the intensity of his gaze stole the words from my lips.
Before I could stop myself, I whispered, "Why me, Matteo? Why did you choose me?"
His hand dropped, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes.
"You're not ready for that answer," he said quietly.
Just as he turned away, a loud crash shattered the silence of the house. Matteo's entire demeanor changed in an instant—his body tensed, his hand moving to the gun holstered beneath his jacket.
"Stay here," he ordered, his voice cold and commanding.
"Matteo, what's happening?" I asked, fear creeping into my voice.
He didn't answer. Instead, he moved toward the door, his movements silent and calculated.
As the sounds of shouting echoed through the halls, I knew one thing for certain: whatever was coming, it was about to change .