Page 169 of Matteo

Chapter 40

ELIZABETH

Vlad is married, and Valentina is pregnant, and the happiness I feel for them is marred by the fact that someone is trying to frame me.

And even worse, Matteo believes them.

I don't even know where to begin untangling this mess. A constant ache has lodged itself somewhere between my chest and stomach, following me around all day. Walking into the office this morning was one of the hardest things I've ever done. For a few seconds, I stood outside and considered leaving.

I didn't.

I've spent too much of my life fighting to get where I am. I don't run from my worst fears. I confront them.

By the time I get home, I have a throbbing headache.

It's been awful.

Seeing Matteo for the first time since he abandoned me at the wedding reception, I didn't know what to expect. He looked rough, he looked how I felt, and once again I couldn't help but think, how is it that we're at this place?

I didn't expect him to still be so adamant. To still believe that I was behind this. It hurts more than ever. I thought the time apart would make him see reason but, if anything, he seems even more convinced I’m guilty.

He's even reduced my access at work.

But Alex has offered to help me, so that's something. I resented him when I first saw him, but he came over to me. He's the bigger person. I understand there's a protocol to follow, and thinking about it on the journey home, a part of me is surprised that Matteo didn't fire me.

I want to think it's because he's giving me a chance to prove my innocence, but I won't allow myself to hope too much.

Tears roll down my cheeks, and I wipe them away, determined not to bawl. I've been trying to hold it in all day, but I feel so close to breaking.

I look through my kitchen cupboards and the fridge, and feel deflated when I see that I have no food at home. It was late when I got back last night. I haven't even checked in on Arthur and Irene. I'll go over later today, once I've put myself back together.

I'm about to order takeout when there's a knock at the door. I know immediately who it is, and I rush to open the door, relief surging through me when I see Arthur standing there. For the first time all day, some of the tightness in my chest eases.

“Lizzie,” he says, a warm and beautiful smile spreading across his face. A smile I desperately need. “You're back.”

He leans forward and hugs me, and I fall into his embrace. It's like a warm, comforting blanket, and I hold on to him for a little longer than normal.

When I pull back, he looks at me. “Bad day?”

Luckily, I'd wiped away my tears before opening the door. I laugh weakly. “It hasn't been too great.”

“How was your trip? How is your beau?”

“Oh …” My voice wobbles.

“You're having dinner with us today, Lizzie. Come on. I've set your plate. It's been a while and we can catch up.”

“Okay,” I say, because I need to be with people I love. I need to not be alone.

A few minutes later, I'm in their apartment.

“We're having soup today,” he announces cheerfully. He's already set the table for three.

I go to Irene. She's sitting on the couch, staring at the TV which isn't on.

“Irene,” I cry, bending down and putting my arms around her.

She looks up. “Hello, Tillie. When did you get here?”