Chapter 4 - THE TRUTH ABOUT THE AMALFI COAST
Three days after I returned home to Sofia's apartment, Matteo came to see me.
He arrived without Dante.
That surprised me.
Matteo had worked for my husband for twelve years.
He was loyal.
Quiet.
And rarely spoke unless necessary.
Now he stood in Sofia's kitchen looking uncomfortable.
“Mrs. Romano.”
“Isabella,” I corrected.
He nodded.
“Isabella.”
Sofia remained beside me.
“What do you want?” she asked.
Matteo looked at me.
“There's something you should know about Italy.”
I folded my arms.
“I'm listening.”
He hesitated.
“Dante wasn't in Palermo when you went into labor.”
“I know.”
“He was on the Amalfi Coast.”
“I know that too.”
Matteo swallowed.
“But the meeting with Valentina wasn't entirely what it appeared to be.”
I laughed bitterly.
“Please don't tell me she was there for business.”
Matteo looked down.
“She was.”
I stared at him.
“Of course.”
He continued.
“Valentina's family controls several shipping contracts Dante has been trying to terminate.”
“Then why was she touching him?”
Matteo said nothing.
“Why wasn't he wearing his wedding ring?”
Silence.
“Why did he ignore eight phone calls?”
Matteo looked ashamed.
“I don't know.”
I nodded.
“Then neither do I.”
He took a breath.
“Dante made a terrible mistake.”
“Yes.”
“But he wasn't there because he wanted to abandon you.”
I looked at him.
“Matteo, whether he wanted to abandon me doesn't change the fact that he did.”
The room fell silent.
Matteo lowered his head.
“You're right.”
Then he reached into his jacket.
He removed an envelope.
“Dante asked me to give you this.”
I stared at it.
“What is it?”
“A letter.”
I hesitated.
Then took it.
Inside was a handwritten note.
Bella,
I know I don't deserve your forgiveness.
I know I failed you.
I know I missed the most important moment of our lives.
I can't change that.
But I need you to know that I love you and Leo.
And I will spend the rest of my life proving it, whether you come back to me or not.
Dante.
I read the letter twice.
Then folded it.
Sofia watched me carefully.
“Bella?”
I looked at her.
“I believe he's sorry.”
She nodded.
“But?”
May you like
I looked toward Leo sleeping in his bassinet.
“But sorry doesn't make me trust him.”
