A Lifetime With You by Athrhteera

Chapter 71 Alena

Matteo wouldn't stop kissing my entire face, regardless of the tears. He cupped my face and held it close to him, as if he was afraid if I was going to disappear. "Alena... I can't believe you're here," he said, in disbelief.

I smiled as I looked up into his brown eyes, "Neither can I. Mama planned it,"

"I know. She texted me this morning about the plan. I swear to god, I was restless waiting for you to come." we don't have forever."

"But, we don't

"We still have this weekend. We'll figure it out, okay?"

My smile was starting to

to fade away but I nodded a few times, assuring him. I wasn't going to waste my time by being sad over something uncertain-we were going to be together for the weekend and that was enough for me, at least for now. The two of us had to take any opportunity we could get in order to be together. We couldn't be greedy when it came to our time because it wasn't somethint we both had.

If it weren't for Mama, I doubt it was possible for me to plan the escape. I didn't have my phone with me, Papa had taken it and probably locked it somewhere. Either way, I needed to have my phone with me soon due to work related but I knew the reason he took my phone was because he didn't want me to contact Matteo. Matteo leaned I in, kissing my forehead.

"I love you, Alena. I love you so much," he mutter as he gazed into my eyes.

My heart broke at the sight of him, looking miserable. The dark circles under his eyes were too visible not to notice, the sunken cheekbones and dry lips-he hadn't been taking care of himself and it drowning in work for a distraction.

"I love you, too." I breathed, earning another kiss from my husband.

was too obvious. He probably had been

1:1:0

My eyes wandered around his office, seeing different files on the ground along with other crumpled papers. I also noticed a

messy sofa. few unwashed cups, some leftovers and the

I knew my husband well, he wasn't the type to leave things untidy. He was very particular when it came to hygiene and the tidiness of his places. One of the reasons why his office had turned out this way was because of me, I had left him to suffer. Once again. Even though this time, I had no intention to.

you

been sleeping at the office, Matteo?" I asked, looking around.

"Have) He sighed, somehow feeling embarrassed as he tried to tidy things up. I stayed still at my spot, just watching him picking up the files before placing them on the desk, "I can't go home, Alena. I just can't be in that house anymore."

"Why? You'll get sick if you don't take care of yourself."

"That house doesn't feel like home because you're not there. Why should I bother going back if it's empty?" He shook his head, somehow despised the thought of being home and alone.

"Matteo... I muttered, feeling defeated.

08:30 Sat, Nov 2 G

Chapter 71

"Alena, I can't live without you. Everything is wrong."

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I had always loved the appearance of his five o'clock shadow but it had grown longer-he hadn't shaved for days. Despite the slightly longer facial hair, he never failed to make me feel attracted. It was just a different appearance for me. It was new. "Why didn't you tell me about Papa? About Alexei? About how they threatened you,"

bother

nt

a mess but

take care of his health better. He didn't have to worry

just got you back. I didn't want to worry about losing you,"

you I

them back?"

off, Alena.

deeply,

me before reaching out to touch the side of my face. A frown had appeared in between his brows as he tried to get a closer look, "I

seconds as I

a week since it happened. Apparently, Papa's slap had been a bit too hard on my skin, leaving a bruise the next morning. It

"Nothing. Nothing happened."

Who did

late. Matteo had noticed the bruise and it was stupid of me not to cover it up before I came here-then again, if we were staying together for the weekend, he was

responded, the lie didn't exactly

you had from

nothing, Matteo. Don't

clenched his jaw,

trying to proceed with another lie but the moment our eyes met, I had remained frozen. I couldn't simply lie to Matteo because he was important to me, even if I wanted to protect Papa, even if I didn't want Matteo to hate him despite

going to kill him." Matteo

didn't mean it. It was

accident." Chapter 71

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when you trip and fall. This wasn't an accident. He intentionally hurt you." He took a few steps closer

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I knew Matteo wouldn't bother to hold himself back from hurting him but Papa was my father, Matteo had to

"It doesn't hurt anymore."

he hurt

made

a reason to

"I know. I'm sorry."

You're sorry?"

"What?"

What?

You're

don't know what

quiet for a

the weight he had lost, I was still very petite. Every time he had hugged me, I always felt safe. It was a feeling I never had with anyone else except Matteo. A knock was heard on the

lost in my husband's arms and as soon as they came in, Matteo slowly let go of my arm but he rested his hand on my

back on Sunday

you're not

me?"

"No, honey. I'll be at