My Quiet Place

Chapter 48: Plane

The warmth from the fire warmed my icy fingers. I wonder what Matteo is up to. He left early this morning. I sipped the tea and enjoyed its soothing flavour. He might have an important meeting, or he could be dealing with a personal matter. I hope everything is alright. Maybe I'll wait for a few more hours before calling him. I don't want to be annoying.

My eyes fell closed, and I couldn't help but fall asleep on the ground next to the fireplace with the blanket around me. I was comfortable and content.

My eyes opened at the feeling of a familiar touch. Matteo was crouching down beside me, a warm smile on his face as he brushed a strand of hair from my face. "You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you," he whispered.

How long was I asleep?

The living room felt colder, despite the fire and the blankets around me. "I must have slept for a while," I replied, rubbing my eyes. As I slowly push myself up from the carpet. Matteo seemed like he just came; he still has his suit on. I glanced at the clock and realised that it was already past midnight. Matteo must have been working late again. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, but I also couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off about his arrival at this hour.

He sat next to me, and without hesitation, he pulled me towards him. I could smell the cologne he was wearing, and his hair was still perfectly styled. "I missed you," he whispered in my ear, and I couldn't help but radiate. I felt my heart race as he leaned in to kiss me, and I knew that I was in trouble. Despite the late hour, I couldn't resist him.

But something was wrong. His eyes said something else. I tried to ignore the nagging feeling in my gut and let myself get lost in the moment, but his distant gaze made me realise that he wasn't fully present. "What's wrong?" I asked, hoping he would open up and share his thoughts with me.

He rubbed his chin and let out a deep sigh. "Matteo," I say softly, creasing his cheek to get his attention. "You're leaving the country for a while." I could sense the sadness in his voice and the weight of his decision. I waited patiently for him to continue, hoping he would elaborate on his reasons for my leaving.

"You're coming right?" The thought of being apart from him for so long was unbearable.

"No." My heart sank as he uttered that one word, leaving me with a feeling of emptiness and confusion. I couldn't understand why he didn't want me to stay.

"For how long?" I asked, desperately hoping that he would change his mind and let me stay a little longer. He hesitated for a moment before finally answering, "It depends on how long it takes." His voice was gentle, but his words were firm, and I knew there was no changing his mind.

"So days...weeks...a month," I said, trying to negotiate. But he wasn't answering. I could feel the tension rising between us as I desperately searched for a way to make him see my point of view. However, his silence made it clear that the decision had already been made and that there was nothing I could do to change it.

"I don't want to leave." I pleaded with him, hoping that he would alter his thoughts, but his expression remained resolute, and I knew that my words were falling on deaf ears.

He touches my hair and whispers, "I don't want you to go either." I look up at him, tears streaming down my face, and nod in agreement. "But why?" He pulls me into a tight embrace, and I bury my face in his chest, feeling his heartbeat against my cheek. We stay like that for a few moments, holding onto each other as if we'll never let go.

"There is a war coming, and I don't want you near it," he whispers in my ear. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect you." I feel his warm breath on my neck, and tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I know he means every word, but I can't bear the thought of being separated from him.