Xo Novel
Chapter 231
Chapter 231 His Intoxicating Proximity
"How the hell did this happen?" Matteo was annoyed at the news his secretary had just given him, regretting the moment he left the woman of his dreams to take this call.
He hadn't gone home last night because he wanted to be with Emily, and now, in the span of a single night, everything had spiraled out of control.
"Boss, the news of your marriage is all over every tabloid and news channel," his secretary informed him.
"Motherfucker," Matteo cursed under his breath, immediately knowing who was behind this-Lia Vassallo.
"Get my PR team on it. I want every source to retract that story, and send them all a legal notice for broadcasting such news without my consent," he barked, running a frantic hand through his hair. Ending the call, Matteo turned, expecting to find Emily where he had left her. But she was already up, gathering their things from the night before.Content held by NôvelDrama.Org.
"Mon amour, what's wrong?" Matteo asked, hurrying to her side and gently grabbing her hand as she reached for the empty glasses. She glared at him, her silence sharp and unsettling. What just happened in a matter of minutes? He was puzzled, unable to understand. Just moments ago, she was enjoying his company, but now she looked like she wanted him gone.
"I'll take care of it," Matteo offered, taking the glass from her hand and moving to pick up the plates, empty wine bottles, and cushions.
"What are you doing, Matteo Vinci?" Her voice was stern, making him cringe as he turned to face her, confusion clouding his features. "What do you mean, ma douce?" he asked, his brow furrowing as his eyes tried to read her face.
"Huh, Matteo Vinci, you're really good at pretending to be innocent, aren't you?" Emily snorted. Matteo frowned this time but didn't interrupt. She continued, her frustration spilling out. "You're going to marry Lia Vassallo, and yet, you stayed the whole night at my house. Now you're acting as if..." she trailed off, letting out a loud huff. "Maybe it's normal for you, but it's not for me. So, I'd appreciate it if you'd leave, right now," she said, wrapping her arms around herself as if shielding from the intense gaze that seemed to pierce through the walls she had built around her heart. She wouldn't let him break through.
"Are you done?" Matteo's jaw tightened as he snapped, though there was a gentleness in his tone despite the frustration in his eyes. "Can I speak now?"
Emily stayed silent, staring at him, waiting for whatever excuse or explanation he had to offer.
"Emily Yang," Matteo began, his voice low but charged with intensity, making Emily swallow hard. Of course, he was one of the most successful lawyers, and the convincing power in his voice was undeniable. "From the day I met you, I haven't been able to get you out of my mind. Even in my sleep, it's you I see."
Emily felt the mixed emotions swirling in his eyes, her pulse quickening as his gaze bore into hers.
"Yes, I'm set to marry next month. It was decided long before I ever met you," he admitted, his voice unwavering, "It's not a marriage out of love, but a business arrangement between two families. I've accepted that, and everything seemed fine-until..." He paused, taking a deep breath as his expression
softened, his eyes locking on hers with a look that made her feel like she was his entire world. "Until you came into my life and turned everything upside down; Now, I can't marry Lia, and I'm going to tell my family thar"
Chapter 231 His Intoxicating Proximity 00000, 70%£
His blunt confession made Emily's heart race, leaving her unsure of how to process it. Her breath hitched in her throat, and thousands of butterflies fluttered in her stomach as unfamiliar sensations washed over her.
"Why..." she murmured, sounding breathless as her voice was barely audible. "Why can't you marry Lia? Your family wants you to marry her, and she's perfect for you in every way." Her gaze shifted away from him as she continued, "Wealth, status, beauty, and-"
Before she could finish, Matteo moved swiftly, grabbing her elbow and pulling her into his strong, protective embrace. His sudden closeness and possessiveness in his eyes took her breath away as he gazed intensely into her eyes.
"I can't marry her, or anyone else," he said, his voice low and firm. His eyes searched hers, his grip tightening just slightly as he declared, "Because I want to spend my whole life with you."