Hidden Truth

"You're late and you know I don't like lateness ." Matteo commented when he saw his brother walking into his office.

Remo rolled his eyes, an amused smirk playing on his lips.

"Well, you know how it goes, Matteo. Traffic, meetings, the usual excuses." He strolled further into the office, tossing his briefcase onto a chair.

Matteo leaned back in his leather chair, his piercing gaze never leaving Remo. "You always have an excuse, don't you? One day, it might not cut it."

Remo chuckled, a devilish glint in his eyes. "And what would you do then, big brother? Fire me?"

Matteo's lips curled into a sly smile. "Maybe. Or maybe I'll just beat your ass in the ring."

Remo chuckled, "You know you can never beat me big brother."

Matteo raised an eyebrow, his competitive spirit ignited. "Is that a challenge, little brother?"

Remo shrugged nonchalantly. "Only if you think you can handle it."

The playful banter continued as the two brothers exchanged smirks, knowing that despite their differences, their bond was unbreakable.

"How is Stella? Is she due any moment from now?"

Remo asked as he sat down in the chair facing Matteo.

"No, she has four months more to go. It's a nightmare to see her in so much pain. I wish I could bear all the pain."

Remo's expression softened as he listened to Matteo's concern for his wife. "I know you'd do anything to spare her pain, but all we can do now is support her as best we can. She's lucky to have you looking out for her, Matteo."

Matteo nodded, a hint of gratitude in his eyes. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Remo. Anyway, enough about me. What's going on with you? Any exciting news?"

Remo leaned back in his chair, contemplating for a moment. "Well I'm married."

Matteo's eyes widened in genuine surprise at Remo's revelation. "Married?" he repeated, his tone filled with disbelief. "You? Married? I never thought I'd hear those words from you, little brother."

Remo chuckled, his smirk turning into a warm smile. "Yeah, it's true. Met someone interesting, and we decided to take the plunge."

Matteo raised his eyebrows, "Are you sure you didn't pull a gun on her head and force her to get married to you?"

Remo burst into laughter, shaking his head. "No, Matteo, it wasn't anything like that. She said 'yes' willingly, I promise."

Matteo couldn't help but chuckle at his own jest. "Well, I'll have to meet this woman who tamed the untamable Remo. When's the wedding?"

Remo leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Actually, we just signed the papers. We didn't want a big fuss."

Matteo's eyes widened once more, this time in surprise. "You sneaky little devil! You didn't even tell me you were seeing someone serious!"

Remo grinned, leaning back again. "Surprise, big brother. We wanted to keep it low-key. But you'll meet her soon, I promise."

Matteo hummed in response, "Are you sure you're ready to take such a big step? You know after everything that happened with Iza—"

"I'm fine Matteo. Really."

Matteo shook his head, "Are you? Because the therapist told me you stopped coming."

Remo met his brother's gaze and ran his hands through his hair.

"I'm fine. Really."

"Does she know?" Matteo questioned.

Remo knew what he was talking about but he didn't want to scare Abby away.

He liked normalcy and he wanted to indulge in it until he finally snaps.

He hopes when the time comes she will be able to accept all of him. After all, he did warn her about making a deal with the devil.

"No." He lowered his head, guilt gnawing through him.

"Are you insane? You're married to someone and she doesn't know this important information? What if you snap one day and hurt her?"

"I won't! I-I will never—"

Matteo sighed, "I hope so Remo. I hope so and if you do I hope you can forgive yourself."

Remo tapped his fingers on the table, his brows furrowed in deep concentration.

Remo's thoughts swirled with a mix of emotions as he contemplated Matteo's words. He knew his brother was right, that he couldn't keep his past hidden forever, especially from his wife, Abby. Yet, the fear of her reaction and the shame he carried still held him back.

Matteo's concern weighed heavily on Remo's mind as he sat there, tapping his fingers on the table. The memories of his past struggles and the therapist's advice echoed in his thoughts.

"I'll figure it out, Matteo," Remo finally replied, his voice carrying a mixture of determination and uncertainty. "I don't want to jeopardize this, but I also don't want to push her away by revealing everything too soon."

Matteo nodded, a mix of understanding and worry in his expression. "Just remember, you have a family who's here for you, no matter what. We've been through thick and thin together."

Remo smiled faintly, grateful for his brother's unwavering support. "I know, Matteo. Thanks for always looking out for me."

Matteo nodded, "Alright let's go."