Chapter 9: A Glimpse of the Past
Raegan’s encounter with Mitchel at Dixon Group left her with more questions than answers. His words—“You’ve changed”—echoed in her mind, stirring up emotions she thought she’d buried. But she didn’t have time to dwell on it. The campaign was in full swing, and she was determined to make it a success.
One evening, as she was working late at the office, her phone buzzed with a notification. It was a message from an unknown number:
“Meet me at the park tomorrow at noon. There’s something you need to know.”
Raegan stared at the screen, her heart racing. Who could this be? The mystery of the bracelet flashed in her mind, and she felt a flicker of curiosity. She debated whether to respond, but something told her this was important.
The next day, she arrived at the park at noon, her nerves on edge. She scanned the area, looking for anyone familiar. Then she saw him.
It was Matteo.
He was sitting on a bench, his expression serious. When he saw her, he stood and waved her over.
“Matteo?” Raegan said, her voice tinged with surprise. “What’s going on?”
“I need to tell you something,” he said, his tone solemn. “But first, I want you to know that this isn’t easy for me.”
Raegan’s stomach tightened. “What is it?”
Matteo took a deep breath. “The bracelet… I sent it to you.”
Raegan’s eyes widened. “You? But why?”
Matteo hesitated, his gaze dropping to the ground. “Because I care about you, Raegan. More than I should. I’ve watched you for years, seen how much you’ve struggled, and I couldn’t stand by anymore without saying something.”
Raegan was speechless. Matteo had always been professional, almost distant. She’d never imagined he felt this way.
“I know this is unexpected,” he continued, his voice soft. “And I don’t expect anything from you. I just wanted you to know that you’re not alone. That someone sees you, values you, and believes in you.”
Raegan’s mind raced as she processed his words. Matteo had been a constant presence in her life, always there but never intrusive. And now, he was offering her something she hadn’t realized she needed—support, understanding, and a connection that went beyond the surface.
“Matteo, I…” she began, but he held up a hand.
“You don’t have to say anything,” he said. “I just wanted you to know the truth. Whatever happens next, I’ll respect your decision.”
Raegan nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you, Matteo. This means more to me than you know.”
They sat in silence for a while, the weight of his confession hanging in the air. Raegan didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, she felt a sense of hope.