29. "Don't Expect Me To Give You A Chance."

"She should have gotten that since the previous years, but unfortunately Vellina is not a person like you. So, thank you for loving Arianna sincerely." Hearing Diego's long-winded words left Stellina in a state of shock. Stellina didn't expect Diego to have such a normal side. For a split second, Stellina looked at Diego dumbfounded. "Seriously, is this you, Diego?" asked Stellina. Seacra openly looked at Diego in disbelief. Diego frowned, confused by Stellina's reaction. "What's wrong with you?" Diego asked back. "That's strange. I'm really grateful." Stellina could hardly say anything. Dumbfounded, Stellina finally released the laughter she had been holding in. "Your figure is so strange. It's really not the Diego I know," Stellina retorted. "Ah, but nevertheless, I accept your gratitude. You should be grateful." Folding his arms across his chest, Diego frowned and smiled amusedly. Diego immediately let out a chuckle that made Stellina laugh. "What's the meaning of your reaction?" Diego asked, feeling unexpected. "Do you think I'm not someone who can be grateful?" "Yes," Stellina replied quickly, making Diego's laughter fade. "Your character and Arianna's are so different. That's why I can love Arianna, but still hate you so much." Diego was stunned by Stellina's to-the-point statement. He no longer wanted to laugh. His expression turned so exasperated that Stellina couldn't help but be amused at the sight. Stellina waved her hand once. "Don't think about it too much. You're just annoying." Diego let out a long breath as his shoulders slumped limply. Not wanting to prolong the topic of conversation, Diego finally chuckled in annoyance. "Fine. I don't want to prolong this topic with you." Stellina frowned in amusement at Diego's frowning face. Diego let out a disgruntled look before turning around and walking away from Stellina. "Hey, Diego. Don't get too angry. You'll-" "Aish! I'm not listening. I'm not the only one who's annoying, you are too." At Diego's words, Stellina chuckled. Diego waved one hand as if he didn't want to know what Stellina would say. Meanwhile, Stellina had said nothing and allowed Diego to leave her presence. Stellina just shook her head while chuckling. "She can sulk too," Stellina muttered before looking out the window. ----- The piano notes played by Stellina's delicate fingers echoed in this room. A few hours ago, Arianna had fallen asleep and made her bored because she had no one to play with. Stellina closed her eyes. The last notes of the piano sounded higher and higher as it reached its climax. The movement of her fingers was so agile on the keys. As she touched the last verse towards the song's ending, Stellina enjoyed the music. Until finally, the pressure of the last piano key was tighter and pressed harder. Stellina stopped the movement of her fingers as the music ended. "Ah, I'm still good at playing the piano," muttered Stellina, proud of herself. A split second later, there was a sudden sound of applause from the direction of the back door. Stellina gasped in surprise and looked back. Even more surprised, Stellina saw a very familiar figure of a man clapping while stepping closer to her. Stellina knew who that man was. Matteo. "Bravo, Vellina! I was mesmerized by your piano playing," Matteo said as he stepped closer to Stellina. Stellina's eyebrows drew together deeply and tightly. As Matteo approached her, Stellina stood up from the special piano chair and gave him a disapproving look. "Matteo?" Stellina looked both astonished and alarmed by Matteo's arrival. In Stellina's memory, it was still very clear that Matteo was Diego's main enemy. Since the beginning of the charade deal, Stellina had been shown by Diego how Matteo looked in photos. Diego also told her that Matteo was Vellina's lover. "Why do you look so surprised?" Matteo asked after he stopped in front of Stellina. Stellina was instantly overcome with nervousness. Not because she was afraid, but because Matteo had a stronger intimidating presence than Diego. Even the way he looked was full of temptation. Unfortunately, Stellina could not make any suspicious gestures. Stellina pretended to act normally and slightly lifted her chin. She deliberately wanted to give a typical Vellina gesture. "Why did you come here?" Stellina was completely confused as to why Matteo was here. For all this time, Stellina had never met Matteo. "I was called by Eston to come here, and then I heard some very nice piano music," Matteo replied. His teasing smile curved slightly at the end of the sentence. Then Matteo slowly walked toward Stellina so that Stellina stepped back to avoid him. But unfortunately because Matteo did not stop approaching, Stellina was cornered to the piano. Right at that moment, Matteo, who was already two steps away, immediately extended both hands to Stellina's right and left sides. Matteo confined Stellina to a standing position that leaned until their faces were within an inch of each other. "It was you who played the beautiful notes," Matteo continued, this time his tone sounding a bit soft. Stellina froze. Her whole body could not move for a moment when cornered like this. The oxygen around her seemed to suddenly thin out as the tense atmosphere engulfed her. Stellina could feel Matteo's breathing at a distance of one inch. Matteo's trademark piercing gaze seemed intent on making her nervous. "Move away," Stellina ordered, finally able to speak. Firm and emphasized. Matteo did not pay much attention. "We meet again here, Vellina. I had no idea you could play such beautiful music," he said, continuing the compliment. Stellina did not answer immediately. From Matteo's words, she knew why Diego had called Matteo a dangerous man. Not just dangerous to Diego, but dangerous to those around him. Just looking at this smirk, Stellina could guess that Matteo was someone who liked to play tricks on people. "Did you come because Eston called?" asked Stellina, squinting suspiciously. Instantly Matteo chuckled and realized the suspicion in Stellina's tone. But his gesture was still relaxed without showing any guilt at all. "Yes, and we happened to meet. Vellina, I really want to apologize for not being able to come to the hospital to see you." Matteo pouted at the end of the sentence. He reached out to gently caress the side of Stellina's face. "I wish I could have been with you, but Diego was there. Are you angry with me?" Matteo continued his question. Stellina felt her heart heat up at the touch of Matteo's hand. Suddenly, she brushed his hand away roughly. "I do not need your presence," Stellina replied, making Matteo briefly surprised. Unfortunately, Matteo's surprise only lasted a moment. Matteo laughed wryly and put his hand back on Stellina's left side. Matteo casually said, "Are you still angry with me for that?" Stellina frowned. She did not pay much attention to Matteo's question because she already felt uncomfortable in this position. "Back off. I am giving you a chance," Stellina scolded more firmly than before. But Stellina's glare was not enough to intimidate Matteo. Matteo grinned even wider. In the midst of the silence, Stellina slowly felt something touch her thigh. At first it was just the touch of fingertips, but then it was the touch of a palm. It moved very slowly, stroking her thigh upwards, as if deliberately arousing Stellina. Suddenly Stellina slapped Matteo, then pushed his body away. Stellina was really fed up with people who did not pay attention to what they said. "I told you to back off. I gave you a chance, but you were stubborn," Stellina said angrily. Matteo had already taken a few steps back from Stellina. His hand held the part of his cheek that Stellina had slapped. He winced at the pain on his face. "Apparently you are still angry about that, Vellina," Matteo said back. Stellina, with a lopsided smile, said, "Yes, I have not forgiven you yet. Don't expect me to give you a chance." After saying that, Stellina simply left without caring about Matteo's reaction. Actually, Stellina did not understand anything about Matteo's last sentence. But that sentence was deliberately used as a weapon in order to leave Matteo.