Chapter 29: 
In the midst of this emotional turmoil, Sam turned to Matheo for comfort and reassurance. She shared her inner struggles with him, fearing that her unresolved feelings for Rico would hurt their relationship. Matheo, being the understanding and caring partner that he was, listened to her with compassion.
"Sam, I can see how torn you are," Matheo said gently, taking her hands in his. "And I want you to know that I trust you. I trust your heart, and I trust that you will make the right decision for yourself. You don't have to rush or force anything. Take all the time you need to figure things out."
His words brought comfort to Sam's troubled heart. She appreciated his support and his willingness to give her space to sort through her feelings. With Matheo by her side, she felt a sense of security and safety that she had never experienced before.
As Rico continued his pursuit, Sam found herself faced with a difficult choice. On one hand, she couldn't deny the love she once had for Rico, and his dedication was pulling at her heartstrings. On the other hand, she had found a love with Matheo that was gentle, nurturing, and free from the pain she had experienced in the past.
The internal battle was exhausting for Sam, and she knew that she couldn't keep both men in her life indefinitely. She had to make a decision, no matter how difficult it may be.
In her inner struggle, Sam felt the need to confide in someone who had known her and Rico for so long. She decided to talk to Roseanna, the person who had inadvertently brought them together in the first place.
One afternoon, Sam and Roseanna sat down together, sipping coffee in a quaint café near the Eiffel Tower. Sam took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she prepared to share her feelings.
"Roseanna, there's something I need to talk to you about," Sam started, her words hesitant yet sincere. "I know you might not want to hear this, but I think you deserve to know."
Roseanna looked at Sam, curiosity mixed with concern in her eyes. "What is it, Sam? You can tell me anything."
"I... I've been struggling with my feelings for Rico," Sam admitted, looking down at her cup. "He's been trying to win me back, and I can't deny that a part of me is still drawn to him. But I've also found love and happiness with Matheo, and it's tearing me apart."
Roseanna listened attentively, her heart going out to her dear friend. "I understand how difficult this must be for you, Sam. It's natural to have conflicting emotions, especially when it comes to matters of the heart."
Sam nodded, grateful for Roseanna's understanding. "I just don't want to hurt anyone, especially Matheo. He's been so good to me, and I can't bear to see him hurt because of my indecision."
"You have to do what's best for you, Sam," Roseanna gently advised. "Follow your heart and be true to yourself. It's okay to take the time you need to figure things out."
"But what if I make the wrong choice?" Sam whispered, her voice tinged with fear.
Roseanna reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Sam's. "There's no right or wrong choice when it comes to matters of the heart. All you can do is be honest with yourself and with the people involved. Trust that everything will work out as it's meant to be."
As Sam left the café that day, her mind was still filled with uncertainty, but she felt a sense of relief for having opened up to Roseanna. She knew that she needed to be true to herself and make a decision, no matter how difficult it may be.
The days passed, and Rico's persistence in winning her back didn't waver. Sam found herself torn between the familiar love she once had and the new love she had discovered with Matheo. Her heart was troubled, and she couldn't escape the memories of her time with Rico.
One evening, as she sat with Matheo, enjoying a beautiful view of the city, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with conflicting emotions. Matheo noticed her pensive expression and gently took her hand.
"Sam, I know you're going through a lot right now," Matheo said softly, "and I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what you decide. I love you, and I trust that you'll make the right choice for yourself."
Tears welled up in Sam's eyes, touched by Matheo's unwavering support and understanding. "Thank you, Matheo. You've been so good to me, and I don't want to lose what we have."
"Then don't," Matheo said firmly. "If being with me makes you happy, then that's all that matters. We'll face whatever comes our way together."
As the days passed, Sam continued to grapple with her emotions. She couldn't deny that Rico's dedication was pulling at her heartstrings, but she also knew that she had found something special with Matheo.
A painful journey, filled with uncertainty and heartache, but Sam don't know how to finally found the courage to follow her heart and embrace the love that brought her peace and happiness.
___
Sam's voice wavered slightly as she broached the delicate subject, her eyes locking onto Rico's. She couldn't help but notice the flicker of pain in his eyes at the mention of his daughter.
"Rico, I can't help but wonder about your little girl," she said softly, trying to keep her emotions in check. "I know she must be such a precious part of your life, and I can't imagine what it's like for you to raise her without Kaylee."
Rico took a deep breath, his gaze shifting away momentarily before meeting Sam's again. "It hasn't been easy," he admitted, his voice tinged with sadness. "Losing Kaylee was devastating, and I never expected to raise our daughter alone."
Sam nodded, her heart going out to Rico and the challenges he faced as a single father. "I can't even begin to fathom what you've been through," she said, her voice filled with empathy.
"I try my best for Fanna," Rico continued, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "She's the light of my life, and I want to be the best father I can be for her. But sometimes, it feels like I'm drowning in this responsibility."
Sam reached out and placed a comforting hand on Rico's, offering him a reassuring squeeze. "You're doing a great job, Rico. I can see how much you love her, and that's what matters most."
"But it's also been so hard without you," Rico admitted, his voice catching. "I never stopped loving you, Sam. Seeing you move on with Matheo, it's been... painful."
Sam swallowed hard, trying to steady her emotions. She knew that Rico was hurting, and a part of her still cared deeply for him. But she also knew that she had to be true to herself and her feelings for Matheo.
"Rico, I care about you, and I always will," she said gently. "But I've found happiness with Matheo. He's been there for me in ways I never thought possible, and I can't deny the love we share."
Rico nodded, a mixture of understanding and heartache evident in his expression. "I know I can't force you to love me," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "But I won't give up on us, Sam. I'll keep trying, because you mean everything to me."
Sam's heart ached at Rico's words, torn between the love she once had for him and the new love she had found with Matheo. She knew that she couldn't lead Rico on or give him false hope, but she also couldn't deny the bond they once shared.
"Rico, I need you to understand," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "I don't want to hurt you, but I can't go back to how things were. My heart has moved on, and I have to follow my own path now."
Rico nodded, his gaze dropping to the ground. "I get it," he said quietly. "I just hope that one day, you'll find it in your heart to give us another chance."
As they parted ways, Sam couldn't shake the weight of their conversation. She knew that she had to be honest with herself and with Rico. She couldn't deny the love they once had, but she also couldn't deny the love she now shared with Matheo.
In the end, she knew that she had to trust her heart and have faith in her decisions.