Chapter 31: 
Matheo approached Sam with a gentle smile, his heart heavy with the knowledge of what was about to transpire. He wanted to support Sam in her decision, even if it meant letting her go.
"Hey," Matheo said softly, taking a seat next to her. "You wanted to talk?"
Sam nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions. She admired Matheo's understanding and kindness, but she knew that this conversation would be difficult for both of them.
"I... I need to be honest with you, Matheo," Sam began, her voice trembling slightly. "I've been doing a lot of soul-searching, and I've come to realize that my heart is still with Rico."
Matheo's smile faltered, but he nodded, as if he had already expected her answer. "I know," he said gently. "I could see it in your eyes when we first met. And I've seen the way you look at him, with so much love and longing."
Tears welled up in Sam's eyes as she listened to Matheo's understanding words. "I'm so sorry, Matheo. I never wanted to hurt you or lead you on."
Matheo reached out and gently wiped away a tear from her cheek. "There's no need to apologize, Sam. Love is a complicated thing, and sometimes, our hearts take us in unexpected directions."
Sam nodded, grateful for Matheo's understanding. "You're an amazing person, Matheo, and you've shown me a love that I never thought I could have. I'll always cherish the time we spent together."
Matheo smiled, a bittersweet expression on his face. "And I'll always cherish the memories we created together, Sam. You deserve to be with someone who can give you the love and happiness you deserve."
As Sam looked at Matheo, she realized the depth of his love and selflessness. He truly wanted what was best for her, even if it meant letting her go.
"I'll never forget you, Matheo," Sam said softly, her voice filled with emotion.
"And I'll never forget you either," Matheo replied, his gaze locking with hers. "You'll always hold a special place in my heart."
They sat in silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts and feelings. The weight of their decision hung in the air, but there was also a sense of acceptance and understanding between them.
With a heavy heart, Sam finally spoke. "I should give you back the ring," she said, removing the ring from her finger and handing it to Matheo.
He took the ring with a sad smile. "Keep it as a reminder of the love we shared," he said gently. "And as a symbol of the beautiful memories we created together."
As they parted ways that day, Sam and Matheo knew that their lives would be forever changed. Yet, they also knew that they had experienced a love that had touched their hearts in profound ways.
Sam walked away with a mix of emotions, knowing that she had made the right choice for her heart. She felt grateful for the love she had experienced with Matheo and hopeful for the future that awaited her with Rico.
And as she embraced the uncertainty of her path, she carried with her the love and lessons she had learned from both Matheo and Rico. Each person had played a significant role in her journey, and she was determined to embrace the love and happiness she had finally found with Rico by her side.
_____
Weeks passed since Sam made her choice, and she was now fully committed to her decision. She and Rico had rekindled their relationship, and she felt a sense of joy and completeness that she hadn't felt in a long time. Despite the happiness with Rico, however, there was a lingering sense of guilt for how she had hurt Matheo.
One day, unable to shake off the feeling of remorse, Sam decided to reach out to Matheo. She wanted to talk to him, apologize, and make sure he was doing alright.
With a bit of nervousness, Sam dialed Matheo's number. When he answered, she could hear the smile in his voice. "Hey, Sam! How have you been?"
"Hi, Matheo," Sam replied, her voice tinged with hesitation. "I've been good, thank you. How about you?"
"I'm doing well," Matheo said warmly. "I've been keeping myself busy with work and hobbies. It's been helping me move forward."
"I'm glad to hear that," Sam said sincerely. "Matheo, I wanted to talk to you about everything that happened between us."
Matheo chuckled softly. "You don't have to explain, Sam. I understood your decision, and I don't hold any grudges against you. Love is a tricky thing, and sometimes it takes us on unexpected journeys."
Touched by Matheo's understanding, Sam felt tears welling up in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, Matheo. I never wanted to hurt you. You're such a kind and loving person, and you deserved better than how I handled things."
Matheo's voice remained gentle. "Sam, you have nothing to apologize for. Life is unpredictable, and we can't always control our feelings. You chose what you thought was best for you, and I respect that."
"I truly cherished the time we spent together," Sam said, her voice filled with sincerity. "You showed me a love that I never knew was possible, and I'll always be grateful for that."
"And I'll always cherish the memories we created," Matheo replied warmly. "You taught me a lot too, and I learned how to love in a way I never had before."
Sam wiped away a tear, feeling a mix of emotions. "I hope we can still be friends, Matheo. You're an incredible person, and I value the connection we shared."
Matheo's smile was genuine. "Of course, Sam. I'll always be here for you, even as a friend. You deserve to be happy, and I want nothing but the best for you."
As they continued talking, Sam felt a sense of closure and healing. Matheo's understanding and forgiveness lifted a weight off her shoulders, and she knew that she had made the right choice for her heart.
With Matheo's friendship and support, Sam was ready to embrace her future with Rico. She knew that life would still have its challenges, but she was determined to face them with courage and love.
And so, with gratitude in her heart for the love she had experienced with both Matheo and Rico, Sam stepped forward into the unknown, ready to embrace whatever the future held for her.
____
(During a heartfelt conversation between Rico and Matheo, looking back in time:)
"I know Sam. I'm certain she'll pick you," Matheo expressed with a tinge of sorrow. "Dude, I beg you... please stop causing her pain."
Rico looked at Matheo with a mixture of gratitude and remorse. "I never wanted to hurt her, you know," he replied, his voice heavy with emotion. "I care about her deeply, and seeing her torn between us is tearing me apart too."
"I know," Matheo said softly. "And I can see that she cares about you too. It's just... it's just hard for me to let go. I've never felt this way about anyone before, and losing her feels like losing a part of myself."
Rico nodded, understanding the pain that Matheo was going through. "I'm sorry, man. I know how much she means to you, and I never wanted to come between you two."
Matheo sighed. "I know you didn't, Rico. It's just... life is complicated, and love is even more so. I can see that you and Sam have a history, and I can't compete with that. But I hope that if she chooses you, you'll cherish her and make her happy."
Rico looked down, feeling a surge of guilt. "I will. I promise you, if she chooses me, I'll do everything in my power to make her happy. She deserves nothing less."
"Good," Matheo said, a hint of a smile on his face. "Because she's worth it, Rico. She's an incredible person, and she deserves all the love and happiness in the world."
Rico nodded, feeling a mix of determination and trepidation. "I know. And I want to be the one to give that to her."
Matheo placed a hand on Rico's shoulder, a gesture of understanding and camaraderie. "I know you do, and I respect that. Just... take care of her, okay? Don't hurt her like I did."
"I won't," Rico replied, his voice firm. "I'll do everything I can to protect her and make her happy."
As they parted ways, both Rico and Matheo carried a heavy heart. They knew that whatever the outcome, their lives would be forever changed. But they also knew that their love for Sam had taught them valuable lessons about selflessness, understanding, and the complexities of the heart.
And so, with a mix of hope and trepidation, they waited for Sam to make her decision, knowing that whatever it may be, their love for her would endure, and they would support her no matter what.