Chapter 352 - Give a Chance

"Sir, Mr. Ricci," said Hanxi before turning to Vittoria. "Mrs. Ricci, I would never hurt Bella. I swear on my life."

"It's true that I used to turn violent when drinking too much, but I swear that I have already taken control of my drinking problem. The urge in me to look for a fight happens when I am incredibly under the influence, but I am already fully aware of this and I have overcome this," explained Hanxi. 

"Are you telling me, you are no longer getting drunk?" Clarified Stefano. 

"Yes, sir. I only drink in moderation. You can ask Bella this. Not once have I hurt her. She had seen me drink on four or five occasions and in all those times, I have controlled my liquor. I have been doing relatively well over the years," said Hanxi. 

"Hanxi, do you understand my concern? You are a very good fighter. I was honestly happy to have seen your moves. It - It made be confident you can defend my daughter in times of danger - but  - but what if you end up hurting my daughter?" Stefano pointed out. 

"Sir, you can have your men check on me  -my background. The last time I got into trouble was about five or six years ago and like I said - I paid for my mistakes. It's true, I lost a lot of money paying for the settlement - but my point is, it's all in the past. I am - already a new man."

Hanxi did not know what else to say. He regretted that his past caught up with him and now may affect his relationship with Isabella. 

Turning to Vittoria, he said, "Mrs. Ricci, you have seen me more with Bella and Matteo, not once have I hurt her or Matteo. I would never hurt Bella because I love her and I could never afford to betray her trust in me."

Vittoria nodded and muttered, "Yes. That's true. That's true."

Meanwhile, back at the dinner party, Isabella's eyes were ready to cry. She feared he would lose Hanxi because of this revelation. She had chosen not to tell her parents about Hanxi's past, especially since he had already been controlling his alcohol intake. 

She dared not look into the eyes of Alice or Manuel and she merely stared blankly into her food. Even Matteo noticed her indifference. 

"Bella," her uncle, Salvatore, called for her. "If Hanxi is really a good person as you say he his, I'm sure your father will see that in him. Don't worry much, but I wanted to know if you were aware of his past?"

Isabella nodded before saying, "Yes, uncle. He told me everything, but I swear, uncle. I swear, I've seen him drink many times when we are together, and he has been taking control."

"I see. Then, that is good to hear, Bella. Take it easy. You know, me and your father, we can see the good side of others. So be at ease," said Salvatore before he reached out to Isabella's hand. 

Manuel became angry at Isabella's uncle, calming her. He wanted to make her accept the possibility sooner. He said, "But if your father decides otherwise, Bella. You should be prepared to say goodbye to that drunk Hanxi. Your father will kick him out of here."

'Uncle Hanxi leaving?' Matteo looked at his mother and back to his other grandfather. He could tell that his uncle was in trouble, hearing his name as they talk. He did not like it one bit because his uncle Hanxi showed him love even before his own mother did. He got off from his seat and ran to the house. 

"Matteo! Where are you going?" Isabella yelled before running after him. 

Inside the house, Matteo was screaming, "Uncle Hanxi! Uncle Hanxi! Uncle Hanxi!"

At that point, the little boy was already crying. For some reason, he feared that Hanxi had already left. 

"Matteo, calm down!" Isabella said after catching up with him. 

He ignored his mother and went to their room, but he did not find Hanxi. He went back down to the living room and kept on screaming, "Uncle Hanxi! Uncle Hanxi! Unc - Uncle Han- Hanxi!"

Soon, his voice was heard by Vittoria and she opened the study to call out for him, "Matteo! What's wrong? Over here."

Vittoria saw her grandson's face flooded with tears. He ran past her and when he found Hanxi; he jumped up to him, utterly sobbing. 

Without looking at his grandfather, Matteo pleaded, "Grandpa, ple - please - please don't - don't fight anymore with uncle Hanxi. Please.. Please… "

Hanxi was standing up,  holding Matteo in his arms, soothing him as he cried. He felt the little boy's breathing had already become labored. 

He said to him, "Buddy where on earth are you getting this idea. Your grandfather and I are just talking. We are not fighting. Shhh... calm down now. Calm down."

"You - you are - not leaving?" Matteo asked while gasping for air. 

He sat on the couch and asked Matteo to look at him. He said, "No… I am not leaving. Who told you I am leaving?"

"That bad man said! He is a bad man!" Matteo yelled alerting his grandparents. 

Isabella had earlier made her way to the study and heard her son's cry. She looked at the puzzled face of her parents and said, "It was Manuel. He suggested that you'd let Hanxi leave."

Vittoria gave a heavy sigh and said, "Why do I have this feeling that Manuel is up to no good."

Isabella walked towards his father and begged, "Daddy, please. Don't think this way of Hanxi. Please, daddy. Give us a chance." She began to shake his arm, seeing there was no answer. "Daddy, I love Hanxi very much. I don't want no one else and Matteo, he loves Hanxi too."

Isabella pointed out to Matteo. Stefano saw the boy's firm grip on Hanxi and could tell; he was not about to let go.

Stefano felt his heart was crushed. He saw his grandson ran after Hanxi. Matteo had never cried over his own mother the same way, but he gave that kind of affection towards Hanxi. 

He was then reminded of how Hanxi bridged the relationship between Isabella and Matteo. He had to admit, Hanxi had changed his daughter dramatically that he knew it was worth giving him a chance.

Unknown to the Riccis Hanxi was already pained having seen Matteo in such a state. He felt no child deserved to feel fear of losing someone they cherish. Matteo especially, having been rooted him in his heart. 

"Yes, Mr. Ricci. Please give me a chance to prove I am a different person now," said Hanxi. He lowered his pride for the sake of Matteo and Isabella just so he could gain Stefano's trust.

Stefano turned to his wife, who was also teary-eyed. She merely nodded, suggesting her approval. 

Looking straight into Hanxi's eyes, he said, "If you ever hurt - "

"Never."

"If you ever lay - "

"Never."

"Boy, are you going to let me finish?"

"Never, sir. I will never even give you a chance to doubt me again," said Hanxi.