0022.

Sophia's POV.

A chill ran through my spine at the sound of his voice. When did he get into my room? Why was he even here?

"I asked a question," His cold voice resounded, his approaching footsteps now audible.

I removed the phone from my ear, quickly swiping the number and deleting it. My fingers fumbled slightly, but I managed to get rid of it in time. I hoped he hadn't seen or heard anything.

I turned to him, and his tall, muscular body towered over me. His piercing gaze made my throat tighten. He was so close that I could feel my heart hammering in my chest and sweat forming on my skin.

"I...was talking to...a friend," I lied, my voice shaking and unconvincing.

"A friend?" Alessandro scoffed, his voice filled with doubt. "Whose phone is that?"

I glanced down at the phone in my hand, and stuttered, "It's one of the maid's. But I'm not going to tell you who lent it to me."

"What friend were you talking to? And what were you talking about?" His sharp tone made my stomach churn.

I