Sophia's POV.I knew Alessandro would never bow down to him in this life or the next. That meant we wereall going to die.But how did it come to this? Alessandro always bragged about having ammunition and other security measures. So, how had they managed to ambush us?"This is crazy," I muttered, my heart pounding furiously in my chest."Bow down?" Alessandro repeated, letting out a mocking laugh. "That's such a bold request.""Request?" the old man snapped, his tone sharp with disdain. "It was a command, you imbecile!""You have just a few minutes left to decide, or they'll all be shot dead!" he added, his tone icy. "I don't have time to waste, boy.""Oh, Wills," Alessandro called, a dark smirk playing on his lips.How could he be smirking in a situation like this? It was absurd."Alessandro, you should call that name with some respect," Rita interjected, her tone smug. "He's the future mafia king, after all. If you want him to spare your life when he takes over, you should be less
Sophia's POV."Alessandro, be careful!" I screamed, unable to contain my fear.Everyone turned their attention to me including Alessandro. Rita's father seized the opportunity to press forward with the sword."Alessandro!" I yelled, my eyes wide in horror.However, Alessandro got a hold of the sword before it could pierce him. The way he caught it so swiftly was astonishing. His grip tightened around it and blood dripped from his hand.Fear clawed at me at the sight of it."Shoot him in the leg!" Alessandro commanded.One of the men instantly shot him in the leg, and he dropped to the floor, groaning in pain."Daddy!" Rita screamed.Her father tried to latch onto the sword again, but Alessandro grabbed it from the floor."Slice me up?" Alessandro scoffed, walking towards the other part of the cane.He picked it up as well and fixed the cane back together. He walked back to Rita's father and suddenly banged the cane on his injured leg."Father!" Rita cried out, tears rolling down her c
Sophia's POV."Alessandro, I detest her and want her to die, but having her raped by multiple men and videoed is something my conscience can't permit," I said, refusing to approve such brutality.I knew I didn't care what happened to her. But how would I be any different from her if I supported raped?"Thankfully, I don't care about what you're conscience thinks is right or not," Alessandro spat, signaling the men to go ahead."I was the one that got raped. If anyone should dictate her punishment, it should be me..." I muttered, hoping he would relent."I don't need you to plead on my behalf, you two-faced bitch!" Rita scowled, her voice thick with rage.I glanced at her, and she had a black eye along with some bruises. She must have acquired them on her way here."I'm not trying to intervene on your behalf," I snapped, grabbing the flashlight in Alessandro's hand.I walked to her and smacked her hard in the face. The thunderous sound filled the room, followed by her whimpers."I jus
Alessandro's POV.I dashed into my office and angrily headed towards the table. I pushed down everything on it; papers, pens, files. I was so angry.Sophia knew nothing about what I had been through in life. I knew some people's pain might be greater than mine, and they turned out to be good people. However, there was no option for me to be good.I was born in violence, hated from birth, and my life had nothing to do with happiness or opportunities. I didn't even attend school like normal people. My life had always been miserable, and being this way was the only way I had to cope with the fact that everything in me was dark.If she knew the pain I had to endure to get to this point, she would prefer I chose death instead. Being abused made her so hateful towards Rita and me, imagine being abused over and over again with no one willing to help. At least, I helped her get the revenge she wanted, besides, if she had listened to me none of that would have happened.If she had been throug
Sophia's POV.I exhaled sharply as his hand slightly brushed against mine. As the door closed behind me, I glanced back.He didn't have that usual smirk on his face. Instead, he looked old and distant. I had been pretty harsh to him yesterday, and I regretted saying the things I did. But he left before I could take my words back.With a sigh, I walked to the couch and grabbed the remote lying on it. I turned on the television, letting the hours pass by.That day, I kept myself busy with a few fun activities, avoiding any thoughts of Alessandro. I expected we might cross paths, but I was completely wrong. Over a week passed, and he avoided me like a plague.I knew I had told him to leave me alone, that I needed some space, and that he should start showing me more respect. But this was different. He had placed an unreachable distance between us. He wasn't ignoring me entirely. He answered my greeting, but he wouldn't even glance at me."This is getting crazy," I muttered with a sigh as
Sophia's POV. I looked back at my food and tried taking a few more bites, but my stomach began hurting again. I had been having aches in my belly since morning. They were brief but painfully sharp. "Am I having my period today?" I wondered, placing my hand on my stomach. "I thought it wasn't due until next week."I pouted, feeling discomfort wash over me. I always had cramps during my periods, but they were always bearable if brief."Argh," I groaned, dropping my fork. "Why is it coming now? I haven't even eaten all the snacks I made earlier today. I hate this."Despite the occasional cramps, I dreaded my menstrual period, the first few days were always the worst. Unfortunately, I didn't have my pain relief medication here."Fuck," I cursed, pushing the food aside and resting my head on the table.I clutched my stomach tightly, pursing my lips."I shouldn't have eaten that popcorn. It was so sugary," I scolded myself. "I should have known better. Why am I this way sometimes?" I
Sophia's POV."Open up," Alessandro urged, bringing the bowl closer to my lips.I reluctantly parted my lips and took a sip of the 'potion'. The bitterness that shot through my tongue was unbearable."Fuck!" I cursed, spitting it out. "This is disgusting. Why is it so bitter?""It's the leaves I used," he answered calmly, urging me to drink more. "Take some more. It won't work if you just take a sip.""Are you sure this isn't going to worsen my cramps or send me to the great beyond? Because this is awful," I spat, clear irritation in my voice."Do you want the pain to persist or not?" he asked, his tone serious, his piercing gaze fixed on me. I clutched my stomach and shook my head."No," I whimpered, hating how helpless I sounded. "Then try to drink it. I understand that it's bitter and uncomfortable, but it'll help you relax and get better sleep," Alessandro whispered, his voice softer now. "Alright," I muttered with a resigned sigh and took the bowl from him. "God help me."I cl
Alessandro's POV.I hastened my steps to the garage, and once I got into my car, I let out a heavy sigh.Why was she trying to get close to me again? Didn't she tell me to give her space? She was starting to confuse me. Her complex behaviors were messing with my mind.I leaned back in my seat, shaking my head at the memory. However, I couldn't help but feel like an idiot for declining her offer to watch a movie. She asked twice and I failed to read between the lines."Damn it," I cursed, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "I think I've lost my chance to start something with her," A bitter chuckle escaped me. "But maybe it's for the best. Being celibate for a while hasn't been that bad."I was about to start my car when my phone buzzed. I answered through my air pod."Yes?""Boss, it's Jared," his voice came through. "I'm calling to remind you that we're heading to the new site together. I'm outside, waiting.""I didn't forget, I'll be there in a few minutes," I muttered, ending the
Sophia's POV. Days passed and Alessandro's condition had improved significantly. I was so happy that he was getting better.I was in the kitchen now, making a delicious meal for him. He had been dreading Sarah's drugged soups. He had tried to dissuade her from adding the medications to the soup, but she refused, saying it was the best way for him to take that kind of medicine.But yesterday, the medications ran out and he could finally eat normal food again."I could smell the sumptuous meal from far away," Alessandro's voice came as he stepped into the kitchen. "Well, I'm not making your favorite, but I promise it's going to be delicious," I replied, smiling widely. "Don't worry about your allergies, I avoided those spices." "Thank you," Alessandro said softly, slowly walking to me. It wasn't just his physique that had improved, but his attitude too. He wasn't cold or mean anymore. He wasn't grabbing me without my permission or acting so uncontrollably. I liked this side of him,
Sophia's POV. He nibbled on my lips, slowly deepening the kiss. He sucked my bottom lip softly, and then bit it gently. I gasped slightly, and he seized the opportunity to slip his tongue into my mouth.His tongue slowly explored every inch of my mouth. I moaned softly, as his tongue danced around my tongue, deepening the kiss.It wasn't as rough or aggressive as before. This kiss was tender, and so sweet. I loved every second of it, moaning with each movement his tongue made.I never knew he could kiss this gently. It was so pleasurable, and sweet.The way his fingers traced lines across my nape sent electrifying currents through me.I kissed him back, making our tongues tangle around each other. I savored his sweetness as it spread across my mouth."Mmm," I moaned between our lips.He parted the kiss, leaving me breathless. He took his hand to my lips, swiping his finger over my bottom lip."Thank you," he whispered, his lips curling into a smile.A gasp escaped my lips at the sigh
Sophia's POV. "What is happening?" I trembled, panic filling my voice. "Alessandro." I watched him convulse, shaking uncontrollably. An alarming sound blared, and before I could call for help, the doctor and Sarah rushed into the room. "Leave," Sarah thundered. The damp cloth in my hand slipped to the floor, and I dashed out of the room. As I got outside, I burst into tears, every part of me trembling. "What have I done?" I cried loudly. "What was I thinking when I kissed him?" I recalled how his heartbeat was dropping so fast, and great fear gripped my heart. What if something happened to him? I wouldn't be able to forgive myself. "Alessandro, please don't die," I cried, my shoulders trembling. "O God, let nothing happen to him." I began pacing back and forth in the hallway, guilt clawing at my heart. Fresh tears flooded my cheeks as I imagined the worst. I shouldn't have done more than just cleaning him. I couldn't resist touching him. I missed hearing his voice
Sophia's POV. "What?" I gasped in shock. "Did you just say a few days?" I asked wondering if I heard wrong."His situation is critical, and unfortunately, he wasn't given the right medical care he needed," the doctor reported."This isn't good. We can't lose Alessandro," Mary muttered, panic evident in her voice."What can be done to save him?" I asked, tears slipping down my cheeks. "Alessandro is important to the people here. If he dies, we'll all be vulnerable to attack.""I have done my best," the doctor said with a resigned tone. "There's nothing more I can do. We just have to be optimistic and wait to see how things turn out. If he recovers, then, great. But if his health deteriorates, then—" "Don't say it," Mary interrupted sharply, shaking her head. "Please..." She staggered slightly, but I was able to steady her. "Mary, are you okay?" I inquired, helping her into a chair. "Mary, how are you feeling?" the doctor asked, checking her vitals. "Does your head hurt?""This is
Sophia's POV. I was horrified by what I saw. Alessandro was covered in blood, his face and body bruised, his clothes shredded and dripping with blood. "All of you get out!" one of the men growled, causing the maids to scatter. "This can't be Alessandro," I sobbed. "Is this him?" They ignored me and rushed to the elevator. I tried to follow them, but the elevator doors closed before I could reach them. "No," I panicked, fresh tears streaming down my face. "Sophia," Mary called, stepping to my side. "Mary that can't be Alessandro. Tell me it's someone else." I urged, my heart racing wildly in fear. That person looked dead. There was too much blood and injuries. It seemed hopeless. "It's him," Mary replied abruptly. "What?" I gasped, shock rippling through my veins. "No..no...Mary..." "It's him," her voice trembled this time, tears filling her eyes. "I had never seen him so vulnerable before. He spoke a bit, but his words weren't very coherent." "What did he say?" I sni
Sophia's POV."Sophia, this is a great opportunity for us to have our lives back," My father said, his voice filled with hope. "We can go to another country and lay low for a while if he returns." "I...don't know," I stuttered, my hands nervously clenching the side of my dress. "Sophia, this may be the only chance at happiness we'll ever get," he urged, his voice growing more insistent. "Let's take it and move on."The idea of returning to a normal life sounded so appealing. I could finally sketch, paint, and live without any restraints or fear. I could finally exhibit my works again like I had always done. Most of all, I could spend uninterrupted, happy moments with my father.I would be far away from the killings, blood, abuse—and Alessandro. But that was the problem. After spending almost two months with him, I couldn't imagine my life without him.I knew it sounded crazy because I had always wanted to escape him. Was this Stockholm syndrome? I had no idea."Sophia," my father ca
Sophia's POV. "Alessandro," I called out but there were only more gunshots rippling through the air."What is happening?" I panicked, my heart racing wildly in my chest. "Did he get attacked? Did he get shot? Why did he say those words?"My heart raced, worry gripping me."Did Rita's family attack him? He said they weren't happy about what happened to those devils?" I said through my clenched teeth. "Oh no."I rushed out of my room and went downstairs. I got to the kitchen but Mary wasn't there. I ran over to the maids' quarters and found her in their kitchen."Mary!" I called, rushing toward her."Slow down," she gasped, holding me before I fell forward. "What is the problem?""Alessandro," I muttered, my breaths ragged. "I think he was shot. We were on the phone when...when...""Sophia, take a deep breath," Mary suggested. "I truly get what you're saying, please calm down."After I took a few breaths, she asked, "What happened to Alessandro?""I don't know...exactly what happened,
Alessandro's POV.I hastened my steps to the garage, and once I got into my car, I let out a heavy sigh.Why was she trying to get close to me again? Didn't she tell me to give her space? She was starting to confuse me. Her complex behaviors were messing with my mind.I leaned back in my seat, shaking my head at the memory. However, I couldn't help but feel like an idiot for declining her offer to watch a movie. She asked twice and I failed to read between the lines."Damn it," I cursed, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "I think I've lost my chance to start something with her," A bitter chuckle escaped me. "But maybe it's for the best. Being celibate for a while hasn't been that bad."I was about to start my car when my phone buzzed. I answered through my air pod."Yes?""Boss, it's Jared," his voice came through. "I'm calling to remind you that we're heading to the new site together. I'm outside, waiting.""I didn't forget, I'll be there in a few minutes," I muttered, ending the
Sophia's POV."Open up," Alessandro urged, bringing the bowl closer to my lips.I reluctantly parted my lips and took a sip of the 'potion'. The bitterness that shot through my tongue was unbearable."Fuck!" I cursed, spitting it out. "This is disgusting. Why is it so bitter?""It's the leaves I used," he answered calmly, urging me to drink more. "Take some more. It won't work if you just take a sip.""Are you sure this isn't going to worsen my cramps or send me to the great beyond? Because this is awful," I spat, clear irritation in my voice."Do you want the pain to persist or not?" he asked, his tone serious, his piercing gaze fixed on me. I clutched my stomach and shook my head."No," I whimpered, hating how helpless I sounded. "Then try to drink it. I understand that it's bitter and uncomfortable, but it'll help you relax and get better sleep," Alessandro whispered, his voice softer now. "Alright," I muttered with a resigned sigh and took the bowl from him. "God help me."I cl