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. "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. 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. 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).My heart pounded violently against my chest, each beat fast and excruciating. I strained my ears to catch the sound of slow claps and the deliberate click of heels against the floor.Someone was approaching. I struggled against the ropes binding me to the chair, a surge of panic making me want to scream. But to whom? My mouth was gagged so tightly, stuffed with a handkerchief to ensure I couldn't make a sound.My eyes were blindfolded, the fabric tied so securely that not even a sliver of light could seep through. I was engulfed in darkness, forced to rely solely on my ears to discern the sounds around me.From what I could gather, there were likely four men in the room with me. The ropes binding me were unyielding, ensuring I remained seated against my will.A chuckle shattered the silence, dripping with mockery at my feeble attempt to escape."What do you think you are doing? Trying to free yourself?" someone asked. I ignored the taunt, my hands still struggling agai
Sophia’s POV.Beep. Beep.The gentle sound of the machine beside me forced me back to consciousness, and as my eyes fluttered open slowly, it landed on the ceiling and it took a while of glancing around the room before I realized I was in a hospital and the memories came rushing back.“…take her far away and kill her.” The words of Ray that had played out of the recording filled my head and I felt a sharp pain twist my chest like something had just pierced through it.Ray sold me off so he wouldn't pay me back and his intentions were to kill me. How? That man said he loved me, he said he was willing to do anything for me and wanted me to be the mother of his children. I had given him all my money, trusting him when he mentioned his mother was dying. I believed it when I saw a video of her critically sick in the hospital. That money was the only money my father had left after his company went bankrupt years ago. He had sacrificed that money so I could fulfill my dream of hosting an Ar
Sophia’s POV.“I must say Sophia, you surpassed my expectations and this exhibition is the best I have seen so far. I would be making a donation at the end of the day to support you and if you don’t mind, my company would like to market some of your art pieces.” One of the men father invited said to me and a wide smile appeared on my face as I thanked him profusely.It’s been two whole weeks since the incident with the stranger and Ray’s disappearance. I had filed a report at the station and they said they would handle it but there was no development on the case and I knew better than to bank on the police to save me from the stranger.“I am someone you don’t want to cross paths with but when you do, it doesn’t end well for you.”Those words were my driving force over the weeks. I needed to raise his money and the only way to stand a chance was the exhibition. Father surpassed my expectations, I had no idea how he had managed to put together all the funds we needed but he did and sim
Sophia’s POV.My hands trembled as sweat dropped from my face to the floor even in the cold. I was trembling like a leaf in the wind and my heart was beating out of control.“I didn’t steal anything Sophia. I swear it, I simply borrowed the money and I was going to pay back after the auction was over. You can ask the…”“Keep quiet or I will make you do so.” The stranger threatened and father swallowed hard but didn’t keep quiet. He kept mumbling that he was innocent but no one was listening to him other than me.Every single one of the guests at the auction were now standing outside with their phones out and their cameras flashing. I could tell they were taking pictures and recording videos of the embarrassing situation my father was in. I could imagine the horrific headlines the blogs would use about my father at dawn.After the scandal that had happened the last time that caused father to lose his company and everything he owed other than the house we were currently living in, he wa
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