4. The Beginning of The Lie

SOPHIA'S POV

The morning came too quickly, and with it, the realization that my life as I knew it was about to change. I didn’t sleep much after my meeting with Luca. How could I? My mind had been a battlefield, warring between the life I was leaving behind and the one I was stepping into.

But when I woke up, there was no denying the decision I had made. I was committed now, bound to a man who felt more like a storm than a savior. And as much as I hated to admit it, a part of me was curious—curious about the world he lived in and what it meant to be tied to someone like him.

After getting dressed, I forced myself to go through my morning routine. I knew it would be one of the last normal moments I would have for a while. My modest wardrobe, my simple jewelry, my carefully tied ponytail, those were all pieces of the Sophia Blake I used to be. The woman who walked out of this room today would be someone else entirely.

By the time Marco arrived at my door, I was ready.

“Miss Blake.” He said, his tone as formal as always. “Mr. Moretti is waiting for you in the study.”

Of course, the study. The nerve center of Luca’s world, where decisions were made and lives were changed. I followed Marco down the hall, each step heavier than the last.

When we reached the study, Marco opened the door and gestured for me to enter. Luca was standing by the desk, as calm and composed as always. If he was nervous about the day ahead, he didn’t show it.

“You’re punctual.” He said, glancing at the clock.

“I didn’t think being late was an option.” I replied, my tone sharper than I intended.

To my surprise, the corner of his mouth twitched, almost like he wanted to smile. “Fair enough.”

He gestured toward a chair, and I took my usual seat. For a moment, we sat in silence, the weight of what was about to happen hanging heavy between us.

“Do you have any questions before we proceed?” He asked.

I hesitated. Of course, I had questions—dozens of them. But none of them felt safe to ask. “No.” I said finally.

“Alright then.” He said, leaning forward slightly. “The wedding will be private. Just a handful of people who need to know. It’s better for everyone if we keep this quiet for now.”

“Private.” I repeated, nodding. I wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or insulted that this monumental moment in my life was being treated as a secret.

“I’ve taken care of the logistics.” He continued. “The ceremony will be here at the estate. Afterward, we’ll introduce you to Clara as her stepmother.”

The word hit me like a punch to the gut. Stepmother. I was about to become something I never imagined I would be, and to a little girl who didn’t deserve to be caught in the crossfire of Luca’s world.

“And what if she doesn’t accept me?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“She will.” He said, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

His confidence was almost unsettling. Did he really believe it would be that simple?

He leaned back a little bit and pulled out a small box from his desk’s drawer.

“This is yours.” Luca said as he opened it and held a ring out to me.

I stared at it for a moment before taking it. It felt heavy in my hand, though I knew it couldn’t weigh more than a few ounces.

“It’s beautiful.” I said softly, though the words felt hollow.

“It’s practical.” He replied. “No point in drawing attention with something ostentatious.”

Of course. Practical. Everything about this arrangement was practical.

“Are you ready?” He asked, standing and adjusting his cufflinks.

I swallowed hard and nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

*****

The small room just off the main study had been transformed into a makeshift chapel, with a minister standing at the front and Marco serving as a witness. It was surreal, standing there in a simple, white dress and repeating vows that felt like a foreign language on my tongue.

Luca’s voice was steady and sure as he recited his own vows, his gray eyes locked on mine. For a moment, I almost believed this was real—that he meant every word he said. But I would only be lying to myself if I truly believed that.

When it was my turn, my voice faltered slightly, but I pushed through. Each word felt like a chain wrapping tighter around my heart, binding me to a man I barely knew.

When the minister pronounced us husband and wife, Luca slipped the ring onto my finger with a precision that made it feel more like a contract being signed than a promise being made.

There was no kiss. Just a nod from Luca and a quick exchange of documents before the minister left.

“It’s done,” Luca said as Marco handed him a folder.

“Just like that...” I muttered, staring down at the ring on my finger. I had always imagined that my wedding was going to be something done out of love, that it was going to be one of the happiest days of my life. I never imagined... this.

Luca’s gaze softened slightly as he looked at me. “I know this isn’t easy for you." He said quietly.

“Easy isn’t the word I’d use." I replied, meeting his eyes, fighting my tears back.

He nodded, almost as if he respected my honesty. “Let’s introduce you to Clara.”

The words sent a fresh wave of anxiety through me. Of all the parts of this arrangement, this was the one I dreaded most.

*****

Clara was in the library when we found her, curled up in an armchair with a book. When she saw us, her face lit up, though her smile faltered slightly when she noticed how serious Luca looked.

“Hi, Dad.” She said, closing her book and sitting up.

“Clara,” he said, his voice unusually soft, “I have something important to tell you.”

Her gaze flicked to me, and I could see the curiosity in her eyes.

“Sophia is no longer going to be just your teacher.” He continued. “She’s going to be your stepmother.”

The words hung in the air like a storm cloud. Clara’s eyes widened, and she glanced between us, as if trying to piece everything together.

“My... stepmother?” She repeated, her voice unsure as she looked between me and Luca.

“Yes.” Luca said. “Sophia is going to be part of our family now.”

I knelt down, trying to make myself as non threatening as possible. “Clara, I know this is a lot to take in, but I want you to know that I’m here for you. Whatever you need, I’ll be here.”

She stared at me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, to my surprise, she smiled.

“Okay.” She said simply.

“Okay?” I repeated, blinking in disbelief.

“Yeah." She said with a small shrug. “I like you. And if Dad says it’s okay, then it must be.”

Relief washed over me, though I could still feel Luca’s watchful gaze on us.

“Thank you, Clara.” I said, my voice thick with emotion.

She nodded, her smile widening. “Can I show you my favorite books now?”

“Of course.” I said, letting her take my hand and lead me to the shelves.

As I followed her, I caught Luca’s eye. For the first time, I thought I saw something close to approval in his expression.