Sofia gently shook Leonardo, and he slowly stirred awake, his eyes blinking open. "I can't seem to get any sleep. I want to go for a walk. Will you accompany me?" she asked softly.He peered at her with one eye, looking down at her face. "Are you serious, angel? At this hour?" he inquired, his voice still heavy with drowsiness."Do I look like I'm kidding?" she retorted, narrowing her eyes playfully."No! You're serious," he whispered, removing his arms from around her and sitting up on the bed. He rubbed his eyes and stretched his arms upward, letting out a big yawn. Throwing his legs over the side of the bed, he stood up on his feet and ran his hands through his dark hair to tame it."Okay, babe, let's go for a walk," he finally said in his still-sleepy voice, and she couldn't help but feel a little guilty for waking him up in the middle of the night. But it was all for the sake of his birthday surprise. She got up instantly and walked over to him, holding his hand."I'm ready," she
Finally, the day they had both eagerly awaited had arrived - the day when Sofia and Leonardo would officially become husband and wife. Leonardo couldn't contain his happiness; Sofia would now be his forever, not just as his wife and love but also as the mother of their future child. He was determined to ensure she never had a reason to complain, and he was ready to give her the world.Never in his wildest dreams did Leonardo, once known as the heartless, ruthless, and merciless Leonardo Morelli, imagine that he could fall in love so deeply that it would completely transform his life. He was no longer the same man he used to be before marrying Sofia. With her and his newfound family, he felt like a changed person, unafraid to express his love openly.His heart swelled with excitement as he eagerly waited at the altar, ready to take each wedding ritual and vow to make Sofia his for eternity. Domenico, his best man, and Bella, the bridesmaid, stood by his side, witnessing this beautiful
Carlo stood there, his heart heavy with a mix of emotions – betrayal, anger, and heartbreak. His mind couldn't grasp the fact that Emma, the woman he loved so deeply, could be capable of such cruelty. He felt like he had failed to fulfill her every wish, questioning himself if he had ever been enough for her. A surge of guilt washed over him, making him wonder if he could have done something differently to prevent this situation.His love for Emma was so profound that he would have willingly sacrificed his life if it could satisfy her desires. But now, seeing what she had done – kidnapping Sofia, his precious daughter – Carlo knew that Leonardo, whoever that was, would show no mercy to her. The anger within him boiled, and the word "fucking" slipped out as he struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation.Carlo took a deep, heavy sigh, trying to gather his thoughts and calling Emma on the phone. But to his dismay, her phone was out of reach, leaving him feeling even more helple
"But Emma, what about...." Lana's voice quivered with a mix of uncertainty and suspicion, her eyes narrowed as she questioned Emma's true intentions. Deep down, Lana sensed that Emma might not assist her in seeking revenge against Sofia, and that thought troubled her greatly. Her doubt was evident in the way she hesitated before speaking.Emma's face contorted into a scowl as she impatiently looked at Lana. She couldn't afford Lana's impulsive actions jeopardizing her well-laid plans. Emma felt a pang of fear, worried that Lana's impulsiveness might indeed ruin everything she had worked so hard for."Shut up, Lana, just keep your mouth shut," Emma scolded with a hint of irritation, causing Lana's expression to shift into a frown. She glared at Emma, offended by the harsh reprimand, but Emma simply brushed her off, unwilling to entertain any further distractions.Then came Sofia's quiet yet resolute voice, tinged with sadness and confusion. "Emma, if you wanted the Empire, you could ha
"Boss, the signal is getting stronger and coming from that house," Mark said, his voice tense with urgency, as he pointed toward a big house at the end of the lane. Leonardo wasted no time and hurried with his army to reach the house, his heart pounding loudly in his chest. Every second felt like an eternity as he dashed toward the entrance, driven by the need to find Sofia and ensure her safety.As they approached the house, Leonardo's instincts went into overdrive. The eerie silence sent shivers down his spine, and a sense of foreboding washed over him. Danger lurked within those walls, and he braced himself for the unknown.Gesturing to his men, Leonardo signaled for them to proceed with caution, not making a sound as they searched for any possible entrance. However, their efforts proved fruitless, as every opening was sealed shut, leaving them no choice but to break down the door forcefully.Mark heeded Leonardo's signal, forcefully breaking the door, and the team swiftly entered,
"Carlo, just get out of this matter. I will explain everything to you when I come home. At this time, you just go away from here. Let me handle this," Emma pleaded, her panic evident in her voice. Leonardo couldn't help but notice the sudden change in her demeanor – the same woman who had threatened them moments ago now seemed terrified. "No, Emma, we have to solve this right now. Just leave Sofia. We will talk about it and put the gun down. Where the hell did you get this gun?" Carlo's voice carried a mix of concern and frustration as he confronted his wife. Leonardo realized that Emma must have stolen Carlo's gun. The revelation further cemented his belief in the depths of her evil nature. He couldn't comprehend how someone could be so selfish and heartless, not even sparing a thought for her husband's feelings or safety. "Don't give me your lecture, Carlo. I am not in the mood to listen to any of your nonsense. I know that Sofia is your daughter from Lucia, and I hate her for tha
Sofia's heart ached, her emotions conflicting as she fought against feeling anything for the people who had never cared for her. But family ties ran deep, and despite her best efforts, she couldn't deny the pain she saw in her father's eyes. Carlo cried inconsolably, clutching Emma's lifeless body tightly against him. Tears streamed down his face, his cheeks glistening with sorrow, and his body trembled as he silently wept.Sofia turned her teary eyes toward Leonardo, seeking support and understanding. He gently unwrapped his arm from around her, gesturing for her to go to her father. Slowly, she approached Carlo, her heart heavy with the weight of the situation. She had never been in a position to comfort anyone before, let alone her own father. This tragedy was partly due to her own past, and she felt an overwhelming sense of guilt.With trembling hands, she placed one on her father's shoulder. Carlo turned his head toward her, his eyes red and filled with tears. "Dad," Sofia whisp
Amidst the awe-inspiring surroundings, Sofia's eyes instantly locked on Leonardo, her soon-to-be husband. He stood tall, exuding confidence and elegance in his black three-piece suit. Her heart skipped a beat as she took in his striking appearance. Her mind playfully wandered into a realm of desire, appreciating every inch of his perfectly sculpted frame."Get a grip, girl," she scolded herself internally, blushing at her perverted thoughts about her future husband. This was her wedding day, after all.As Sofia walked toward the stage, her eyes remained fixated on Leonardo, unable to tear her gaze away. He was the center of her universe, and today, he would become her partner for eternity. Her father, Carlo, let go of her hand when Leonardo extended his, gracefully asking for hers. Her heart swelled with joy as she slipped her hand into his, feeling the warmth of his touch, comforting and reassuring.Leonardo guided her up the small step to the platform where he stood, and she felt a
The soft rustling of the curtains filled the quiet bedroom as the moonlight streamed in through the open windows, casting silver streaks across the floor. The night air was cool and still, carrying with it a sense of calm that the couple hadn’t felt in days. Dinner had been quiet, filled with concerned glances from Leonardo’s parents and affectionate giggles from their children, Vincenzo and Lucia. But now, in the sanctuary of their room, it was just the two of them—no distractions, no interruptions.Sofia sat on the edge of the bed, brushing her fingers over the blanket absentmindedly. Leonardo stood by the door for a moment, watching her. She looked fragile in the dim light, her hand resting protectively over her belly, her long lashes casting shadows on her cheeks.He finally walked toward her, kneeling in front of her like a man seeking redemption.“I owe you an apology,” he said softly. “Not just for last night, but for all the times I let my anger win. For making you feel like y
When Leonardo finally arrived home in his disheveled state, guilt weighing heavy on his shoulders, he found Sofia waiting for him near the front door. Her phone trembled in her tight grip, and the moment she saw him, she shot to her feet, rushing toward him.She threw herself into his arms, her body shaking as tears streamed down her cheeks. “Where were you the whole night, Leonardo?” she cried, her voice breaking. “Who does this to his pregnant wife after a small fight, huh?”Her sobs echoed in the hallway as she pressed her face against his chest. Leonardo’s heart shattered at the sound of her pain. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as though he could shield her from everything—including himself.“I’m sorry, amore mio,” he whispered, lowering his head and pressing his lips to her hair. “It won’t ever happen again. I swear.”Sofia pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his stormy grey eyes with her tear-filled blue ones. Her voice was soft, but the words st
Leonardo stared at Ava, his heart sinking with helplessness. He still couldn't believe what had happened. The reality of his marriage, his love for Sofia, stood like an immovable wall between them. No—he loved Sofia, more than words could ever express, and the mere thought of betraying her, even if he didn’t remember every detail of the night, made him feel like a criminal.God, what have I done?He turned his gaze away, guilt consuming every corner of his mind. Ava was sitting on the edge of the bed, the sheet pulled around her like a fragile veil, watching him with eyes full of something that looked like hope. But staying here any longer would only be a bigger mistake. Whatever happened last night—it shouldn’t have.“I have to go,” Leonardo muttered, already stepping toward the door.His hand had just touched the knob when a trembling voice froze him in place. “Leo…” Ava whispered, her voice broken. “I’m very alone.”He stood still, his back to her. The image of Sofia’s face flashe
Ava reached out, her fingers tracing lightly along Leonardo’s chest as she whispered soft, seductive words into his ear. But even in his dazed state, his reaction was immediate and fierce—he jerked away, his eyes clouded and nearly closed, yet his actions were furious as he shoved her hand aside with surprising strength.“Ouch,” she muttered, stunned more by the rejection than the force. His body was firm, solid like carved marble, and every part of her ached with longing. She had dreamed of this moment for years, and now that he was here—in her home, in her bed—she couldn't accept defeat.But it was clear: he wasn’t yielding.Frustrated, Ava stepped back and signaled her driver, who had been waiting just outside the door. Without exchanging a word, he entered the room and silently helped her undress Leonardo—his limbs heavy, his consciousness fading. She administered another dose of the sedative, watching his breathing slow as the drug took effect.Only then did she dismiss the drive
Sofia didn’t want to call her—not now, not ever. It went against every ounce of pride she still had. The very idea of reaching out to her to ask about her own husband made her stomach twist with humiliation. But her instincts as a wife were louder than her ego. Something deep within her, something raw and unexplainable, told her she had to find Leonardo—and that she would do whatever it took.With a shaky breath, she tapped the name on her phone screen. The dial tone rang only twice.“Ava, hi,” she said softly as the call connected, trying to sound composed.There was a pause before Ava responded, her voice low, almost too calm. “Sofia,” she said, the way one might say the name of an unexpected guest. “What makes you call me today?”Sofia hesitated, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Um… is my husband with you?” she asked carefully, every word laced with tension.There was a sharp inhale from the other side.“Your husband? And you don’t know where he is?” Ava’s tone instantly shifted
Sofia panicked when Leonardo didn’t return home the whole day. They had never had such a big fight before. But this time, Leonardo was furious—angrier than she had ever seen him.She could have endured his shouting, even his frustration, but his silence and the way he walked away without saying a word—she couldn’t bear that. Her heart pounded with restlessness, every instinct screaming that something was about to go terribly wrong. She couldn’t let the rift between them grow any deeper. Swallowing her pride, she picked up the phone and called him.But he didn’t answer.Still, she didn’t stop. She kept calling until, eventually, his phone was switched off, and all her calls went straight to voicemail. He had never avoided her like this before.It broke her.Sofia wanted to make things right between them—she was willing to do anything to fix it. She loved him too much to lose him. But the pain of his silence was unbearable. Tears welled in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks before she
The bar was dimly lit and half-empty, just the way he liked it.Leonardo sat at the far corner, swirling a glass of whiskey between his fingers. The burn in his throat did nothing to dull the ache in his chest.His mind kept replaying her words. I was scared. I didn’t know how to tell you. And then his own: You’re not the Sofia I married.He wanted to hate her. But the image of her trembling on the staircase, her eyes wide with guilt and pain, haunted him.But still, it felt like the cruelest betrayal—by the woman he loved most. How could she do this? If she didn’t want the baby, the least she could have done was talk to him first, share her fears, her doubts. The baby was his, too. It wasn’t just her choice to make. Maybe, together, they would have found a way. But deciding everything on her own? That was unfair. Unfair to him. Unfair to their family. Unfair to the innocent life growing inside her—their unborn child.Leonardo sat at the far end of the dimly lit bar, his fingers cl
Ava didn’t knock. She barged into Leonardo Morelli’s office, pushing past his startled assistant who tried, and failed, to stop her.“Leo!” she called out, breathless, clutching the handle of her handbag like it could steady her.Leonardo didn’t look up from his desk. The light from the tall windows behind him bathed the room in a golden haze, highlighting his sharp jaw and perfectly pressed suit. He was every bit the mafia king—cold, composed, and commanding.He exhaled sharply when he heard her voice. “Ava, I’m busy,” he said flatly, not bothering to mask his irritation. “You’re not supposed to be here.”“I know,” she replied, stepping in further. Her tone was soft but determined. “But I had to come. You can be angry at me later, but right now… you need to hear this.”Leonardo finally raised his head, his expression unreadable. “If this is about a deal or your family’s shares—”“It’s not,” Ava cut in. “It’s about Sofia.”His jaw tightened at the mention of his wife’s name.“I saw he
It was a usual morning, and Sofia was getting ready for a meeting early in the day. Leonardo had cautioned her not to overwork herself, and she had assured him she was fine and wouldn’t let anything happen to the baby. They hadn’t told Vincenzo and Lucia about her pregnancy yet, deciding to wait a few months before announcing it to the family.Suddenly, Sofia’s phone rang—it was her gynecologist. Her heart instantly filled with unease, as Dr. Martinez didn’t usually call her directly.“Hey, Doc,” Sofia answered.“Good morning, Sofia,” Dr. Martinez’s voice came through the speaker. “How are you feeling today?”“I’m fine, Doctor,” Sofia replied skeptically. “What’s wrong?”There was a brief pause before Dr. Martinez sighed. “Sofia, can you come to my clinic today?”“Okay…” Sofia answered, her grip tightening on the phone.“And don’t come alone, okay?” Dr. Martinez advised.Sofia’s heart started pounding. “Doctor, is everything alright with my pregnancy?” she asked, her voice laced with