After their intense kiss, Leonardo reluctantly released Sofia when he sensed her need for air. As he pulled away, he couldn't help but notice her lips were red and swollen, a clear indication of their passionate moment together. As he wanted to kiss her again, the sudden sound of the doorbell interrupted his thoughts. Despite feeling frustrated and angry, he composed himself and made his way to the door.As soon as Leonardo opened the door, he saw that room service had arrived with their dinner. He invited the waiter to bring the food inside and stepped out for a brief moment. Upon returning to the room, he noticed that Sofia was standing there, looking quite embarrassed. She was blushing a deep shade of crimson, bowing her head down, and fidgeting with her fingers.He knew that things had become awkward between them after the kiss. The room service staff had left after setting the table for them. Leonardo locked the door and returned to find that Sofia was still standing in the same
Leonardo couldn't help but notice Sofia's perplexed expression and wondered if she was thinking about their wedding night. He regretted acting like a demon that day and scaring her. He couldn't help but think that maybe she regretted marrying him or had negative thoughts about him."I am sorry, baby girl. I was drunk last night," he said hesitantly, rubbing his nape in embarrassment. Sofia bit her lips nervously. Leonardo couldn't take his eyes off her even though she seemed to be scared."I won't do anything, Sofia. I promise. At least not without your consent," Leonardo assured her desperately, hoping to ease her worries. "I respect you and your boundaries." He wanted her eyes back on him. He yearned so badly.Leonardo gently patted the soft comforter of the queen-sized bed, beckoning Sofia to join him. Without hesitation, she obliged and positioned herself on the right side of the bed, her back facing towards him. As she nestled into the plush pillows, she curled up into a tight b
"Yeah, let's go," Leonardo said, his voice filled with a sense of readiness. He wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin, rising from the breakfast table with purpose. Sofia followed suit, stepping out of the room alongside him, her gaze scanning their surroundings.To her surprise, Mark stood by the door, waiting patiently. A polite smile formed on his face as their eyes met, and he greeted her, "Good morning, Mrs. Morelli." Sofia couldn't help but feel a tinge of novelty as she adjusted to being addressed by her new title.Returning the greeting, Sofia replied, "Good morning, Mr. Mark," her voice tinged with warmth. However, Mark quickly interjected, insisting she should call him by his first name, “Maam, please call me Mark.” Sofia nodded, appreciating his friendly gesture.As the pleasantries continued, Mark turned to address Leonardo respectfully. "Good morning, boss," he greeted, acknowledging Leonardo's presence."Morning, Mark. We're going to the shopping mall. Tell the driv
Returning to the payment area, Leonardo waited anxiously for Sofia to emerge. However, his attention was abruptly diverted as a familiar female voice called out his name. Startled, he turned to face the source of the voice, his eyes widening in surprise and apprehension. It was Diana, his ex-girlfriend, standing before him.Before he could react, Diana closed the distance between them and enveloped him in a hug, pressing her lips against his. Leonardo's mind went blank for a moment, completely caught off guard by her actions. He gently pushed her away, a mix of shock and anger flashing across his face."What are you doing, Diana? You should know that I am married," Leonardo stated firmly, his voice laced with a hint of irritation. The whole world knew about his marriage to Sofia, as it had been a grand affair covered by the media, and even their parents had made it a significant event.Diana seemed undeterred by his response, leaning against his chest once again. He firmly grasped her
Sofia's heartache consumed her, tears streaming down her cheeks in an unending torrent. She desperately tried to wipe them away, but they continued to flow, betraying her emotions. Each sob that escaped her lips echoed her inner turmoil."Why did I feel bad?" she questioned herself between broken sobs, her voice barely audible. She knew she shouldn't have been affected by Leonardo's actions, yet the pain gnawed at her heart. Her mind battled with conflicting emotions, unable to reconcile the hurt and confusion she felt. In her mind, she berated herself for thinking that someone like Leonardo could ever be interested in her.As her tears cascaded down her face, Sofia's self-doubt intensified. She couldn't help but compare herself to the woman Leonardo had been kissing. The image of a stunning, perfectly dressed woman taunted her, highlighting her own perceived inadequacies. She felt invisible, overshadowed by the radiance of someone who seemed to embody perfection.Her gaze dropped to
Leonardo's heart pounded in his chest as fear gripped him tightly. He had searched tirelessly for Sofia, but she remained elusive. Now, with his men by his side, they scoured every shop and store near the mall, desperately hoping to find any trace of her. His mind raced with worry, realizing that someone was after Sofia, someone who wanted her dead.As Leonardo's men fanned out in different directions, he felt a mix of frustration and anxiety building within him. He instructed them to inform him immediately if they discovered any sign of Sofia. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as he prayed silently for her safety, his mind consumed by thoughts of the danger she could be facing.Lost in his thoughts, Leonardo walked past a secluded corner when something caught his eye—a car parked nearby, its number plate bearing an unusual mark. His heart skipped a beat as he observed a group of individuals forcefully dragging Sofia toward the vehicle. Without a moment's hesitation, he sprinted toward
Sofia heard the sound of the door breaking with a loud bang, and a gunshot echoed throughout the room. The sudden noise jolted her out of her dazed state, and her eyes snapped open. She struggled to focus, her heart pounding in her chest, as she realized the man who had been ripping her dress was now lifeless, sprawled across her. It was the bullet that had ended his life, bringing an abrupt halt to the nightmare she had been trapped in. Amidst the chaos, Sofia's ears were filled with the deafening sound of multiple gunshots reverberating throughout the room. One by one, she witnessed the assailants around her collapsing onto the floor, their bodies hitting the ground with heavy thuds. The acrid smell of smoke filled the air, obscuring her vision and making it difficult to discern what was happening.Through the haze, Sofia's blurry eyes caught a glimpse of a familiar figure standing amidst the chaos. Leonardo. His presence alone seemed to command the room, his eyes bloodshot and fi
As Leonardo and Sofia finally arrived at their car, Mark hurriedly opened the door of the back seat for them. Leonardo, with the utmost care, guided Sofia to the backseat, ensuring her comfort. He settled beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, and gently pulled her closer to him. Sofia leaned her head against his chest, finding solace in his touch.Throughout the drive, Leonardo continued to stroke Sofia's hair, his fingers gliding through the soft strands. His voice, filled with tenderness and concern, whispered comforting words into her ears like a soothing melody."It's okay, Sofia," Leonardo murmured softly. "You're safe now. I've got you. They can't hurt you anymore. No one can harm you. I'll protect you with everything I have."His voice was laced with determination, a promise that he intended to keep. As he spoke, it seemed as though he was not just comforting Sofia but also reassuring himself.Sofia remained silent throughout the drive, her thoughts swirling in her
The evening had been filled with the lively chaos of children, their laughter echoing through the villa as they reunited with their cousins after so long. Bella had assured Sofia she would handle their bedtime, allowing Sofia to retire early. The promise of a quiet moment alone was tempting, but even in the solitude of her room, Sofia's mind refused to rest.Lying on the bed, she stared at the ceiling, the dim glow from the bedside lamp casting long shadows across the room. Her thoughts swirled, replaying the day’s events and the unspoken distance that lingered between her and Leonardo. The crack of the door opening broke the silence, and without turning, she knew it was him. His presence was something she could always sense—familiar, yet lately, it carried a weight that hadn't been there before."Angel," he called softly.Sofia shut her eyes tighter, feigning sleep. She couldn't face him—not tonight. There was too much unsaid, too much buried beneath the surface. If he wasn’t ready t
"She has come around over the years," Bella said with a soft smile, remembering those hard days. "Now she's been very nice to me," she assured him."Strange," Leonardo taunted, his tone skeptical."Shut up. My mother-in-law isn't a bad person, okay?" she protested."Whatever," Leonardo scoffed. "I'm just glad she's good to you.""Yeah, she's happy to have me as her daughter-in-law," Bella grinned proudly.Leonardo watched his cousin with a rare sense of contentment. Seeing Bella so happy, so at ease, brought him a measure of peace he hadn’t realized he needed. He had always worried about her—her future, her choices—but knowing she had found a loving husband in Matteo reassured him that she had chosen wisely.“She takes me everywhere, even to all those fancy kitty parties,” Bella said with enthusiasm, her eyes shining. “She introduces me to all her friends, as if she’s showing off a prized possession.”Leonardo chuckled, his lips curling into a smirk. “Oh, so she likes you because she
"Bella, let's go," Sofia said, holding her arm, but Bella didn’t budge, determined not to let go of this matter.Sofia sighed, looking at her fuming face. "Bella, forget him. Let's go. I have a lot to talk to you about. By the way, I have to complain. Why did you come after such a long time?" she asked with a hint of reproach in her voice.Bella's eyes shifted from her cousin to Sofia, and her expression softened."Aww, I'm sorry, Sofia. I'm so emotional. You missed me! Someone in the family actually missed me," she spoke dramatically. She was such a drama queen, but Sofia loved her sister-in-law."You are such a sweet angel. Leonardo named you correctly," Bella said, suddenly making a puppy face.Now Sofia wanted to roll her eyes at these two dramatic cousins. She couldn't decide whether Bella was on her side or her cousin’s. How quickly she changed."By the way, let's go and leave this stupid Leonardo Morelli alone to go to hell," Bella grimaced, casting a brief glance at her cousin
Sofia glanced at Leonardo, whose frustration was etched across his chiseled face. His stormy eyes locked onto her, a silent warning flickering beneath the surface."Bella, it's a matter between husband and wife. You shouldn't interfere," Leonardo interrupted just as Sofia opened her mouth to speak. His voice was low and firm, carrying the authority he wielded effortlessly. "We'll sort it out on our own."Bella's sharp gaze snapped toward him, unyielding."Leonardo, if you think I'll leave Sofia alone, then you're mistaken." Her voice was steady, but there was steel beneath the calm. "Sofia, you don't need to worry, and you don't have to leave this house. If anyone should leave, it's Leonardo."Bella squared her shoulders, stepping protectively in front of Sofia — a fierce pillar of unwavering support.Leonardo's scowl deepened, his jaw clenching. "Your habit of sticking your nose where it doesn't belong hasn't changed." His voice was sharp, cutting through the tension. "In case you've
Leonardo's hand shot out, gripping her wrist with restrained force. His stormy grey eyes locked onto hers. "Stop it, angel. That's not funny.""I'm not joking," she snapped, yanking her hand away."I made it very clear to you baby girl from the very beginning... divorce is not an option in our marriage." His voice was low, dangerously calm, but the warning in his eyes sent chills down her spine."I won't live with you anymore, Leonardo." Her heart pounded painfully in her chest, but she held her ground. "Our relationship is suffocating. You should be happy — once I leave, you'll be free to play the devoted lover with your friend." Her voice dripped with mockery.Leonardo's eyes narrowed into icy slits. "She is only a friend for god's sake."A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Girlfriend, friend, soulmate — call her whatever you want. I saw the way you held her... the way she cried in your arms. Don't insult my intelligence by pretending there's nothing between you.""You think too much,
“Fuck!” Leonardo cursed, pushing Ava away. But she clung to his hand.“Leonardo, she’s angry. I think she misunderstood. Let me come with you and explain—”“No,” Leonardo cut her off coldly, shaking her hand away. “I can manage.”Without another word, he bolted out of the room, his heart racing as he hurried after his wife. But by the time he reached the parking lot, Sofia had already climbed into her car and sped off.“Damn it!” he growled, snatching the keys from his driver. He jumped into his own car and followed her, weaving through traffic at a reckless pace.To his relief, she drove straight home. The familiar gates of their villa loomed ahead, but the storm brewing inside the house was far worse than anything he’d faced on the road.Inside, Sofia’s entire being trembled with rage. She didn't know how she had made it home without crashing. Her mind replayed the gut-wrenching image of her husband holding Ava in his arms — comforting her, protecting her — as if she was the most pr
Leonardo was leaving after his meeting with the CEO of SuperTech Innovations, eager to reunite with his wife, when his phone buzzed with a text notification. He pulled it out from the inner pocket of his suit jacket.‘Meet me at the conference room in the left northern wing.’It was a text from Ava.His eyes scanned the hall, finding her standing at a distant corner. Their gazes locked for a fleeting moment before she turned toward the conference room without waiting for a response. Leonardo furrowed in confusion, slipping the phone back into his pocket before following her quietly.As he entered the conference room, Ava stood in the middle of the room with her back facing him. The faint scent of her expensive perfume lingered in the air."What's wrong, Ava?" Leonardo's voice was low with concern. Ava turned abruptly, revealing red-rimmed eyes and streaked mascara. Tears rolled down her cheeks.Leonardo frowned, stepping closer and pulling out his handkerchief and offering it to her.
All heads turned as Leonardo strode in, his usual dominating aura filling the room. He walked toward Sofia, wrapping an arm around her waist before pressing a deep kiss to her lips. Sofia's eyes widened at the unexpected public display of affection, aware they were at an official conference, not in the privacy of their room."I'm sorry, babe. I was stuck in traffic."Liar. But why had he decided to show up at the last moment?Leonardo turned to face the room, his piercing gaze sweeping over the attendees, particularly those who had expressed displeasure with the bid.“Who wants to go against my wife and get blacklisted from doing business worldwide?” His voice was calm, yet the underlying threat was unmistakable.The room fell into a pin-drop silence. Gazes lowered, and no one dared to challenge the intimidating presence of Leonardo Morelli.Sofia suppressed a giggle, watching her mafia husband command the room with ease. He was dangerous and intimidating, but he always knew how to get
Of course, ma’am," Arthur said, regaining his composure. "I'll summarize the key points on the way."Without wasting another second, Sofia grabbed the necessary files, and together, they headed toward the waiting car, both bracing for the high-stakes meeting ahead.Arthur opened the door for Sofia before taking a seat beside her and instructing the driver on the address where they had to go. The engine roared to life, and they sped off toward the company where the bid for the future project would take place. The cityscape blurred past them, a mix of towering buildings and bustling streets.“Alright, fill me in on the specifics,” Sofia said, glancing at Arthur.He took a deep breath and began to outline the key points of their proposal and the strategies they would use to impress potential clients. He did his best to provide all the necessary details. Yet, despite their brief discussion, Sofia still felt it might not be enough to secure the deal.As Sofia entered the conference room at