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
"We are the Mafia," Leonardo said, his voice steady, gaze fixed on his wife’s face.Sofia's eyes widened in horror, her lips quivered as she tried to question."What... what... do you mean?" Sofia stuttered, her voice shaking. "D... do you work for the M... Mafia?" Her words barely escaped her lips, the fear evident in her every syllable.Leonardo sighed, clueless about how to make this easy for his wife. He never wanted to scare off Sofia, but the truth demanded to be spoken. He struggled to find the right words, to soften the blow without diminishing the gravity of his confession. The silence between them stretched, heavy with unspoken words."Listen, Sofia, don't freak out." He shifted closer, his eyes pleading for understanding. "I need you to understand that my involvement in the Mafia is not what you think."Sofia's gaze wavered, a mix of confusion, fear, and curiosity dancing in her eyes. She waited, her heart racing, for him to continue."I… don't work for the Mafia," Leonard
FIVE YEARS LATERThe Morelli mansion was adorned with elegance and splendor, as today was a day of double celebration. Sofia and Leonardo's son, Vincenzo Morelli aka Vin, turned five years old, and it also marked the first anniversary of Sofia's successful food chain business. The air buzzed with excitement and joy, filling every corner of the mansion.Sofia and Leonardo were blessed with another bundle of joy, a daughter they named Lucia Morelli, in loving memory of Sofia's late mother. As they looked at their beautiful children, Sofia's heart swelled with love and gratitude, amazed at how her life had unfolded into a perfect family with a loving and caring husband and two adorable kids.Leonardo couldn't hide his pride and joy as he gushed over Sofia's accomplishments in the culinary world. She had earned her culinary arts degree from the finest school in Italy and had been passionately pursuing her dream of establishing her name in the restaurant chain business. The party was not o
After a delectable dinner at their wedding reception, Sofia and Leonardo eagerly departed for the surprise Domenico had meticulously planned for them. Domenico, being Leonardo's best friend, knew him inside out, and his mischievous nature hinted at something unforgettable awaiting the newlyweds. Leonardo's curiosity bubbled as he wondered what Domenico had prepared to make their wedding night truly special.As they arrived at the 7-star hotel, which happened to be one of Leonardo's properties, the anticipation only grew. Domenico had booked the most luxurious honeymoon suite, ensuring that every detail was perfect for the couple.Stepping into the room, Sofia and Leonardo were immediately captivated by the breathtaking sight that unfolded before them. The suite was exquisitely decorated, setting a romantic and intimate ambiance. Scented candles were meticulously placed, casting a soft, flickering glow throughout the room. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of rose petals that
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
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
"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 Maria, and I hate her for that.
"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,
"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
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
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