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
"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
"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
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
With a heavy heart, Sofia pushed aside her disappointment—there was no time to dwell on it. The day had to go on. She made her way to the garage, summoning the drivers together."How are the cars performing?" she asked, pen in hand, noting down their reports. Her tone was firm yet composed. "Remember, one of Dad’s cars is due for maintenance this week. Make sure it's scheduled on time."Tony, the head driver, gave a sharp nod. "Yes, ma’am. I’ll take care of it."Satisfied, Sofia wrapped up the briefing and turned toward the kitchen, checking on breakfast preparations. The cook reassured her that everything would be ready on schedule, allowing her to shift her focus to the most important part of her morning—her children.Heading to their room, she expected to wake them herself, but to her surprise, Bella was already there. She moved with gentle ease, nudging Vincenzo awake while smoothing Lucia’s hair, coaxing them into their morning routine."Thanks, Bella," Sofia said sincerely, touch
Sofia refused to let anything sour her mood before such an important meeting, so she chose to ignore Ava as they crossed paths in the hallway. But Ava’s voice, sweet and laced with amusement, sliced through the otherwise serene atmosphere."Sofia, wait!" Ava called, her words trailing after her like a deliberate taunt.Sofia exhaled sharply, sensing Arthur’s puzzled glance beside her as they continued walking."Just a minute, Arthur," she murmured, halting in her steps. She turned to face Ava, who sauntered toward her with a slow, deliberate sway of her hips, a victorious smirk curling at the corners of her lips."What a pleasant surprise, Sofia," Ava teased, her honey-coated tone dripping with mockery. Her eyes gleamed with an unmistakable challenge. "Is it just a coincidence that I seem to be running into you more often these days?"Sofia met her gaze head-on, unruffled. "That was actually my question," she replied smoothly, standing tall with quiet confidence. A faint smirk tugged
Ava’s lips pressed into a thin line before she snapped, her composed facade crumbling. "Who do you think you are to speak to me like that?"Arthur, unbothered, merely tilted his head with a knowing smile. "Oh, my apologies, Miss Johnson. I forgot to introduce myself properly." He extended a hand with smooth politeness. "Arthur Walton, Mrs. Morelli’s assistant."Ava’s nostrils flared, her eyes darting between Arthur’s outstretched hand and his self-assured expression. With a defiant huff, she crossed her arms over her chest, making no effort to accept the gesture. The blatant rudeness only made Arthur’s soft smile more triumphant."Well," Arthur said, unfazed, "if you’ll excuse us, we have a meeting to attend." He turned to Sofia, his voice dipping into a more respectful tone. "Ma’am, we should hurry."Sofia gave a small nod, allowing him to take the lead. But as they moved past Ava, she couldn’t resist glancing over her shoulder one last time. The sight of Ava’s flushed face—anger pra
Sofia was pleasantly surprised and deeply gratified. As Arthur had said, they truly proved to be an excellent team. Together, they had handled the negotiation seamlessly, leaving the client with no choice but to finalize the agreement."I told you, Sofia. I already knew this deal was ours—after all, our boss is truly exceptional," Arthur said smugly, though his voice carried genuine admiration.His words were undeniably flattering, bringing a smile to Sofia’s lips. Recognition for one's achievements was always gratifying, and his praise only fueled her determination to prove herself worthy of the trust placed in her."Thank you, Arthur. We both made it happen. Your support was invaluable," she responded politely, appreciating his unwavering assistance.Arthur chuckled, his bright smile widening. "You're welcome, ma’am," he said with playful formality. "So, do I deserve a lavish meal at my favorite luxury restaurant?" he asked, his eyes filled with hopeful expectation.Sofia let out 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