After speaking with his father, Leonardo took care of some business calls before returning to the room. Sofia was still peacefully asleep, her innocence radiating from her face. A small glimmer of joy found its way into Leonardo's heart as he observed her serenity.Careful not to disturb her slumber, he slid under the covers and drew her closer to him, his arm encircling her delicate frame. With Sofia nestled against him, he felt a sense of solace he hadn't experienced in a long time. The comfort of her presence lulled him back into a deep sleep.Upon awakening once more, Leonardo discovered that Sofia was no longer in bed beside him. His eyebrows knitted together, and he propped himself up on his elbows, scanning the room for any sign of her. Yet, she was nowhere to be found.Concern prickled at his skin as he rose from the bed, his feet carrying him toward the bathroom. "Sofia? Are you there?" he called out, his voice filled with a tinge of worry. There was no response. He turned t
"But baby, today I want to have your favorite food," he said, pulling her closer. Leonardo wrapped his arm around her and guided her inside the room from the balcony."Okay, now it's your turn to order our breakfast," he said, handing her the intercom and pressing the button for room service.She looked at him with fear in her eyes. "I... I've never ordered take-out or food delivery before. I... I don't know what to order."Her words ignited Leonardo's anger. How could the Ricci family treat their own daughter like this? She was so innocent and unaware of many things in their society.Now he was certain that the rumors about Sofia in society were false. She was completely different from what he had heard about her. He wondered who could spread such lies and vowed to find the culprit and make them suffer for their actions.Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Leonardo softened his voice as much as possible. "It's very simple, Sofia. Just tell them what you want for breakfast. Anythin
Leonardo's arrival was a sight to behold. Clad in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, he emanated an air of sophistication and power. His attention to detail was evident in the impeccable knot of his red tie, while the unbuttoned black jacket revealed the crisp white shirt that lay beneath. His hair slicked back with gel, added an extra touch of refinement to his already striking appearance. As always, Leonardo had the ability to make Sofia's heart skip a beat with his devilishly handsome face.His intense gaze swept over his wife, taking in every detail from head to toe. Sofia could see the admiration shining in his eyes, causing her own heart to flutter. He cleared his throat, drawing her attention."Excuse me, ma'am," Leonardo began, a playful tone lacing his words. "Have you seen my wife? I left her in this room. Where did she go?" His eyes continued to scan the surroundings as if searching for a missing person.At first, Sofia was momentarily puzzled by his question. However, the
Evelyn's eyes remained fixed on Leonardo, her gaze smoldering with an intense desire that threatened to consume him whole. Her seductive stare held a promise of passion as if she would pounce on him the moment the opportunity presented itself. Her hunger for him was palpable, so palpable that it seemed she could practically taste him in the air. A slight sheen of perspiration glistened on her forehead, a testament to the heat that burned within her. As Leonardo introduced Sofia as his wife, a flicker of something dangerous passed through Evelyn's eyes. It was a burning gaze that bore into Sofia, filled with a lethal intent that could have incinerated her with its intensity. But just as quickly as it appeared, Evelyn concealed it behind a carefully crafted smile, masking her true feelings. Sofia, innocent and unsuspecting, felt a sudden wave of nervousness wash over her, unsure of the storm brewing beneath Evelyn's facade."Nice to meet you, Sofia," Evelyn said, her voice laced with a
Sofia stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest as a wave of humiliation washed over her. The blood drained from her face, leaving her pale and vulnerable. Throughout her life, she had endured countless insults, but never before had she felt such intense shame. This was different; it cut deep into her soul.Leonardo, her husband in name only, had betrayed her in the most unexpected way. The sweetness he had shown her earlier now felt like a cruel deception. How could he be so tender one moment and then callously cheat on her with his ex-girlfriend the next? The realization hit her like a punch to the gut, leaving her breathless.A surge of anger mixed with hurt coursed through Sofia's veins. She knew, logically, that Leonardo didn't owe her anything. Their marriage was nothing more than a contract, a façade for the world to see. But still, she had hoped for more. She had dared to believe in the possibility of love, despite the circumstances.Evelyn, Leonardo's ex-girlfriend, stood
Leonardo was startled as Evelyn's unexpected action caught him off-guard. Why did he allow himself to trust her again? He berated himself for letting his guard down so easily."What are you doing, Evelyn Anderson?" Leonardo's voice trembled with a mix of anger and disappointment. "You said you wanted to talk. I should have known that you wouldn't change your old tactics." With a swift motion, he peeled her hands off his neck and forcefully threw them away, the movement carrying a hint of frustration and resentment."Please forgive me," Evelyn pleaded, her voice filled with remorse. "I truly regret breaking your heart. I was a fool back then not to value a true lover like you. But I am willing to correct my mistakes. I..."Her words became a blur as she started blabbering, causing Leonardo's head to pound with anger. He couldn't bear to listen to her excuses and empty promises any longer. After all, he had moved on from their painful past. He couldn't fathom why she was still obsessed
The entire world seemed to fade away as Leonardo's lips met Sofia's in a passionate embrace. The force of his kiss sent her head spinning, her senses reeling with a dizzying mix of desire and disbelief. It was a soul-snatching kiss, one that left her breathless and wanting more.Amidst the chaos of the cheering crowd, Sofia's mind struggled to regain its composure. The electrifying intensity of Leonardo's display captivated everyone around them, turning their shared moment into a spectacle. But Sofia, lost in the whirlwind of emotions, barely noticed the uproar surrounding them.After the commotion settled, Leonardo took the opportunity to explain himself to Sofia. He recounted the incident with Diana at the mall, as well as Evelyn's deceptive ploy in the room. Though he didn't owe her an explanation, he chose to offer one, touching the deepest recesses of Sofia's heart."And you have reminded me that I have to punish you for running away when you saw me with another girl," Leonardo's
The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows on the walls as Leonardo's gaze bore into Sofia's trembling figure. His piercing eyes, once warm and loving, now flickered with a dark intensity as he appraised her from head to heel. The air crackled with an electric tension, leaving Sofia unable to find her voice, her mouth dry and parched.Silently, Leonardo approached her, his steps deliberate and purposeful. His hand, strong and commanding, grazed Sofia's shoulder, sending a shiver down her spine. With a seductive whisper in her ear, his voice carried a potent mix of desire and authority. "Obey, my wife," he commanded, his words hanging in the air like a velvet promise.Sofia hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest, but the intensity in Leonardo's eyes left her powerless to resist. Slowly, she acquiesced, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. The weight of Leonardo's gaze bore down on her, a silent reminder of his dominance."Lie!" he ordered again, his voice laced with a dangerous
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