Chapter 43. The Past

Sofia raised her head as Leonardo entered the opulent living area. Her eyes lit up, and a radiant smile graced her beautiful face. It was impossible for Leonardo not to smile in return; every time he saw her innocent expression, his stone heart came alive. The way Sofia's eyes sparkled when she looked at him made him feel like the center of her universe.

But a nagging fear haunted Leonardo's mind. How would he ever survive if she decided to leave him once their contract marriage was over? The thought sent a chill down his spine, disrupting the warmth he felt in Sofia's presence. He realized he had unconsciously furrowed his brow, mirroring the worry that had replaced Sofia's smile.

Oh, my angel, your smile is everything to me. I must find a way to bring it back to your face, he pondered, shaking his head slightly as if to dispel his troubled thoughts. With determination, he continued his stride toward her.

However, his progress was interrupted when he heard Bella's voice calling out t