Leonardo's breathing became heavy, his chest rising and falling with each labored breath. His heartbeat thudded in his ears, the sound echoing in his head as his pulse raced into his cardiac chamber. Sweat dotted his forehead, evidence of the adrenaline coursing through his veins."Tell me, baby girl," he whispered, his voice husky with desire. He leaned in closer to Sofia, his face mere inches from hers, his eyes filled with a mixture of longing and anticipation. With one swift motion, he kicked the door open, the force of it propelling them forward as he continued to hold her securely in his arms. Taking purposeful strides, he carried her toward the bed, his movements confident and deliberate.Reaching the bed, Leonardo gently placed Sofia down, his touch tender yet possessive. He was about to pull away, but Sofia's hands clung to his neck, her fingers entwined in his hair, refusing to let go."What, baby girl?" he asked, his voice a low murmur. He brushed a strand of hair away from
Sofia's disappointment dissipated as she entered the bathroom, the cool water splashing on her face like a gentle wake-up call. With renewed vigor, she hastily freshened up, determined to seize the moment. As she walked down the hall, her footsteps seemed lighter, her heart was sad and missing her husband.To her surprise, the gloomy corridors led her to a heartwarming sight. There he was, Leonardo, seated at the breakfast table with his laptop open before him. His typically unreadable demeanor softened, and his tea sat neglected, growing colder with each passing moment."You haven't left for your work?" Sofia inquired, taking a seat beside him, her smile radiant and genuine. It had been an entire week since they had the chance to share breakfast together, and her joy couldn't be contained.Leonardo chuckled, playfully teasing her, "Why, baby girl? Are you not happy to see me?" He knew all too well the happiness he brought to her by being there, breaking his routine for this special o
"Sofia, you missed so many classes. If you need any assistance or notes, you can ask me," Rena's words broke through the air, laced with sincerity and genuine concern. Sofia lifted her head, her eyes meeting Rena's with surprise. The kindness radiating from Rena's offer struck a chord within Sofia, for it was a gesture she had never experienced before."Thanks, I really appreciate that," Sofia's voice carried a soft gratitude, her heart warming at the thought of someone extending a helping hand. In that moment, Rena's genuine nature pierced through the superficial facade that often dominated the halls of their school."I got you, girl. So... friends?" Rena's hand extended toward Sofia, an invitation to forge a connection. Sofia hesitated for a moment, her mind wrestling with the skepticism bred from past experiences. But the sincerity in Rena's eyes and the warmth of her gesture melted Sofia's reservations. With a tentative smile, she reached out and clasped Rena's hand in hers."By t
The weight of their cruel words started to overwhelm Sofia, and tears welled up in her eyes. Sensing her distress, Sofia's bodyguard, who had been observing the scene from a distance, stepped forward, concern etched on his face."Ma'am, if you want, I can make them pay for laughing at you," he offered, his voice filled with a protective determination.Sofia, fighting back her tears, shook her head. "No, no, please. I don't want to make a scene," she pleaded, her voice laced with vulnerability.In the past few days, Sofia's bodyguards had grown accustomed to her friends accompanying her at school. They had learned to recognize them and had stopped bothering the students who approached Sofia.Sofia, determined to maintain her composure, continued walking toward her car, trying to ignore the hurtful names thrown her way. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over, as the weight of the taunting became too much to bear.Just as she reached her breaking point, someone abruptly g
As Leonardo began to walk, leading Sofia by his side, a sudden touch upon his chest caused a surge of fury to ripple through him. Kat, with audacious boldness, had dared to place her hand upon him, a move that invited his wrath. His eyes flared with a fiery intensity, his face contorting into a menacing expression that conveyed a clear and deadly threat.But she also saw something else in his eyes—a command for her to handle the situation. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, her confidence bolstered by the knowledge that she held a place in Leonardo's life that Kat could never comprehend. With a subtle shift of her body, Sofia removed Kat's hand, her voice dripping with calm assertiveness."Kat, can't you see my husband is not interested in talking to you? Please leave us alone," Sofia declared, her expression betraying a hint of boredom as if Kat's presence was nothing more than an irritating inconvenience.Kat, taken aback by Sofia's sudden display of assertiveness, found her
Sofia's excitement was palpable as she woke up early, anticipation coursing through her veins. She carefully selected a pink, flowy gown that accentuated her figure, its fabric dancing with each step she took. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail, showcasing her slender neck and framing her delicate features. With a touch of light makeup, mascara enhancing her lashes and a pink lip gloss adding a touch of freshness to her lips, she wanted to present herself as a woman ready to embrace the adventure that awaited her.As Sofia made her way down the grand hall of their mansion, she couldn't help but notice Leonardo standing there, exuding an aura of charm and confidence. He was dressed in a perfectly fitted white shirt, the fabric molding to his muscular physique and emphasizing his well-defined abs. The sleeves were rolled up, revealing his strong forearms, and a few buttons at the top were left undone, offering a tantalizing glimpse of his chiseled chest. Paired with faded denim jea
Sofia's eyes widened in awe as she explored every corner of the luxurious room. The soft, golden hues of the decor created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The room seemed straight out of a fairytale, with its elegant furnishings and breathtaking view of the ocean. Sofia couldn't believe her luck – she would be spending an entire week on this magnificent superyacht. Her excitement was so overwhelming that she didn't mind appearing childish; she couldn't help but jump up and down with pure joy.As Sofia's eyes met her husband Leonardo's mischievously bright grey eyes, she couldn't help but seek reassurance. Her voice quivered with excitement as she asked, "Are you sure we get to stay on this amazing yacht for seven whole days?"Leonardo closed the distance between them with three swift strides, his strong hand gently gripping Sofia's waist as he pulled her closer. His hard, firm body pressed against hers, causing her heart to race in her chest.Leaning down, Leonardo whispered huskily ne
After a while, the yacht came to a halt near an island, and Leonardo helped Sofia disembark. As their feet touched the sandy shore, the yacht sailed away, leaving Sofia feeling bewildered. She looked at Leonardo, seeking reassurance, and he nodded, instantly calming her fears."But what's the name of this island?" Sofia asked, realizing that he hadn't mentioned it yet.Leonardo placed a gentle hand on her shoulders and turned her to face a direction. Sofia's eyes landed on an illuminated board, adorned with LED lights. Her jaw dropped in disbelief as she read the name written in bold capital letters: SOFIA.Turning toward her husband, her eyes filled with a multitude of questions. He mirrored her gaze, his lips anxiously bitten."What does this mean?" she shook her head in astonishment."This is your island, baby. I wanted to give it to you as our wedding gift," he explained, his voice tinged with nonchalance.While it might have seemed ordinary to him, Sofia couldn't contain her exci
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