It would be much better if he accompanied her on the shopping trip. She wanted him to come."Ah... I want to come. I will try, but I cannot commit as I have some important meetings and lots of contracts and deals to read and sign," Leonardo said, cupping Sofia's face between his hands and caressing her jaw with the pad of his thumb."It's okay, I understand," she replied half-heartedly in a dull voice."Look at me, baby girl. Take your friends with you and buy them some stuff from our side. Have fun and shop with them. That way, you won't miss me," he said, and she knew he wanted her to cheer up."No need, Mr. Morelli. I will be fine on my own, and I don't want to spend your hard-earned money on my luxury," she pressed her hand on his chest."It's also your money, Mrs. Morelli. You can spend as much as you want," he said, smiling at her, making her roll her eyes. When would he stop spoiling her like this?"Okay. Go and get ready. Otherwise, you will be late for your office. I am leavi
Sofia found herself surrounded by a myriad of dresses in the exquisite shop, her brows furrowed in a mixture of confusion and anticipation. Domenico had introduced her as Mrs. Sofia Leonardo Morelli, and the attentive staff quickly ushered her toward their finest collection. She moved gracefully through the racks, her fingertips delicately grazing the fabrics as she searched for the perfect attire.A red halter-neck gown caught her attention, its flowing silhouette whispering promises of elegance. She slipped it on, admiring the way the fabric cascaded down to the floor. It was undeniably lovely, yet a flicker of discontent danced in her eyes. Determined to explore other options, she chose a black strapless gown that hugged her curves like a second skin. The dress exuded timeless beauty, leaving her breathless, yet the decision still eluded her. Each garment she tried on was a masterpiece in its own right, further complicating her choice with every new embrace of satin and silk.Yearn
Sofia gracefully stepped out of the trial room, her black knee-length dress hugging her curves, and in her hands, she held the exquisite peach mermaid gown. However, something felt amiss. Domenico, her trusted companion, was conspicuously absent. Confusion flickered across her face as she sought an explanation."Where is Domenico?" she inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern. Leonardo, her enigmatic partner in crime, responded with a furrowed brow before providing an unexpected reply."I sent him back to the office," he revealed, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Someone should, at the very least, continue working."As Sofia examined the gown, meticulously considering the perfect accessories and footwear to match, she couldn't help but feel a sense of completion slipping through her fingers. Finally, having made her choices, she knew her shopping excursion had come to an end. Passing the task of payment to Leonardo, she observed as he handed his card to
Sofia was immersed in the preparations for the grand party, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Leonardo, the enigmatic figure who had captured her heart. Her nerves tingled with excitement as she sat in front of the ornate vanity mirror, surrounded by a team of skilled makeup artists sent by Leonardo's mother, Anna. The artists worked their magic on Sofia's flawless canvas, enhancing her natural beauty.Dressed in a breathtaking peach mermaid gown that hugged her curves in all the right places, Sofia felt like a vision of elegance. The makeup artists skillfully highlighted her features, turning her blue eyes into captivating orbs of allure with a seductive winged look. Shimmering eyeshadows adorned her eyelids, casting a radiant glow that accentuated her mesmerizing gaze. A touch of peach-colored blush was delicately applied to her rosy cheeks, lending a youthful and radiant flush to her complexion. Her lips shimmered with a peach-shining lip gloss, inviting anyone who dared to steal
Emma chimed in, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "I can see it, Sofia. You are glowing and looking more beautiful. My, my! The after-marriage glow suits you," she complimented, a smile gracing her lips. Sofia couldn't help but be taken aback by Emma's words. Emma had never been one to offer praise, and Sofia knew it for certain. She scanned the room, half-expecting to find Kat lurking in some shadowy corner, her piercing gaze drilling into Sofia's very being. Yet, to Sofia's surprise, Kat was nowhere to be seen.Curiosity getting the better of her, Sofia turned to Carlo, seeking answers. "Where is Kat? Has she not come to the party?" Sofia's voice carried a tinge of wonder, for it would be yet another unexpected twist if Kat had indeed chosen to be absent. Attending these high-society gatherings was practically Kat's modus operandi. She would never pass up an opportunity to network with the heirs of wealthy families—an art Emma had instilled in her daughter from an early age,
Carlo's gaze bore into Emma, his expression a mix of fury and disappointment, causing a crimson hue to stain Emma's cheeks with embarrassment. Without hesitation, Emma seized Kat's hand, her grip firm and commanding. "You disobedient daughter, come with me," she admonished and forcefully dragged Kat away from the scene."I apologize, Sofia, on behalf of Kat," Carlo interjected, his remorseful smile tinged with sadness and regret."No, Dad, you don't have to apologize. She is my sister too. I don't mind her," Sofia responded, her smile genuine and forgiving. She had grown accustomed to Kat's insolence, reaching a point where she no longer expected anything more from her half-sister. Their relationship, if it could even be called that, was a mirage of indifference, both existing on the periphery of each other's lives.Carlo's hand tenderly brushed against Sofia's head as he spoke his parting words. "Take care, my child. I'll go and mingle with Alessandro and the other guests." Sofia nod
Leonardo couldn't help but be amused by the sight of Sofia's jealousy. Teasing her had always been a playful pastime, but now, as he witnessed the fiery anger reddening her cheeks, he found himself praying for his safety."Wow! You've become quite quick to change, haven't you?" Sofia remarked with a hint of sarcasm. "That day, you had no qualms about dancing with me. But now that I want to dance with you, you remind me that I cannot."Before Sofia could walk away in a huff, Leonardo firmly grasped her hand, leading her toward the dance floor. With a confident yet gentle touch, he wrapped his arm around her delicate waist, drawing her closer to his frame. The music enveloped them, its rhythm swaying their bodies in synchrony.His fingers traced a tantalizing path over Sofia's bare shoulders, their descent grazing the soft skin of her arm until they reached her wrist. Guiding her hand to rest on his shoulder, he caressed her cheek with the back of his knuckles, his touch both tender and
"What were you doing, Kat? Why would you deliberately upset your father?" Emma's voice dripped with annoyance as she forcibly pulled her daughter away from the proximity of Sofia and Carlo. Frustration seethed within Emma, for she realized that Kat's impulsive actions could potentially jeopardize her carefully laid plans. The girl's foolishness threatened to undo everything she had worked so hard to achieve.Ever since the harrowing incident involving Sofia's kidnapping, Carlo had begun to harbor doubts about Emma. She could sense the flicker of suspicion in his eyes, an unsettling shift in his trust. Emma was keenly aware that her husband no longer held her in the same regard as he once did."Mom, how could you expect me to put on a facade of congratulations and smiles when I despise her with such intensity?" Kat retorted angrily, her voice laced with a venomous disdain.Emma's patience wore thin, her frustration boiling over. "You need to exercise restraint, you foolish girl. Consi