Sofia’s pov
“It’s been what? Forever?” He breathed out on a small huff and I couldn’t agree more.
After we had both broken out of the hug, we had moved to an empty side of the room, so we’d get out of the way. He had accepted another drink from one of the waiters moments later and instantly downed it while I stared on in awe of how he downed the content of the drink without having to worry if it was poisoned or not.
When he turned around to focus on me completely, I couldn’t help but be in awe over how much he had changed and over how he still looked like I used to remember in a way. It’s been over seven years since we last saw each other and it seemed like a huge coincidence that we’d come across each other tonight at an housewarming gathering of all places.
“You’ve grown so damn well, into someone really beautiful.” He breathed out and I smiled up at him after a moment.
“You’ve matured really well as well. A sight for sore eyes.” I explained and he let out a small snort while his shoulders shook as he laughed, another trait which he was yet to grow out of even after he’s now all grown up.
Zander was someone whom I was quite close to while growing up. We were in the same grade for over five sessions and were pretty good friends throughout those years, until he suddenly didn’t show up one day and that was the end of my friendship with Zander. We didn’t have any friendships outside of school back then because I was extremely sheltered while growing up and wasn’t allowed to develop any friendships outside of school.
“I didn’t expect to see you ever again, to be honest.” I started and he let out a small huff.
“I honestly get you, that was me until a few months ago when I was informed that I’d be moving back here to manage some business related stuff, you know how it usually goes…” He trailed off with a shrug and I nodded my head at once because I do understand what he meant without him even having to elaborate further.
It’s definitely something relating to the mafia his father is running. I didn’t need to dwell on it further to understand that his father has sent him over here to come revive the mafia branch he once had here.
“Although, I entertained the possibility of running into you, but I never counted on that being in here…”
I let out a small laugh as he spoke, because I had thought about this same thing too.
“I know, right?” I huffed out, and then I leaned into him a little before continuing. “I don’t even know the host and his wife personally.”
He barked out a laugh at that. “Guess what? I don’t either.”
“You don’t?” I asked in surprise and he nodded his head at once.
“Yeah, I’m actually here only because I need to start finding connections for the business I’m supposed to be overseeing, you know how those things work.”
I nodded my head and let out a small hum even though I don’t actually understand how this part of the said business works.
Kayla appeared at my side a fleeting moment later and she eyed Zander up and down before pinning me with a narrowed look and a suggestive look in her eyes as she spoke. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you! Where did you run off to?”
I rolled my eyes and pushed my hair out of my face. “I didn’t run off anywhere, I was here catching up with Zander throughout.”
“Oh so you go by Zander.” Kayla said to Zander this time, and then she looked him up and down once again before continuing. “Hot name for a hot guy.”
I shook my head to myself at how forward Kayla was currently being, although Zander found it pleasant because a pleased look settled over his face.
“Did you need something?” I asked when Kayla continued to stare at Zander, and that was enough to make her focus her attention on me once again.
“Oh yes, I did! Your husband has been searching for you.” She announced and my mouth fell open just as I began to flick a look around the crowded room.
“He has?” I asked just as Zander spoke, a shocked look stark on his face.
“Husband?”
That made Kayla fold her hands as she arched a brow at him. “Please tell me you know she’s married.”
“I- I don’t…” Zander stuttered, clearly still in shock and before I could attempt to get another word out, a large arm slid around my hips. I bit on my bottom lip as I glanced up at Luca who had appeared from nowhere, and he wasn’t currently staring down at me, instead, he was regarding a frozen Zander with a blank look.
“I d- don’t understand…” He trailed off at first. “Mr Ricci is your h- husband?” Zander’s voice shook as he spoke while his eyes bulged and I almost rolled my eyes at how shocked he currently sounded. I bit on my bottom lip and gave a timid nod.
“Can I…? Can we quickly talk?” He asked me moments later. Luca’s grip tightened on my waist and I instantly began to shake my head at him, but he faced Luca moments later and began to speak.
“C- can I please quickly speak with your wife, sir?”
I expected Luca to refuse but instead, he agreed, which is why I’m standing a few feet away with Zander, whose eyes were blown wide in shock.
“I had no idea you’re married to the mafia lord! What the fuck?! That’s so insane.” He exclaimed and I let out a sigh as I spoke.
“So you knew I was married?”
He shook his head at once. “Of course not, but it’s not as shocking as discovering that you’re married to the Luca Ricci.” He paused for a moment.
“You know I saw him engaging in a conversation with someone and wanted to walk up to him so badly but didn’t have the courage to. How cool is that, that you’re married to him?”