Sophia swallowed hard, her mind racing as she searched for a way out of this situation. Finally, she gathered her courage and spoke.
“Vito, my love,” she said, her voice soft and pleading. “You know I would do anything for you. But this…this is too much. I can’t kill for you, not when you mean so much to me.”
Vito stared at her for a moment, his eyes narrowed with suspicion. Then, slowly, he released his grip on Sophia’s shoulder and stepped back.
“Very well, Sophia,” he said, his voice cold and calculating. “I will not force you to do this. But make no mistake: I will remember your refusal. And if you ever betray me again, I will make you pay for it.”
Sophia nodded mutely, her heart pounding in her chest as Vito turned and walked away. As he disappeared into the shadows, Sophia collapsed into her chair, her hands shaking as she reached for her phone.
With trembling fingers, she texted Leo, desperation in her voice.
“Leo, it’s Sophia,” she wrote. “I need to know about Luca. Is he okay? Is he alive?”
Sophia stared at her phone, her heart pounding as she waited for Leo’s reply. Finally, her phone buzzed and she snatched it up, her hands shaking as she read Leo’s message.
“Luca is alive,” he wrote “You must be careful, Sophia. Vito is not to be trusted.”
Sophia’s heart skipped a beat as she read Leo’s message, relief flooding through her.
“Luca is not being held prisoner,” she replied, her fingers flying over the keyboard. “He is in hiding. Can you find him? Can you help him?”
As she waited for Leo’s reply, Sophia thought about the food that Vito had given her. The bitter leaves garnished meat and chicken blood.
“He knew,” she whispered to herself, her voice trembling with anger.
Just as Sophia was about to lose hope, her phone buzzed again with a message from Leo.
“Luca is fine,” he wrote. “He is in the house with your twins. Vito doesn’t know about them. But you must be careful. Vito is searching for Luca.”
Sophia let out a shaky breath as relief flooded through her. Her children were safe, and Luca was with them. But she knew they couldn’t stay hidden for long.
“We need to find a way out of this,”
Sophia’s mind raced as she tried to think of a way out. She couldn’t stay with Vito any longer, not when he was willing to poison her and threaten her family. But she couldn’t leave, either, not without Luca and their children.
Suddenly, an idea struck her. She typed a quick message to Leo.
“Leo, we need to set a trap for Vito. Make him think Luca is coming for him. Get him to leave the house unprotected. We can use the distraction to escape with Luca and the children.”
Leo’s reply came quickly, but it wasn’t what Sophia wanted to hear.
“It’s too risky, Sophia. Vito will suspect something. We can’t risk it.”
Sophia cursed under her breath, her mind racing as she tried to come up with another plan. But before she could think of anything, she heard footsteps approaching the dining room.
“Sophia,” Vito’s voice boomed, his presence filling the room. “What are you doing?”
Sophia’s heart raced as she turned to face Vito, her mind racing as she struggled to come up with a lie.
“N-nothing,” she stammered, her voice shaking. “Just…just texting a friend.”
Vito’s eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he regarded Sophia. “Who are you texting?” he demanded, his voice cold and menacing.
Sophia swallowed hard, her mind racing as she tried to think of an excuse. But she couldn’t think of anything.
“No one important,” Sophia replied, her voice trembling as she clutched her phone tightly.
Vito’s eyes narrowed even further as he took a step towards Sophia, his presence overwhelming as he towered over her.
“Give me your phone, Sophia,” he demanded, his hand outstretched.
Sophia’s heart pounded in her chest as she hesitated. She knew that if Vito read her messages to Leo, he would know that she was trying to escape. But if she refused, he would be suspicious.
“Vito, please,” Sophia pleaded, her voice shaking as she tried to hold back her fear. “I was just texting a friend. There’s nothing to worry about.”
Vito’s eyes hardened as he stared at Sophia, his jaw clenched in anger. “Give me your phone,” he repeated, his voice low and dangerous.
Sophia swallowed hard, her hand shaking as she held out her phone. As Vito snatched it from her, she felt a wave of defeat wash over her.
Vito’s phone rang just as he was about to look through Sophia’s phone. With a snarl, he shoved the phone back into her hands.
“Get some sleep, Sophia,” he said, his voice cold and dismissive. “We’ll talk in the morning.”
As he turned to answer his call, Sophia clutched her phone tightly, her heart still racing from the close call. She quickly typed out a message to Leo.
“Vito almost found out,” she wrote, her fingers trembling. “Please don’t…
Sophia took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts as she continued typing.
“Please don’t text me again until I text you. Delete our messages just in case. We need to be more careful. I love you.”
She hit send before Vito could finish his call and quickly slipped the phone back into her pocket.
As she walked to her room, she could feel Vito’s gaze on her, but she refused to look back.
Sophia closed the door to her room behind her, leaning against it for a moment as she took a deep breath. Her heart was still pounding, her hands shaking slightly from the adrenaline.
She couldn’t believe how close Vito had come to finding out about her plan. She knew she couldn’t afford any more slip-ups if she wanted to get herself and her children out of this situation alive.
Sophia forced herself to take another deep breath as she crossed the room to the window.
Sophia gazed out the window, staring into the darkness as she tried to quiet her mind. The stars twinkled in the sky, their light casting a faint glow over the estate.
She thought about Leo, about how much she missed him. She wished he was here with her, holding her in his arms and telling her everything was going to be okay.
But she knew that wasn’t possible, not right now. Right now, she needed to focus on protecting herself and her children, on finding a way out of this nightmare.
The next morning, Sophia rose early, determined to keep up appearances. She slipped into the bathroom and ran a hot bath, savoring the warmth of the water as it soothed her tired muscles.
As she bathed, Sophia thought about her situation, trying to come up with a plan to outsmart Vito. She knew she couldn’t let him suspect anything, that she needed to play the part of the devoted wife until she found a way to escape.
Sophia emerged from the bathroom, drying her hair as she walked into the bedroom.
Sophia pulled on a dress, taking care with her hair and makeup as she prepared to face Vito. She knew she needed to convince him that last night had been a misunderstanding, that she would never betray him.
When she was ready, Sophia walked downstairs, her heart beating faster as she approached the dining room. Vito was already seated at the table, his eyes fixed on her as she entered the room.
“Good morning, my love,” Sophia said, forcing a smile as she sat down across from Vito.
Vito regarded Sophia coldly, his eyes searching her face as she sat down. Sophia fought to keep her expression neutral, to hide the fear and revulsion she felt towards him.
“Did you sleep well?” he asked, his voice devoid of emotion.
Sophia nodded, forcing herself to meet Vito’s gaze. “Yes, thank you,” she replied, her voice steady. “And you?”
Vito’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing.
The silence between them stretched on, oppressive and thick. Sophia tried to think of something to say, anything to break the tension, but her mind was blank.
Finally, Vito reached for his glass of orange juice, taking a sip as he continued to stare at Sophia.
“I was disappointed last night,” he said, his voice low. “I thought you trusted me, Sophia. I thought you knew that there was nothing you couldn’t tell me.”
Sophia swallowed hard, her heart racing. “I’m sorry, Vito”
“I’m sorry, Vito,” Sophia repeated, her voice trembling slightly. “I was just… embarrassed. I didn’t want you to think I was being silly.”
Vito’s expression softened slightly, his eyes still fixed on Sophia’s face.
“You should never feel embarrassed around me,” he said, his voice almost gentle. “You’re my love, Sophia. I want to know everything about you.”
Sophia nodded, forcing herself to smile.
Sophia felt a knot forming in her stomach, her heart racing as she tried to maintain her composure. She knew she had to keep Vito believing that she was still loyal, that she had no intention of leaving him.
“I know,” she said, her voice soft. “I just… I felt like you would be disappointed in me if I told you.”
Vito reached across the table, taking Sophia’s hand in his. “I could never be disappointed in you, Sophia,” he said, his voice firm.
Sophia forced herself to smile again as Vito squeezed her hand, his gaze still intense. She felt like she was being scrutinized, like he was searching for some sign of deception.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I… I appreciate that.”
Vito released her hand, a smile spreading across his face. “Good,” he said, his voice light. “Now, how about we have a nice breakfast together?
Sophia felt a wave of relief wash over her as Vito began to talk about the day’s plans. She was glad that he seemed to believe her, glad that she had managed to smooth things over for now.
As they ate, Sophia did her best to keep the conversation light, to avoid any potential pitfalls that might arouse Vito’s suspicions. She laughed at his jokes, complimented his plans for the day, and tried to act so much like a loving girlfriend.
As the day progressed, Sophia found herself relaxing slightly, the constant tension of the past few weeks starting to ease. She took a walk with Vito around the estate, and even managed to enjoy a light lunch with him.
In the afternoon, as Sophia was relaxing in the parlor, Dino, Vito’s boy, came to visit. Sophia had heard about Dino from Vito and knew that he was a frequent visitor to the estate.
Dino is a member of the mafia, renowned for his cruelty and ruthlessness.
As Dino entered the parlor, he nodded to Sophia in a cold greeting, “Who’s this?”
Vito, who had been standing nearby, cleared his throat. “Sophia, this is Dino, a valuable associate of mine. Dino, this is Sophia, a new friend of mine.”
Dino gave Sophia a cursory look, “A friend, eh?” His tone was dismissive, but he quickly smiled and added, “Nice to meet you, Sophia.”
Sophia, who had carefully observed Dino’s reaction, returned the smile, feigning warmth and friendliness. “The pleasure is mine, Dino,” she said. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Dino’s smile didn’t falter, but there was a hint of suspicion in his eyes. “Really? Well, I’m sure you’ve only heard good things,” he replied.
Vito laughed, “Oh, Dino, you’re too humble.
Sophia, eager to maintain her friendly facade, agreed with Vito’s statement, “Yes, indeed. Vito has been singing your praises non-stop.”
Dino’s smile grew colder, “I see. And what brings you here, Sophia?”
Sophia maintained her calm demeanor, “I’m just visiting. I thought it would be a nice change of pace from the city.”
Dino’s eyes narrowed, “And you’re staying for how long?”
“Well,” Sophia said with a soft smile, “I suppose you could say I’m staying indefinitely. After all, I’m the new lady of the house, aren’t I?”
Dino’s features tightened, the smile disappearing from his face entirely. “Indeed.”
Vito stepped forward, placing a protective arm around Sophia, “Dino, you must understand that Sophia is important to me.
Dino’s eyes darted between Sophia and Vito, his expression conveying his displeasure but remaining courteous. “Of course, Vito. I understand perfectly.”
Sophia moved to Vito’s side, giving him a gentle squeeze on the arm. “Thank you, Vito. I appreciate your support.” She then turned back to Dino, her expression soft but firm, “And I assure you, Dino, I only have the best intentions for this household.”
Dino studied Sophia for a moment, seemingly considering her words. Then, with a slight bow of his head, he said, “I’m sure that’s the case, Sophia.” He took a few steps backward, his eyes never leaving her. “I suppose I should be on my way. Vito, I will talk to you soon. And Sophia, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
With that, Dino took his leave, disappearing through the parlor door and leaving Vito and Sophia alone.
After Dino’s departure, Sophia excused herself to go to her room, claiming she needed to rest. Vito gave her a lingering kiss and then watched her disappear up the stairs. As she walked away, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride at his “catch,” completely unaware of Sophia’s ulterior motives.
Meanwhile, Dino quickly made his way to the entrance of the estate, reaching for his phone. He sent Vito a text message requesting a private meeting outside, knowing he needed to speak with Vito alone.
Within a few minutes, Vito arrived at the meeting spot, his face betraying a hint of curiosity. “Dino, what’s going on? You sounded urgent.”
Dino wasted no time getting to the point. “I’m concerned about this Sophia woman. I don’t trust her.”
Vito’s eyes widened slightly, “What are you talking about? Sophia is a good woman. I know she’s trustworthy.”
Dino shook his head, “Something isn’t right about her.
Dino nodded, adjusting his stance and squaring his shoulders, “Look, Vito, I know you’re smitten with this woman, but let me tell you something. A woman like Sophia, a city woman with no roots, no family, no past… She could be anyone. She could be working for anyone.”
Vito frowned, “I see where you’re going with this, but you’re wrong. Sophia loves me.”
Dino’s eyes hardened, “Love is a powerful emotion, but it can blind a man.
“I’m asking you to be cautious, Vito. We need to know more about Sophia. We need to know if she can be trusted.” Dino’s voice had taken on an imploring tone, as if he were pleading with Vito. “Install a camera in her room. If she’s innocent, then we’ve got nothing to worry about. But if she’s not…” He let the words hang in the air.
Vito stared at Dino, his expression conflicted. After a long moment, he spoke, “Fine.
Sophia, aware that Vito was meeting with Dino, had discreetly planted a tracking device on Vito’s clothing earlier. Now, she was carefully listening in on their conversation through her hidden earpiece, her eyes fixed on the garden’s entrance, where the two men stood.
Dino continued his persuasion, “Vito, we can’t take any chances. The operation we’re planning-the one you told me about-it’s too important. One wrong move and we’re both dead in the water.”
Vito’s shoulders slumped slightly, his eyes casting downward, “I see what you’re saying. But how will I convince Sophia to let me install the camera?”
Dino leaned closer, speaking in a low, conspiratorial voice, “Make up some story about how you want to capture memories. Romanticize it a bit. Tell her it’s because you love her. She’ll buy it. Women love that kind of sentimental stuff.”
Vito nodded thoughtfully, his expression still uncertain. “Alright, I’ll do it.
Vito made his way back into the house, his footsteps heavy with the burden of his conversation with Dino. As he walked past the garden, his gaze flickered towards Sophia’s window, a brief glimpse of guilt flashing across his face.
Sophia, still eavesdropping, clenched her teeth in anger, but maintained her composure. She knew she would need to be careful in the coming days, especially if Vito attempted to place a camera in her room.
After Vito entered the house, Sophia slipped away from her hiding spot, determined to find a way to neutralize Vito and Dino
That evening, Vito knocked softly on Sophia’s bedroom door.
“Come in,” she called out, feigning innocence as she laid on the bed reading a book.
Vito entered, a nervous smile on his face. “Hey, Sophia,” he said. “I wanted to ask you something.”
She marked her place in the book and looked up at him with a questioning expression. “What’s on your mind, love?”
Vito cleared his throat, “Well, I was thinking…
Sophia listened carefully as Vito told her about his idea of installing a camera in their room to capture intimate moments and memories. She nodded in agreement, masking her true intentions behind a gentle smile. “That sounds romantic,” she said, playing the part of the loving girlfriend to perfection.
Vito’s shoulders relaxed as Sophia agreed. “Great,” he said, breathing a sigh of relief. “Dino and I will install the camera tomorrow.”
Sophia held his gaze, “You can trust me, Vito. You know that”
Sophia remained impeccably discreet, never betraying the slightest hint of her true motives. Vito and Dino watched her intently through the camera they had installed, but all they saw was a woman who appeared to be deeply in love with Vito.
The next day, during dinner, Sophia suddenly began to cry, much to Vito’s surprise. “Sophia, what’s wrong?” he asked, his face filled with concern.
Sophia dabbed at her tears with a napkin, “It’s just that…
Sophia took a deep breath, her expression filled with hurt, “Vito, I love you, but I’m not sure if you love me.” She stared directly at him, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, “How can I trust you if you don’t trust me?”
Vito’s mouth hung open for a moment, his mind racing. “Sophia, I love you. That’s why I wanted to capture our memories.” He stood up from his chair, walking around the table to stand in front of her.
He gently placed his hands on Sophia’s shoulders. “Please, Sophia. Don’t cry.” He brought his face close to hers, staring directly into her eyes. “I trust you,” he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.