Sofia's Pov:
I stood silently in front of my room's mirror, gazing at my image. The gentle light cast a soft glow on my fair skin, with its delicate pink undertone. My red hair framed my face in loose waves, and my hazel eyes—warm and thoughtful.
I looked at my petite and curvy body, i reached out and tucked a fiery strand of red hair behind my ear while staring admiringly at myself.
After my morning routine, i decided to get acquainted with my new environment.
Still, i couldn't shake off the feeling of being trapped. I have so many questions, but Mattia seemed reluctant to answer them. Determined to distract myself as i take matters into my own hands,and started exploring the mansion.
The mansion was vast, with long corridors and numerous rooms. I strolled through the halls, admiring the lavish furnishings and trying to familiarize myself with the layout. I stumbled upon a library filled with books and a cozy reading area. I sat down and looked out the window, staring at the lovely garden.
"I think this garden is the perfect place for me to stay and read," i said to myself, rising from the chair and heading to the back door that led to the garden. I found a comfortable spot and sat down to read, spending hours trying to distract myself from my present situation.
I could hear footsteps approaching as the sun set. I turned to see Alexandro Bianchi standing before me, his expression unreadable.
Does he ever smile? I wondered.
"Sofia, I see you are making yourself at home," he said, his voice deep and soothing.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Alexandro approached. I stood up straight and tried to meet his gaze.
"I was just reading this book," i explained, trying to sound casual.
Alexandro nodded, his eyes scanning the garden.I have a vast collection of books."
I nodded, but a feeling of unease crept over me. I didn't know what Alexandro wanted, but i knew i needed to be cautious.
"Let us talk, Sofia," Alexandro said, his voice low and serious. "I think it is time we get to know each other better."
My heart skipped a beat as Alexandro led me to a seating area nearby. I sat down, trying to compose myself, but my mind raced with questions and fears.
As Alexandro sat across from me, i felt as if i were in a trap. I didn't know his intentions, but every instinct told me to tread carefully.
"So, Sofia," Alexandro started, his gaze fixed on me. "Tell me about yourself."
I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about his gaze made me feel like he already knew more than i was comfortable with.
I exhaled heavily as i took a deep breath, and began to speak. I told him about my childhood in the orphanage, my adoptive parents, and the café which i am managing presently that they willed to me. Alexandro listened attentively, his piercing eyes never leaving mine.
As i am speaking, i felt like i was being studied. I tried to gauge his reaction, but his expression remained neutral.
When i finished, Alexandro nodded thoughtfully. "I see," he said. "You're a strong woman, Sofia. I admire that."
I felt another shiver run down my spine at his words.i didn't know what he wanted, but i knew to stay guarded.
"Thank you," i said, keeping my tone even.
Alexandro leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing. "Sofia, I think we can help each other. I have a deal for you.
My heart skipped again. I didn't like the sound of this.
"What kind of deal?" I asked cautiously.
Alexandro smiled a little. "I think you will find it interesting. I have a certain problem that requires a solution—and I believe you might be the perfect person to help me."
My mind reeled. What kind of problem could he possibly have that needed my help?
"I see," i replied slowly. "And what's in it for me?"
Alexandro smirked and raised an eyebrow. "Ah, Sofia. You're a smart woman—I like that. Let's just say, if you help me, I will grant you one request. As long as it does not involve leaving the house without my permission."
I felt the unease deepen. I still had no idea what he was asking but it was clear this was a deal with strings.
"I need Some time to think about it," i said carefully.
Alexandro nodded, his expression unreadable. "Very well. You have 24 hours to decide. After that, the offer will expire."
The pressure settled heavily on my shoulders. I didn't know what was at stake—but the clock had already started ticking.
I felt a little wave of relief as Alexandro stood up to leave. The conversation was over for now, but i knew it was only the beginning.
" you are free to take your time and Think carefully about it, Sofia," he said, with his eyes staring deeply at me. "The decision you make will change everything."
With that, he turned and walked away—leaving me to wonder just what i had gotten myself into.
I spent the rest of the day thinking about Alexandro's proposal. I didn't know what he wanted me to do, but i knew that i needed to be careful. I decided to use the oppurtunity to learn more about Alexandro and his business dealings.
I spent hours researching online, trying
to learn more about Alexandro's empire. I discovered that he was a powerful businessman with many connections. He was known for his ruthlessness in business, and many people feared him.
I began to feel a sense of unease as the evening was fast approaching. I knew i needed to make a decision about Alexandro's proposal, but i didn't know what to do.
Just as i was about to give up for the night, i heard a knock at the door. It was Mattia.
"Sofia, how are you?," Mattia said, his voice low as he came into the room.
I nodded,I'm sure my face looks restless not that i can control it.
"What's going on?" He asked me.
Alexandro made a proposal to me,i replied.
Mattia hesitated before speaking. "Sofia, I know you are confused about considering Alexandro's proposal but I want to warn you. You need to be careful with whatever decision you have to take." He is not too merciful when it comes to his rules.
My eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
He glanced around the room nervously. "Let's just say that Alexandro has his own way of doing things. And if you agree to his proposal, there's no going back."
I felt a shiver run down my spine.i knew that Mattia was trying to warn me, but i didn't know what or who to believe.
"Why are you telling me this?" I asked Mattia.
His eyes locked onto mine. "Because I care about you, Sofia. And I don't want to see you get hurt."
I felt a surge of emotion. I didn't know what to make of Mattia's words, but i knew i needed to be careful.
"Thank you, Mattia," i said gently,
He nodded and turned to leave. "Be careful, Sofia. You're playing with fire."
As Mattia left the room, i felt a sense of uncertainty. I knew i needed to make a decision about Alexandro's proposal, but i didn't know what to do considering how important my own proposal is.
I spent a sleepless night thinking about Alexandro's proposal. I weighed the pros and cons, trying to decide what to do. As the sun began to rise, i knew i had to make a decision.
I decided to accept Alexandro's proposal, hoping that it would bring me some answers. As i dressed and prepared for the day, i felt a sense of trepidation.
When i arrived at Alexandro's office, he was already waiting for me. "Good morning, Sofia," he said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Good morning," i replied, trying to sound confident.
Alexandro smiled and led me to a meeting room. "Let's discuss the details of our agreement," he said, with his voice smooth.
As we sat down, i felt a sense of unease. I knew i was taking a risk by accepting Alexandro's proposal, but I was determined to see it through.
"What do you need me to do?" I asked, trying to sound professional.
Alexandro leaned back in his chair, a calculating look in his eyes. "I need you to attend a dinner meeting with me," he said. "There will be some... business associates present. I want you to act as my fiancee."
It has to look real because it is a criteria for me to get the contract.
Once the contract is signed,i will grant your own part of the deal.
I nodded, trying to understand what Alexandro was getting me into.
I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I think I can handle this. But as i looked into Alexandro's eyes, i saw something there that made me question my decision.
I licked my lips which suddenly became dry, "I will do my best," i said in a firm voice trying to appear confident.
Alexandro nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I know you will," he said. "You are a smart woman, Sofia. I have faith in you."
I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words. I didn't know what Alexandro's true intentions were,but i will definitely find out.
The meeting was scheduled for the next day, and i spent the rest of the evening preparing. I researched the company and the people i would be meeting, trying to get a sense of what to expect.
The next day, i arrived at the meeting location looking gorgeous as ever all thanks to Alexandro, a sleek glass tower in the heart of the city. I was greeted by Alexandro, who was dressed in a tailored suit that fits perfectly to his body.
"Ready?" he asked, his eyes stared at me from head to teo and nodded appreciatively while he stretching his hand towards me.
"Yes," i said,willing myself to calm down.
As i wrapped my hand around Alexandro's arm,i felt his hard muscles beneath his suit.
We walked into the luxirous restuarant and sat down at the table facing the client, i felt a mix of excitement and nerves. I have heard a lot about Alexandro's business dealings, but i have never met any of his colleagues or family members before.
The client, a middle-aged man with a gruff demeanor, dominated the conversation early on, discussing business strategies and market trends. I listened intently, trying to follow along, but I couldn't help feeling like an outsider.
The meeting was a blur of faces and names, but i paid close attention to the discussions. I noticed that one of the attendees seemed particularly interested in the project.
As the meeting concluded and the contract was eventually signed, Alexandro turned to me with a nod. "Well done," he said. "
I felt a sense of pride,i have a feeling that this was more than just a simple business deal.
The clients left immediately after signing the contract because of an emergency. Alexandro and i decided to stay back and finish our meal,Just as the main course was being served, Eduardo Bianchi arrived at the table, his presence commanding attention. "Ah, Alexandro, good to see you, son," he said, his voice booming across the room.
Alexandro stood up, a hint of tension in his posture. "Father, I didn't know you were going to be here," he said, his tone neutral.
Eduardo's eyes landed on me, and he smiled warmly. "And who's this lovely young woman you've brought with you?" he asked, his interest palpable.
Alexandro introduced me, and Eduardo's gaze lingered on my face. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sofia. You are a friend of Alexandro's, I presume?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I felt a little awestruck by the father and sons' similarities and a little surprise at Eduardo's charisma, but i tried to play it cool. "Yes,i replied, trying to sound confident.
Eduardo didn't hesitate to joined us at our table as the dinner conversation continued, i found myself drawn into the discussion, sharing my thoughts and opinions. Eduardo was charming and engaging, and i couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for him.
But as the evening wore on, i began to notice that Alexandro seemed increasingly tense, his eyes flicking to his father with a mixture of annoyance and wariness. What was going on between them?
As the dinner drew to a close, Eduardo turned to Alexandro and said, "I'd like to talk to you about something, son. Perhaps we can discuss it further soon?"
Alexandro's expression was inscrutable, but i sensed a hint of reluctance in his tone. "Of course, Father," he replied, his voice measured.
As we left the restaurant, i turned to Alexandro and asked, "What's going on between you and your father?"
Alexandro looked as if he was contemplating telling me or not, before he returned to his unreadable expression. "It's complicated," he said finally. "But I think you'll find out soon enough."
Alexandro's expression remained neutral, but i sensed a hint of tension. "Father, what brings you here?" he asked.
Eduardo smiled. "I decided to stop by since I was in the area. But I must say, I'm intrigued by your companion. Sofia, would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner next time?"
I exchanged a glance with Alexandro, unsure of what to make of the invitation. "I would be delighted," i managed to sound polite.
As the evening drew to a close, Eduardo turned to Alexandro. I would like to talk to you about something, son. Perhaps we can arrange a dinner with Sofia soon?"
Alexandro's jaw clenched slightly, but he nodded. "Of course, Father."
I felt a little chills. What's Eduardo's true intention?