Sofia's Pov:
After we got back to the mansion, i couldn't shake the impression that i had stepped into a complicated web of expectations and relationships. Since the arrival of his father, Alexandro's behavior had shifted, and i could feel a long-standing tension between them.
"Thank you for tonight," Alexandro said to me in a calm, low voice. "You did a good job handling the situation."
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "I am glad I could help."
As we entered the mansion, Alexandro turned to me.
"I think it's time we discussed your part of the deal," he said, his eyes staring deeply into my own.
It made me a little nervous, and my face flushed slightly. I seem to lose control of myself whenever he is around me, and I can never get used to the intensity with which he stares at me.
I took a deep breath. "so here is my own request," i said,looking up at him. "I want to continue my job at the café. I don't have much to do here, and I can't keep the café closed for too long. My parents' friends that usually comes around will start getting worried, and I don't want to lose the new customers I have been building."
I paused. "I just want to get myself busy with something."
Alexandro's expression remained neutral, but i sensed a flicker of interest in his eyes.
"I see," he said.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
"I would like to continue working there myself—maybe with some guards for security, if you're worried I will run off or if it might look unsafe for me," i added, trying to sound confident and convincing.
Alexandro nodded thoughtfully. "I will consider it," he said. "But I need to think about the logistics. Let's discuss it further tomorrow morning in my office."
I nodded, feeling a sense of hope. Maybe—just maybe—I can find a way to balance my life under Alexandro's watchful eye.
As i went to bed that night, a bit hopeful, i still couldn't shake the sense of dread. Mattia's warning lingered in my mind. I need to tread carefully... or I might end up losing everything.
The next morning, I woke up feeling anxious about the outcome of my conversation with Alexandro. I went to the kitchen to make breakfast and met Bruno—Alexandro's friend. Or maybe his guard. I wasn't sure what his relationship with him was. I figured this might be a good opportunity to find out.
"Hello," I smiled at the tall, imposing figure with a stern expression.
"Morning," Bruno said, looking up from his phone.
"Morning," I replied, smiling. "I was not expecting to see anyone this early
Bruno shrugged. "I'm an early riser. Can't sleep in when you've got a job like mine."
I nodded sympathetically. "I know what you mean. I've always been a bit of a morning person myself."
Bruno raised an eyebrow. "Really? I wouldn't have pegged you as a morning person."
I laughed. "Yeah, I guess I do not look like one. But I like the quiet in the mornings—it's my favorite time of day."
I smiled, trying to appear confident.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Okay," Bruno responded nonchalantly.
"Who are you to Alexandro? What's your job?" I asked tentatively.
He looked at me, trying to assess what was on my mind.
"I'm Alexandro's underboss," he said. "I work closely with him. I take care of the... shadier aspect of his business, which I assume you're aware of. And at the same time, I protect him with my life. If anything should happen to him, it would have to go through me first."
He said the last part warningly, his eyes fixed on me.
Wow. He's really a tough nut to crack. But I admire his loyalty to Alexandro.
"Should I prepare anything for you?" I asked.
"Just coffee pls," he replied, scrolling through his phone.
I focused on preparing his coffee and breakfast for myself, thinking about what he'd just said. I poured a cup for myself as i sat down at the kitchen table, where Bruno was already seated, sipping his coffee.
I couldn't help but feel curious about him. What was his story? How did he end up working for Alexandro?
"Bruno?" I said, breaking the silence.
"Yeah?" he replied, looking up.
"What's your story?" I asked, leaning forward. "How did you meet Alexandro?
His expression turned serious. For a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of sadness in his eyes.
"Let's just say I haveve been loyal to Alexandro for a long time," he said finally. "We have been through a lot together. And I'd do anything to protect him."
I nodded, feeling a sense of respect for his loyalty. "I can see that," I said. "You are a good friend to have."
Bruno smiled slightly. "Thanks, Sofia. I try my best."
As we finished our breakfast, I felt a connection to Bruno that I hadn't expected. Maybe—just maybe—I can trust him.
Alexandro's Pov:
As Sofia and Bruno chatted in the kitchen,
I watched them from afar, my eyes fixed on Sofia's profile. I found her fascinating, enthralling even. The way she laughed, the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about something she loved - it was all so captivating.
I couldn't help but think about the steps i had taken to ensure that Sofia's café was running smoothly in her absence. I had appointed a trusted manager to oversee the daily operations, someone who would keep the business running without arousing suspicion.
The manager, a seasoned professional with a proven track record, was instructed to maintain the status quo, to keep the café running as usual, without any changes that might alert Sofia's customers or employees to her absence.
And if anyone ask of her,he should tell them that she is on vacation
I had also made sure that the manager would keep me informed of any developments, any issues that might arise, so that i could address them promptly and ensure that the café continued to thrive.
I knew she valued the little cafe alot and for some reasons,i came to care about it as well.
As i watched Sofia, i couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.i had taken care of everything, made sure that Sofia's absence wouldn't affect her business. And now, all I had to do was break the news to her and wait to see how she would react to the situation.
Sofia, oblivious to Alexandro's plans, continued to chat with Bruno, feeling a sense of unease mixed with curiosity. She didn't know what to make of Bruno, or of Alexandro for that matter. But she was determined to find out more about them, to understand what made them tick.
As the morning wore on, Sofia excused herself and went to her room to gather her thoughts before heading to Alexandro's office. She felt trapped, stuck in a situation that she didn't understand. But she was determined to make the best of it, to find a way to survive and maybe even thrive.
She had no idea that she's been watched by Alexandro.
Sofia walked into Alexandro's study, her heart racing with anticipation. She had been waiting for what felt like an eternity to hear from him about fulfilling his part of the deal. As she entered the room, Alexandro looked up from the papers on his desk, his eyes piercing.
"Ah, Sofia," he said, his voice calm and collected. "I've been expecting you."
Sofia anxiously sat down in the chair opposite his desk. "I want us to continue our conversation," she said," hope you remembered your promise to grant my own request if I helped you with your problem."
Alexandro nodded,"Yes, I did. And I'm a man of my word."
Sofia's heart skipped a beat as she asked, "So, what's the plan for my café? Can I go back to running it now?"
Alexandro leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "Actually, Sofia, I've taken care of your café. I've appointed a manager to oversee the daily operations."
Sofia's eyes widened in shock. "What? Without even consulting me?" she asked, her voice rising.
Alexandro's expression remained calm. "I did not see the need to tell you. I was simply taking care of your interests."
Sofia felt a surge of anger and betrayal. "Taking care of my interests? You have no right to make decisions about my café without my input," she said, her voice trembling.
Alexandro leaned forward, his eyes locked onto hers. "I have every right, Sofia. You're living in my house, under my protection. I will do what's best for you, whether you like it or not."
Sofia's eyes filled with tears as she realized the extent of Alexandro's control over her life. She felt like she was losing everything she had worked for, everything that mattered to her.
"Why did you do this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alexandro's expression softened slightly. "I did it to ensure that your café continues to thrive in your absence. I didn't want you to worry about it while you're... occupied with other things."
Sofia was saddened, She didn't know what to do, or how to react. All she knew was that she had to find a way to take back control of her life, and her café.
Sofia's emotions boiled over as she realized the extent of Alexandro's control. She felt like she was losing herself, her identity, and her autonomy. She stood up with a determined look.
"I want to see the manager you have appointed," Sofia said, her voice firm. "I want to know what's going on in my café."
Alexandro raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Sofia's sudden assertiveness. "Very well," he said, nodding. "I will arrange a meeting with the manager. But I warn you, Sofia, the manager is doing an excellent job. Your café is thriving."
Sofia's eyes narrowed. "I'll be the judge of that," she said with a blurry eyes, her voice cold.
Alexandro smirked with a hint of something in his eyes which quickly cleared. "I am expectantly waiting to see your reaction," he said.
As Sofia turned to leave, Alexandro's voice stopped her. "Sofia?"
She turned back, her eyes questioning.
"Don't think about trying to escape or undermine my plans," Alexandro said, his voice low and menacing. "It won't end well for you."
Sofia felt a sudden goosebumps all over her body, but she refused to show it. "I am promising you nothing," she said.
Alexandro's eyes locked onto hers, a spark of interest igniting in their depths. "I'm counting on it," he said.
Sofia's determination only seemed to fuel Alexandro's interest. He watched her with a keen eye, noting the way her eyes flashed with anger, the way her jaw clenched in frustration. He found it fascinating, this spark of defiance in her.
As the days passed, Sofia became more and more withdrawn as she confine herself to her room, ignoring Alexandro and Bruno. But Alexandro was always aware of her presence, always watching.
One day, Sofia emerged from her room, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. She looked fragile, vulnerable. Alexandro's instincts told him to reach out to her, to offer some comfort. But he held back himself,not sure of how she would react.
"Sofia," he said, his voice low. "Are you okay?"
Sofia looked up at him, her eyes flashing with anger. "As if you care she said with a low voice. "I feel caged in this house just like a prisoner, i want my life and freedom back."
Alexandro's expression softened slightly. "You're not a prisoner, Sofia," he said. "You're a guest. A guest who will stay here until I decide otherwise."
Sofia's eyes narrowed. "And what do you want from me?" she asked, her voice cold.
Alexandro's smile was slow, deliberate. "Oh, Sofia," he said. "I want so many things from you. But for now, let's just say that I'm enjoying your company."
Sofia's eyes widened in disgust. "You're enjoying my company?" she repeated. "You think I'm some kind of entertainment for you?"
Alexandro's eyes locked onto hers, a spark of interest igniting in their depths. "Yes, Sofia," he said. "I do."
She couldn't believe her ear,how could someone be so egoistic. her face red with anger as she walked away.
As the days turned into weeks, Sofia found herself growing more and more desperate. She was trapped in this house, with no way out. And Alexandro seemed to find it entertaining.
But Sofia refused to give up. She was determined to find a way out, to escape from Alexandro's clutches. And she is ready for whatever might be the outcome.
As she lay in bed that night, Sofia's mind racing with thoughts of escape and freedom, she heard a faint knock at the door. It was Mattia.