Sofia's Pov:
We entered the cafe, and my eyes widened in shock as i took in the bustling atmosphere. The sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and the sound of laughter and chatter created a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Marco, the new manager, greeted me warmly. "Sofia, it's great to see you," he said, stretching his hand for a handshake.
I shook his hand and smiled, taking in the changes he'd made to the cafe. "It's good to see you are doing well," she said.
Marco nodded, gesturing for me to follow him. "Let's talk in the back," he said.
We sat down in the office, and Marco pulled out a notebook. "So, Sofia, I want to get your feedback on how things are going," he said. "How do you think the cafe is running?"
I leaned back in my chair, taking a moment to think. "It looks like you have made some changes," i said. "The atmosphere seems different."
Marco nodded. "Yes, I have been trying some new things," he said. "But I want to hear from you. What do you think of the new menu?"
I thought for a moment before answering. "I like the new dishes you have added," i said. "But I am not sure about the pricing."
Marco nodded, making a note in his book. "Okay, I will take that into consideration," he said. "What about the staff? How do you think they are doing?"
I smiled, thinking about my employees. "They seem to be doing well," i said. "But I think some of them might need more training."
Marco nodded again, making another note. "Okay, I will look into that," he said.
As we discussed the cafe's operations, i felt a sense of relief wash over me. It seemed like Marco was genuinely interested in making the cafe succeed.
But as we wrapped up our discussion, Marco asked me a question that caught me off guard. "Sofia, when do you think you will be ready to resume work?"
My expression faltered, and i looked away.
I hesitated, unsure of how to answer Marco's question. I Hadn't expected him to ask about my returning to work.
"I am not sure," I finally said, trying to remain calm.
Marco nodded understandingly. "Take your time," he said. "We will manage things here."
I smiled weakly, feeling a mix of emotions. I was grateful for Marco's understanding, but i couldn't shake off the feeling that i was being pulled in different directions.
As we finished our discussion, Marco stood up. "Let us get back to the cafe," he said. "I would like to show you some of the new changes.
I nodded, following Marco back to the cafe. As we walked, i could not help but feel a sense of uncertainty about my future.
Mattia watched from a distance, his eyes fixed on Sofia. He could sense her unease, and he wondered what was going through her mind.
As Sofia and Marco walked back into the cafe, Mattia followed, his eyes scanning the room.
Sofia's Pov continues:
As i walked back into the cafe with Marco, i couldn't help but notice the changes Marco had made in the café. The decor was new, and the atmosphere felt more vibrant.
"It's nice," i said, trying to sound enthusiastic.
Marco smiled, pleased with my reaction. "I am satisfied that you like it," he replied. "I have been putting a lot of effort into creating a more welcoming atmosphere here."
I nodded in acknowledgement, taking in the changes. I had to admit, Marco had done a good job.
As we walked around the cafe, Marco pointed out different things he had done. I listened intently, asking questions and making comments.
Mattia watched from a distance, observing the interaction between Sofia and Marco. He seemed genuine in his efforts to make the cafe successful.
After our tour, Marco turned to me. "Thanks for coming by," he said. "It means a lot to me."
I smiled, feeling a sense of appreciation for Marco's efforts. "No problem," i said. "You can go back to work now."
Marco nodded, and i turned to leave. Mattia followed closely behind, his eyes scanning the area.
As we walked out of the cafe, i turned to Mattia. "What do you think?" I asked.
Mattia shrugged. "He seems like a good manager," he said. "But we ought to monitor the situation."
I nodded, my mind already racing with thoughts of my future. So many unanswered questions swirled in my mind as i walked alongside Mattia, the uncertainty of my future hanging in the balance.
Mattia can you drop me at my apartment,i will like to pick some personal items,i said.
Let's head there but, you have to be fast about it so we can head back on time,he responded.
Ok,i replied.
We arrived at my apartment,i told him to come in and wait inside while I gathered my belongings.
He agreed and followed me. As i went inside my room to collect my things, he stood in the living room, waiting patiently.
But unbeknownst to Mattia, I had other plans. I quietly made my way to the back door, my heart racing with excitement and fear. I slowly opened the door and slipped out, closing it quietly behind me and run off.
Meanwhile, Mattia stood in the living room, waiting for Sofia to return with her belongings. Minutes ticked by, and he didn't hear any noise coming from the other room. He started Feeling anxious, wondering why Sofia was taking so long.
Then suddenly he realized something was wrong. He looked around the apartment, but Sofia was nowhere to be seen. He quickly realized that she might have escaped.
Mattia's heart sank as he pulled out his phone and dialed Alexandro's number. "Alexandro, Sofia has escaped," he said, trying to keep his voice calm. "I was waiting for her inside her apartment, and she must have slipped out through the back door."
Alexandro's voice was firm on the other end of the line. "Find her, Mattia. I want her brought back to me immediately."
Mattia felt a pang of guilt and regret. Had he made a mistake by calling Alexandro? Should he have just let Sofia go? He couldn't shake off the feeling that he had betrayed her trust.
As Mattia set out to find Sofia, he couldn't help but wonder what the consequences would be. Would he be able to find her before Alexandro's men did? And what would happen to Sofia if she was caught?.