Chapter 26 : Which Path Do I Take?

*Jacopo’s POV*

The lush green of the countryside rushed by me in a blur as I drove, my mind focused on the bright red lettering sprayed across the side of my car. Despite desperately wanting to escape the life that had taken my mother from me, there I was, unintentionally involving Sophia and putting her life at risk.

My hands shook as I drove away from the house, leaving behind my father's disappointed words. I needed an unbiased opinion, someone whose intentions weren't clouded by family ties. So I kept driving in search of a different perspective.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the Italian farmhouse came into view. It was breathtakingly beautiful, nestled between two rolling hills and surrounded by olive trees that cast gentle shadows onto the old yellow stucco walls. The sky above slowly shifted from light blue to a deep pink hue as the sun sunk toward the horizon. A thin wisp of smoke curled from a brick chimney on top of the house, indicating someone was inside.