Chapter 6: Shadows of the Past

The soft sound of the ocean waves against the beautiful hull of Dante's estate sounded through the night. Sophia sat in the corner of the vast living room, pretending to read a magazine while looking carefully at her mysterious husband at times. Dante sat at his desk, his dark eyes checking a thick file titled Project Legacy. His face was unreadable, but his body language gave many meanings, serious shoulders, tightened jaw, and the occasional flash of anger that increased across his expression.

Sophia's suspicions had increased for weeks. Dante Varro was no ordinary businessman. His wealth and influence were noticeable across continents, yet his behavior showed secrets far beyond the public's view. That file Project Legacy seemed to hold the answers to questions she didn't have the courage to ask.

Dante immediately closed the file, breaking her mind which was filled with various thoughts. "I'm heading to the study," he said rudely, his voice not with any form of warmth. Without another word, he walked down the corridor, leaving Sophia alone in the large space.

Her heart raced as she replayed the name Project Legacy in her mind. What could it mean? Why did it seem so important? Sophia knew she was walking a dangerous rope in this marriage, balancing her need to protect her family with her growing curiosity about the man she had married. She had to be very careful, but something told her this file held a solution to understanding Dante's true intentions.

For the next hour, Sophia kept walking around the room, trying to decide whether to follow him. Every time she thought about the cold, transactional nature of their marriage, her determination increased. This wasn't just about curiosity, it was also about survival. She needed to know what kind of danger she was involved in.

Yet, for all his ruthlessness, there were moments when Dante seemed human. That morning, she had found a cup of coffee waiting for her on the balcony, perfectly prepared just the way she liked it. When she looked up in surprise, Dante had decided to look away and not add any serious meaning to it, but the act of care he felt wasn't emotional to him remained in her mind. These small cracks in his serious attitude left her indecisive about him. Was he truly as heartless as he appeared to be, or was there more to him that she needed to find out herself?

Sophia shook her head, pushing away the thought. She couldn't afford to look soft toward him. Not now. Not when she was so close to uncovering the truth.

Finally, unable to resist the decision to climb to the study any longer, Sophia made her way toward Dante's study. The hallway was minimally lit, and her footsteps sounded softly against the marble floor. She paused outside the heavy big door, pressing her ear against it. Nothing. Gathering her courage, she turned the handle and sneaked inside.

The study was a reflection of Dante himself—beautiful, small, and intimidating. Shelves filled with books and confidential files arranged from floor to ceiling, while a massive desk occupied the room. On the desk was the file she had been obsessing over: Project Legacy.

Sophia's breath quickened as she moved closer to it. Her fingers kept shaking slightly as she tried to open the cover. The first page was a list of names, many of which she recognized—high-profile politicians, CEOs, and even members of organized crime syndicates. Next to each name were coded notes that made little sense to her. The deeper she studied more about the content, the more scary it seemed. Maps, surveillance photos, and documents tied these individuals to something massive. At the bottom of one page, she found a name that sent a shiver all over her body again.

Her father.

Sophia stumbled back, her mind was filled with lots of questions. What was her father's name doing in a file that clearly described criminal networks and conspiracies? Her heart raced as she tried to understand the implications. Was her father involved in something bigger than she'd imagined? Did Dante know?

Before she could understand very well what was happening, she heard the small sound of footsteps walking straight to the door. Panic went through her. She rushed hurriedly to close the file and put it back in its original position, her hands kept shaking as her mind raced. Just as she stepped away from the desk, the door opened with a creaking sound.

Dante stepped inside, his penetrating gaze immediately fixed onto her. His eyes darkened as he saw her inside and he looked around the study carefully, Sophia standing in the middle of his private hiding place, her face was down and her breathing was shaking.

"What are you doing here?" His voice was low, dangerous.

Sophia struggled to think of an excuse. "I... I got lost," she stammered, knowing how weak the lie sounded. "I was looking for the kitchen."

Dante's expression was unreadable, and for a moment, she thought he might question her on the obvious falsehood. But then, to her surprise, he stepped aside, walking toward the door.

"Next time, ask," he said with a cold voice and expression.

Sophia nodded, her legs still shaking as she rushed past him and out into the hallway. Her mind was spinning. She had narrowly avoided being caught, but the importance of what she had discovered—and what she still didn't understand—weighed heavily on her chest. One thing was certain: Dante Varro was far more dangerous than she had imagined, and her father's connection to his world could change everything.

Back in her room, Sophia couldn't forget the memory of the file or the look in Dante's eyes when he found her. It wasn't just anger, there was something else there, something that showed a sign of bigger trouble. She replayed their brief interaction over and over, analyzing every word and every look.

Despite the danger, she couldn't deny that she was beginning to see another side of Dante. His cold expression was covered with a man disturbed by secrets and driven by something greater than wealth or power. She couldn't help but wonder what had happened to his family and how it tied into the mysterious Project Legacy.

As Sophia lay in bed that night, unable to sleep, her phone rang with an incoming message. She picked it up, her heart pounding as she read the secret text:

"You're closer to the truth than you think. Be careful who you trust."

Sophia looked at the screen without altering anything, her pulse racing. Who had sent the message? How did they know what she was doing? And most importantly, what was the truth they were warning her about?

She glanced toward the door, expecting Dante to rush in and demand answers. But the house was silent, the only sound coming from the distant crash of waves. Sophia knew she was overthinking and also way too deep than she expected, but there was no turning back now. The stakes were higher than ever, and the shadows of Dante's past were beginning to come to bear.

As the midnight clock rang, Sophia made a silent promise to herself: she would uncover the truth, no matter the cost.