Chapter 8: Cracks in the Armor

The early morning sun covered the estate in warm light, but inside the big dining room, a cold silence was everywhere. Sophia sat across from Dante, stirring her coffee while being forgetful. Her mind was racing, replaying everything she had discovered about his past. The photograph of his family remained in her thoughts, along with the secret text warning her not to trust anyone, not even him.

Dante, ever with his point of view, noticed her distraction. His cold, calculating gaze fixed on her, making Sophia feel as though he could see right through her.

"You've been quiet lately," he said, his deep voice breaking the existing silence. "Is there something on your mind?"

Sophia looked up sharply, her pulse quickening. She had to be very careful of her response to Dante. "Just adjusting to our marriage," she replied, forcing a small smile. "This isn't exactly the life I imagined for myself."

Dante's expression didn't soften, but he didn't press further. He simply nodded, as if acknowledging an unspoken truth.

Over the next few days, Sophia began to notice small changes in Dante. He wasn't as cold as before, though he still kept his guard up, he wasn't ready to change totally. His sharp comments softened slightly, and there were brief moments, but real when he acted almost human.

One evening, Sophia was in the library, pretending to be reading while secretly looking at Dante. He stood by the fireplace, a glass of whiskey in hand, he was lost in thought. The light from the flames was shining on him to show his sharp attributes, making him look both imposing and unguarded.

"What are you looking at?" he asked without turning around, his voice shocked her and brought her back to the present situation.

Sophia quickly looked down at her book, her cheeks were moving. "Nothing," she said, her voice was not properly heard.

He turned to face her, his eyes were fixed on hers. "You're not good at lying," he said, a small smile coming out from his mouth.

Sophia's heart seized immediately. Was that... humor?

Before she could respond, Dante's phone rang on the table. He looked at the screen, his expression changed instantly. Without saying anything, he left the room, leaving Sophia alone with her troubled thoughts.

The next evening, Dante surprised her by inviting her to dinner in the luxury dining room. Sophia couldn't help but feel appreciated. They were usually silent during their meals, filled with pressure and unspoken displeasure.

To her surprise, the atmosphere was slightly different this time. Dante seemed more relaxed and friendly, though his guarded nature remained.

As they ate, Sophia decided to take a risk. "Tell me about your family," she said, her voice gentle but firm.

Dante froze, his hand froze with the fork hanging while holding food meant for his mouth. For a moment, she thought he would shut her down, as he always did whenever the topic of his past came up. But then, he surprised her.

"My mother loved roses," he said quietly, his gaze distant. "She used to spend hours in the garden, tending to them. She said they were proof that beauty could survive even in the worst of conditions."

Sophia blinked her eyes with surprise, she was surprised by the unexpected openness coming from him. "She sounds wonderful," she said softly.

"She was," Dante replied, a small smile flashing across his face. "She was the only person who ever truly believed in me."

Sophia felt a small sign of sadness. She could notice the pain in his eyes, the pain of her mother's loss he has been carrying every day. For the first time, she saw a man who was different from the person he had created, and it made her doubt everything she thought she knew about him.

The moment of connection was scattered when Dante's phone rang again. He glanced at the screen, and his entire mood changed. The softness vanished, replaced by the cold, calculating man Sophia was all too familiar with.

"Excuse me," he said with courtesy, rising from his seat and walking toward his study.

Sophia watched him go, and her curiosity about his call increased. She waited a few moments before quietly sneaking after him, careful enough to keep her distance. She stopped just outside the study, pressing her ear to the door.

Inside, she could hear Dante's low voice as he spoke to someone on the phone. "How reliable is this information?" he asked, his tone sharp. he didn't say anything for a moment, then he continued, "If they're making a move, we need to be ready. No mistakes this time."

Sophia's heart raced. Who is he talking about?

The conversation ended awkwardly, and she barely had time to step back before the door became open. Dante's eyes narrowed as he saw her standing there.

"Eavesdropping?" he asked, his tone cold.

"I was just passing by," Sophia lied, her voice shaking.

Dante didn't believe her, but he didn't disturb the issue further. Instead, he shifted in slightly, his gaze penetrating. "Stay out of things that don't concern you, Sophia. You won't like what you find."

With that, he walked past her, leaving her alone in the hallway.

As the night went on, Sophia couldn't forget the feeling that something big was about to happen. Dante's warning kept playing in her mind, but it only increased her determination to uncover the truth.

She sat in her room, scrolling through the secret messages she had received. Each one seemed to give a hint about danger, but none provided concrete answers.

Her phone rang again, and a new message appeared:

"The closer you get, the more dangerous it becomes. Be careful who you trust."

Sophia looked closely at the screen, her mind still shaking. Was the sender trying to protect her, or were they leading her into a trap?

Meanwhile, in his study, Dante sat at his desk, staring at the message he had received earlier.

"The mole is closer than you think. Trust no one."

Dante's jaw remained firm as he held the phone tightly in his hand. He knew his enemies were closer than he believed, but the thought of someone betraying him among his close friends and family was a disappointment he wasn't prepared for.

As he looked out the window, his mind filled with plans and future happenings. He would protect what was his, no matter the cost.

Unfamiliar to him, Sophia was standing outside the study once again, listening to his every word.

The game they were playing was growing more dangerous by the minute, and neither of them could see the troubles that were about to capture them both.