Chapter 10 : Space

Antonio:

As I sat in my study, pondering how to proceed with Sofia, I heard the sound of a cane tapping on the floor. My father. I tensed, already anticipating the lecture he was about to give me.

Sure enough, he burst into the room without warning, his expression stern. "Did you tell her yet?" he demanded.

My jaw tightened. "Father," I said through gritted teeth. "What are you doing here?"

He scoffed. "What am I doing here?

"She's resting," I repeated, my tone sharpening. "She's had a hard time."

"Because of you?" My father's eyes were narrowed, suspicious. "You haven't told her the truth yet, have you?"

I ground my teeth, my temper rising.

The words hung in the air between us, heavy with accusation. "You know she has to know eventually," he continued, his voice a low growl. "And the longer you wait, the worse it's going to be for both of you."

I shot him a dangerous look. "I'll handle it, Father."

He snorted. "You haven't handled anything well lately."

"Listen to me, son," he said, his voice softening slightly. "I know you care for Sofia, but this isn't about feelings. It's about our family. It's about the Cattaneos. The longer you keep her in the dark, the more volatile the situation will become."

I held his gaze, my heart pounding in my chest. How could I explain to him what Sofia meant to me?

"I understand," I said, my voice hoarse.

My father nodded.

With one last piercing look, my father turned and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I sank into my chair, my head in my hands. I knew what my father said was true, that I couldn't keep Sofia in the dark forever.

But the thought of telling her the truth filled me with dread. What if she couldn't forgive me? What if this was the end of everything?

Sofia:

I opened my eyes, blinking against the unfamiliar light. My body felt heavy, sluggish, as if I'd been asleep for ages.

And then I remembered. Chiara. The basement. Antonio.

My heart began to race, my breathing quickening. But as I tried to move, I felt a searing pain in my limbs, my muscles protesting at the sudden movement.

I sat on my bed, staring at the pattern on the comforter as I dialed Lilian's number.

"Sofia!" Lilian exclaimed when she picked up the phone. "I've been worried sick about you!"

"I know," I said, my voice weak. "I'm sorry."

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. "What happened?"

I hesitated, the truth a jagged pill in my throat. "I can't talk about it right now, Lilian," I whispered. "I just need to get away."

"Away?" she repeated. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I need some space," I said, my voice breaking. "I need to get away from the mansion, from Antonio. Just for a little while."

There was a pause, and then Lilian spoke again.

Lilian's voice was quiet, thoughtful. "I understand, Sofia," she said. "And you know you can stay with me for as long as you need. My door is always open."

I closed my eyes, relief washing over me. "Thank you, Lilian," I said, my voice cracking with emotion.

"But Sofia," she continued, a note of warning in her voice. "Remember that Antonio loves you. He's been searching for you since you disappeared."

"I know," I said, the weight of the world pressing down on my shoulders. "But I just need time. Time to sort through all of this."

"Alright, Sofia," Lilian said, her voice gentle. "Take all the time you need. But don't let this drive a wedge between you and Antonio. You're stronger together."

I nodded, the truth of her words sinking in. "Thank you," I whispered.

I paced back and forth in my room, my thoughts racing. How was I going to tell Antonio? Would he understand?

Before I could answer my own questions, the door opened, Antonio stepping through it like a lion stalking its prey.

"Sofia," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "I need to speak with you."

I took a deep breath. "I need to speak with you, too," I said, meeting his gaze.

He raised an eyebrow, his expression guarded.

"I've decided," I said, my voice quivering despite my best efforts. "I'm going to stay with Lilian until the wedding."

Antonio stiffened, his eyes narrowing. "No," he growled. "You can't. You need to be here, where I can protect you."

I shook my head. "Antonio, please. I need space. I need time to sort through my thoughts. And Lilian is the only one who can help me with that."

Antonio:

I glared at Sofia, fury rising within me. "You can't just leave!" I snapped, my voice rising. "It's not safe!"

But Sofia didn't back down. She stood her ground, her gaze unflinching.

"Antonio, please listen to me," she said, her voice steady. "I'm not rejecting you. I just need time. Time to grieve for my mother. Time to heal."

My anger dissipated, replaced by a mix of sadness and resignation. Sofia was right. She needed time. She needed space. And I would have to respect that.

"Fine," I said, my voice softer now. "But only for a little while. And you have to promise me you'll be careful."

Sofia smiled, her face radiating relief. "Thank you, Antonio," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "I promise I'll be careful."

And with that, Antonio and Sofia's relationship reached a new turning point, one that would test their bond and their loyalty to one another. But the true test of their love was yet to come, hidden in the secrets of Sofia's past.