Chapter 13 : A White Lie

Sofia:

The clock ticked by with excruciating slowness as I paced back and forth in the room, my footsteps echoing in the silence. I twisted a ring on my finger, my heart racing as I waited.

He was supposed to be here. We had agreed to meet for our wedding rehearsal, to come together and finalize the plans for our future.

But as the minutes turned into hours, my anxiety mounted. Where was he? Had something happened?

Just as I was about to give up hope, the door swung open, and Antonio stepped into the room.

Antonio:

My heart ached as I looked at Sofia, the light from the window illuminating her porcelain skin, her fiery hair catching the sunlight like flames.

I knew I had to tell her the truth, to confess the secrets I'd kept from her. But now, in this moment, with her beauty stilling my words, I couldn't bring myself to shatter the fragile peace between us.

"I'm sorry, Sofia," I said, my voice gentle. "I never meant to keep you waiting."

Sofia:

I felt my anger dissipate, the heat of my frustration melting away at the sound of his voice. Why did he have to be so charming, so irresistible?

"It's okay," I said, my voice softening despite my best efforts. "Just don't let it happen again."

Antonio smiled, a hint of the old mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, don't worry. I wouldn't dream of it."

As the dance instructor demonstrated the steps, I watched Antonio's every move, a knot forming in my stomach. The way his eyes followed her, the smile he flashed her as they danced. I couldn't shake the feeling of jealousy that crept through my veins.

When it was my turn to dance with Antonio, I steeled myself, refusing to let him see the effect he had on me. But as our bodies swayed together, my heart skipped a beat, my breath catching in my throat.

His hand on my waist was possessive, his touch electric.

"Antonio," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Mi piace molto quando mi tocchi così." (I really like it when you touch me like that.)

His smile was intoxicating, his gaze burning with desire. "Ti amo, Sofia," he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear. (I love you, Sofia.)

"Ti amo anch'io," I replied, the words escaping my lips before I could stop them. (I love you too.)

We danced together, our steps falling into a fluid, sensual rhythm. But as the music faded, I pulled away, my eyes meeting his with a mixture of longing and regret.

"I don't know if I can do this," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I don't know if I can marry you without knowing the truth."

Antonio's expression hardened, his jaw clenching. "The truth about what, Sofia?" he asked, his voice cold and distant.

I took a deep breath, willing myself to stay calm, to not let my emotions get the better of me. After all, this was supposed to be a happy occasion, a celebration of our love.

"The truth about your past," I said, my voice soft. "I know there's more to it than you've told me."

Antonio's eyes flashed, his defenses rising. But then, to my surprise, his expression softened, his gaze filled with vulnerability.

"Sofia,"

"There are things I haven't told you," he began, his voice low. "Things that happened before I met you."

My heart quickened, my mind racing with possibilities. But I stayed quiet, letting him speak.

"I was born into a life of violence," he continued. "A life that I tried to escape. But the past doesn't stay in the past."

He paused, his gaze flitting to the floor. "Dante Russo… he was once a friend

"A brother, even," Antonio went on. "But he betrayed me, betrayed my family. And I had to cut ties with him. That's why he hates me so much."

I reached out, placing my hand on his arm. "Why didn't you tell me this before?" I asked, my voice gentle.

"I was afraid," he admitted, his voice cracking. "Afraid of losing you. Afraid that you'd see me as a monster."

I took a deep breath, considering his words. "You're not a monster, Antonio

He turned to face me, his gaze searching mine. "Do you mean that?" he asked, his voice raw with emotion.

I nodded, my eyes never leaving his. "Yes," I said, my voice sure and steady. "I do."

And in that moment, it was as if the world melted away, leaving just the two of us in a cocoon of tenderness. Antonio's arms enveloped me, pulling me close, his lips soft against mine.

I sighed against his kiss, a deep contentment washing over me. For a moment, I forgot about the secrets and the lies, about the vendetta that threatened to consume us both. All I felt was love, pure and simple.

And in that moment, I knew that I would stand by Antonio, no matter what.

And so, under the warm glow of the setting sun, Antonio and Sofia danced, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, the tango of their hearts twirling in a dance as old as time itself.