CHAPTER 68

  Dario's POV

  "Dario, I need you to leave me alone," Sophia said, her voice firm. "I need time to think about our relationship and whether I even want to continue it."

  I felt a pang of fear at her words, but I knew I had to respect her wishes. "Okay, Sophia," I said, taking a step back. "I'll give you space. But please, don't give up on us. I promise to do whatever it takes to make things right between us."

  Sophia looked at me, her expression softening slightly. For a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of hope. But then her face hardened again, and she turned and walked away.

  I watched as Sophia disappeared into her family's mansion, feeling a sense of defeat wash over me. I had lost her, at least for now. But I was determined to win her back, no matter what it took.