MORANO'S MANSION – BALCONY The early morning sun cast golden hues across the wide marble balcony of the Morano mansion. A soft breeze rustled the olive trees below, brushing against the towering columns. Leonard stood silently for a moment, a porcelain coffee cup in his hand, his tailored shirt slightly open at the collar as he absorbed the heat of the sunrise. Steam spiraled gently from his drink, but the warmth in his hand could not compare to the fire boiling beneath his calm exterior. Massimo stepped onto the balcony through the glass-paneled doors, his face drawn tight with news. “Boss, we’ve gotten word about him,” Massimo said, his voice low but alert. Leonard didn’t look at him. He took another measured sip of coffee, eyes fixed on the horizon. “Have you sent them?” he asked, tone smooth but edged like a blade. “Yes, boss. They're already in motion.” Before either could say another word, Leonard’s phone buzzed loudly against the table beside him. Unknown Number. He nar
Sophia's POV MASKED PARTY HALL "I will be right back," Lucia said with a smile as she walked out to greet someone she knew. "Hi darling!" I could hear her voice as she embraced the person warmly. The room was already filled with soft music, a mix of violins and light piano, people dancing in slow rhythm, exchanging pleasantries and secrets behind silk masks. Some huddled close, whispering business deals, while others clinked their champagne flutes and laughed like royalty. Leonard had become the center of attraction since the product announcement. Several men in suits came forward to congratulate him, their voices thick with envy masked as praise. Arthur remained at his side, calm and composed. I stood near our table, my eyes drawn to the dance floor, the golden chandeliers glimmering above like stars trapped in crystal cages. I waited for Lucia or Leonard to return. Then, a man in a sharp tuxedo and silver mask approached with slow, calculated confidence. His glass of wine bare
SWISS BAR – NIGHT“What a life?!” Logan yelled, slamming his empty glass on the counter. The loud clink echoed through the nearly empty Swiss bar. A few patrons looked over but quickly turned away again. He had been drinking since sunset, and his thoughts had been spiraling ever since Massimo told him the relationship was over.His fingers trembled slightly as he waved his glass again. “Bartender! Another!”A soft chime echoed from the door.Logan turned just enough to see a familiar figure walk in—Luca.“Hey man!” Logan slurred, raising his glass like a toast to misfortune. “You finally came!”“Hey,” Luca said in a flat tone, walking toward him with hesitation. He slid into the booth across from Logan, his expression unreadable.“I’ve been purposely ignoring your calls,” Luca said, pouring himself a glass of red wine. “You’re a pain in the ass. So, why did you call me out?”Logan scoffed, swirling the glass in his hand. “You know what hurts?” He leaned forward, eyes glassy. “It’s not
Sophia’s POV MASK PARTY HALL “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the most exclusive bidding event of the year. Tonight, only the most discerning eyes and boldest wallets will walk away with one of these rare treasures,” the auctioneer’s voice rang through the ballroom, commanding silence like a priest at a sacred ritual. The chandeliers dimmed until only a single beam of light illuminated the crystal stage. Behind the auctioneer, draped in velvet black cloth and gold tassels, stood two elevated displays. Each one sparkled under the light—jewelry that didn’t just glitter, but glared with power. “If you received a black invitation,” the auctioneer continued, lifting a gloved hand, “please rise and proceed to the VIP cage to my right.” To our right, a portion of the ballroom wall slid open to reveal a glass-walled VIP area that looked more like a royal suite than an auction cage. Inside, there were velvet chairs lined in gold, champagne bottles chilling in silver buckets, and paddles
Sophia’s POVMASK PARTY HALL"We are here," Leonard said as the sleek black car pulled up in front of the towering hall. From the outside, it looked like something out of a European royal gala. Tall columns, arched doors, golden lanterns flickering against the night sky.He turned to me with a glint in his eye and picked up a shimmering silver-and-red eye-to-nose mask. "Hold still," he said, gently tying the soft strap behind my head. He then tied his own—a matte black mask that made him look even more dangerous, more mysterious.The soft echo of classical music floated through the walls."I’ll do it," Leonard told the driver, noticing he was about to step out. But before Leonard could open the door for me, a well-dressed waiter stationed at the entrance reached for the handle. Leonard stepped out gracefully, walking to the other side and opening the door for me himself.“May I?” he asked, extending his right hand toward me, eyes twinkling beneath the mask.“Always,” I smiled and plac
Sophia’s POVMORANO’S MANSION – LEONARD’S ROOM"What's the surprise about?" I asked, giggling as Leonard led me gently into the room, his warm hand in mine. My eyes were blindfolded, and my heart raced with curiosity."You’ll soon find out," he whispered softly into my ear, his breath warm against my skin.He guided me a few steps further, and then, in one smooth motion, he untied the silk blindfold.The moment the fabric slipped from my eyes, I gasped and covered my mouth in awe.Laid out beautifully on the bed was a short, elegant red flared dress with a sweetheart neckline, a matching set of silver jewelry, and the most gorgeous silver stiletto heels I had ever seen—sleek, feminine, and shimmering like they were made of moonlight."Oh my God," I whispered, my voice full of wonder. “Are these… for me?”"They’re all yours," Leonard replied with a warm smile, the kind that made everything else disappear for a moment."They’re beautiful…" I said, touching the red fabric with gentle fin