As the jet prepared for landing, Leonardo reached over and gently fastened Sofia’s seatbelt, his fingers brushing her waist with deliberate care. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned closer."Ready for the honeymoon, Mrs. Morelli?" he teased, his hand slipping under the soft fabric of her dress to rest lightly on her thigh.Sofia turned her head, meeting his gaze with a soft smile. "I couldn't be more ready, Mr. Morelli," she whispered, her eyes locked with his.Leonardo let out a low groan and closed his eyes dramatically. "Ah, you’ll be the death of me, baby."Sofia giggled, the sound light and musical, just as the plane began its descent.*The wheels touche
“By the way, hubby,” Sofia murmured as Leonardo pulled back from their kiss, her fingers brushing his jaw gently. “I noticed something about you.”He raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips. “What’s that, amore?”“You had so many exes,” she said, her voice thoughtful. “But once it ended with them, you never looked back. You never tried to win them over again. But with me… you’re different. Why?”Leonardo didn’t answer right away. His gaze lingered on her, serious and intense, as if weighing his truth carefully.Finally, he spoke, his voice low. “Maybe because I never loved them enough to want them back.”Sofia’s breath hitched. Her eyes searched his face, soft with memory. “Then why couldn’t you let me go?” she whispered. “Every time I tried to leave, you came after me. You begged me to stay… told me things I didn’t believe at first.”Leonardo reached up and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was tender, reverent. “Because I love you with all my hear
Leonardo carried Sofia to the car, his jaw tight with rage and fear. He gave a silent signal to his men—and to Domenico, who had come with him—to clear the scene and take care of Ava’s body.Sofia didn’t say a word during the ride. She remained curled against Leonardo’s chest, clinging to him as if he were the only solid thing left in her world. He held her tightly, protectively, never once letting go. He didn’t ask her anything—he knew the weight of what had just happened, and how deeply it must have shaken her.When they arrived at the hospital, Leonardo didn’t wait. He lifted Sofia into his arms and rushed through the doors, urgency radiating from every step. The doctors responded immediately, taking her into the examination room to check for internal injuries.Time felt like it had stopped.Leonardo paced outside the room, every second stretching into an eternity—until finally, a doctor emerged.“Both the baby and Mrs. Morelli are safe,” he said calmly. “There are no serious injur
Leonardo had tracked his wife, following the faintest leads, shaking down anyone who might know something. When he finally located her, he didn’t hesitate.The door splintered under his weight as he rammed through, gun raised, breathing hard from the chase. But he froze at the sight inside.Sofia was on the floor, her hands and ankles bound tightly with rough rope, her face pale, bruised, terrified. And standing between them was Ava, her eyes wild, her hand trembling as she aimed a pistol—now pulled from her handbag, directly at Sofia's head.Sofia’s eyes filled with hope the moment she saw Leonardo. Her voice was weak, barely more than a whisper. “Leonardo… save our baby.” It was the only fear in her heart.“Sofia,” Leonardo breathed, his heart clenching. He rushed to her side, everything else fading away.“Don’t come any closer!” Ava barked, the gun jerking slightly in her grip.Leonardo stopped instantly, raising one hand while keeping the other on his weapon. His voice dropped low
Sofia’s eyes fluttered open, only to be met with darkness and the overwhelming stench of damp concrete and mold. The air was thick, suffocating. Her body ached as she realized she was lying on a cold, grimy floor, her wrists and ankles bound tightly with rough rope.She struggled to sit up, wincing as pain shot through her limbs. Panic rose in her chest, but she forced herself to stay calm—for Leonardo, and for the tiny life growing inside her.Where am I? she thought desperately, her mind still foggy from whatever they had used to knock her out. Is Leonardo okay? Did he survive? The thought alone sent a fresh wave of terror through her.Suddenly, the heavy metal door creaked open, its rusted hinges groaning in protest.Footsteps echoed against the concrete, slow and deliberate. And then—she saw her.Sofia’s heart pounded as the figure stepped into the dim light. Her body tensed. Her jaw clenched.“Ava,” she breathed, eyes narrowing.Of all people, she hadn’t expected her to be behind
The steady beeping of the monitors echoed softly in the sterile room, mingling with the sharp scent of disinfectant and lingering traces of antiseptics. Leonardo stirred, his body screaming in protest at the smallest movement. Pain pulsed through every muscle, but the heavy weight in his chest wasn’t just from his injuries.With great effort, he forced his eyes open. The bright hospital lights stung, making him squint. Bandages wrapped tightly around his torso and shoulder, IV lines snaked from his arm, and his breathing was shallow. But none of it mattered.His first thought wasn’t about the pain or the near-death experience. It was about her.“Where is Sofia?” he growled, his voice hoarse but still sharp, commanding, even now.The sound of his voice—raw and edged with panic—was enough to draw Domenico rushing to his bedside.“Thank God, Leonardo. You’re awake,” Domenico breathed, his tense features finally relaxing after hours of fear and waiting. “We were beginning to fear the worst