DEADLY SECRETS

SOFIA

Mum! Dad! I shouted softly, but loud enough to be heard. Study room! My mother replied quickly. I hurried upstairs to the study room and met my parents, seated and joined them. Sofia, we have something important to discuss with you, my mother said, her tone serious.

What is it, Mum? I asked, my heart pounding with anticipation.

Your father and I have decided for you, she replied.

We have arranged a marriage for you with the Mafia Boss heir named Alessandro Ruggero, she said.

What? I shouted in shock, barely believing what I just heard.

The quicker you accept it, the better. Your engagement happens in two weeks, My mother dropped the final bomb. Tears welled up in my eyes, Mum, this isn't fair, I said with a shaky voice. I....

Not another word from you, I had agreed and it is settled, there is nothing you can do now, not even your tears are going to save you this time. Now leave! My father spat venomously.

My mind blanked, and my body took control as I moved out of the study room and ran to my room. Immediately I got to my room, I broke down in tears. After crying for a while, I picked up her phone and searched 'Alessandro Ruggero' and not even one picture of him was found but all the information about him screamed dangerous and ruthless, which worsened her fear.

Ping.

Ping.

I heard my phone vibrate and slowly opened my eyes and was surprised to see that I slept off on the floor, I quickly stood up, and my stomach growled which reminded me that I hadn't eaten all day. I rushed downstairs straight to the kitchen and found out that the only cooked food we had was seafood. Pancakes it is, then, I muttered to myself while bringing out the needed ingredients as I got to work.

Woof, woof. My chihuahua, Ginger, barked at me, circling round me and licking my feet. Hey baby, how are you doing? I picked up a slice of pancake and cut it into little pieces, placing them on Ginger's plate. When I was done frying, I started serving it out and went to the cabinet to get a mug which was way above me. I tried stretching to get it but still couldn't reach it. After trying for some time, I decided to try climbing to reach, I climbed the cabinet and as I reached for the mug......

SOFIA. What are you doing? My father barked in anger. I lost balance and fell down the cabinet, which led to me landing heavily on my butt. Ahh....... Dad.... I'm sorry, I wanted to get something... I couldn't reach it, so ... I struggled to explain myself through my strained breath. You are so useless. You can't seem to do anything right, Can you? My father questioned while strangling me. I'm sorry Dad, I struggled with his hands to release me while apologizing profusely. You piece of trash, I just hope you don't end up crashing the engagement as well. If anything goes wrong with this engagement, you are dead, do you hear me?

Yes... Yes Sir, I replied while nodding helplessly as he let go of my neck, leaving me gasping for air.

Immediately I regained myself, I quickly grabbed my food and ran upstairs. After eating, I quietly returned my dishes to the kitchen, cleaned it up and rushed back upstairs. When I got to my room, I felt my phone vibrate and saw it was a message from Eleonora, my bestie who I had met in college. One of the few people who truly understands me.

I opened up the message

Eleonora💬: Hey, what's popping? I heard you were getting engaged to that Mafia Boss heir, is it true?

Sofia💬: Yeah, I was just told today, I never knew it had been released online so quickly. I tried looking him up, but there's not a single picture of him online, it's so frustrating.

Eleonora 💬: I heard countless rumors about him. Some say he is really strict and merciless, and that he almost killed a child before. Some say he changes women every week and only dates celebrities with a high social status. I also heard his family is afraid to speak with him and so many unbelievable things which are very scary.

Sofia💬: Well, he is quite unlucky because he has been signed up with someone who has zero social, skills, status and only knows how to read books. I could console him with the fact that I can cook, right?

Eleonora💬: Let's hope for it to be all rumors and look on the bright side, at least there hasn't been any rumor saying he hits women, right?

I sucked in a sharp breath as I read her text, Eleonora is the only one aware that my father abuses me. She found out one day when she came for a visit and walked in on me changing and saw the cigarette burn marks on my laps and palms, as well as my father's hand prints from holding me too tightly.

Sofia💬: Yeah, I pray so.

Eleonora 💬: Can't wait to finally see you in a gown. It's been one of my secret wishes 😁.

Sofia 💬: It's not something to be that excited for, I don't have a model's figure, so it's not really going to be that eye pleasing 😅.

Eleonora 💬: It is not necessary, I would kill to have a body like yours. Talk to you later, my mum wants me to help her in the kitchen. Bye 👋.

I sigh as I drop my phone by my night stand, remembering that the only time I am allowed to cook is when my parents and my sister go on vacations, so I have to take care of myself.

Sofia 💬: Okay, bye 👋.

The rest of the week goes in a daze, and before I know it, it's already a week to the engagement, where we have to meet to get to know each other better before the engagement.

Sofia, are you ready? My mum asked from outside, and I replied, almost done. I tried dragging the short off-shoulder long sleeve gown for the hundredth time since I wore it and took a deep breath and smoothed my hands over it looking in a mirror. I walked out of my room and headed downstairs.

Mr. Alessandro, thanks for being patient. I will go and check on her now, my mother spoke to him nervously. No, it's fine, Mr. Alessandro replied in a bored tone.

I heard my mum's conversation with him downstairs and I got even more nervous. I gasped when I finally caught a glimpse of his face. The media didn't do justice with their description in comparison to what I was seeing.

The man sitting down in my living room exudes an aura of power and authority, his presence commanding respect and inspiring a mix of fear and curiosity; his sharp jawline, piercing gaze, and imposing stature conveyed a sense of confidence and control, while his tailored suit and air of sophistication hinted at a calculating mind and a ruthless determination.

As I locked eyes with the imposing figure, a shiver ran down my spine, and I felt an unsettling mix of fascination and trepidation, as if drawn to a flame that could both mesmerize and consume me. It then dawned on me: I'm doomed!

I cleared my throat and greeted softly, Good afternoon Mr. Alessandro. He raised his head and his gaze pierced directly into my eyes making my stomach do a double - take.