Chapter 4 THE PAST MEETS PRESENT

Sophie barely slept through the night; she could not stop thinking about her mom. Her phone had been taken and replaced with a new one.

She lay alone in the massive bed, wrapped in the thick duvet. The room shimmered with golden light from a glittering chandelier. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the space, and red velvet chairs added to the opulence. Everything around her screamed luxury.

She was troubled, but this was her life now. Luca hadn't extended the six months, so eventually, she would be free but it already felt like the longest six months of her life. Maybe the most life-changing, too.

A soft knock on the door startled her. Heart pounding, she jerked upright, thinking it might be Luca. She quickly pulled the duvet up over her chest.

"Come in."

"Ma'am, breakfast will be ready in ten minutes. Please come to the dining room," said a gentle voice.

Her mind was at peace when she saw it wasn't Luca at the door; it was the maid, Mrs Smith. Luca had instructed her to fetch Sophie for meals when they were ready.

"Alright, Mrs...?" Sophie asked.

"Smith. Mrs Smith," she answered.

"Thank you, Mrs Smith. I will find my way."

"Walk down the hall, then follow the stairs at the end to the living room."

"Okay. Thanks again."

Mrs Smith quietly shut the door behind her.

Sophie didn't move right away. She stayed in bed for another three minutes before finally dragging herself up and walking into the bathroom. It took her twenty minutes to shower and dress. The maid had dropped off some clothes while she was inside.

Meanwhile, Luca was already downstairs, checking his watch every five seconds. He was about to go up and get her himself when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

Sophie scanned the surroundings as she descended. Her eyes locked onto a large frame hanging prominently in the centre of the living room. She squinted, thinking her mind was playing tricks on her, then moved closer for a better look.

Her breath caught.

"My God..."

She staggered back in shock, stepped on something, and slipped. Before she hit the floor, Luca's strong hands caught her by the arm.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. Their eyes locked in silence.

"Be careful. Watch your step," Luca said quietly. "I might not be here next time to catch you."

"Thank you," she murmured.

Still shaken, Sophie turned her eyes back to the picture. "Why is my picture hanging in your living room?"

"You wouldn't believe it if I told you."

"Try me." Curious to understand how her picture ended up there.

"The woman in that picture saved my life six years ago," Luca began, his voice low and sincere.

He recounted the story of how, six years ago, he believed she was the angel who had saved him.

"Since that day, that image has never left my memory. It lives rent-free in my head."

He paused, then added, "Weeks ago, when I saw you again, it felt like seeing a ghost. I had to be sure you were real. I investigated, and when I confirmed it, when I realised you weren't just a dream, I knew the universe wasn't playing games with me. I wasn't crazy, like people thought."

Sophie didn't know what to say. She couldn't make sense of it. She didn't remember any such incident.

"Six months is all I ask," Luca said softly. "If you don't fall in love with me by then, I will let you go."

Sophie still couldn't speak. But she could see how serious he was.

"Have your breakfast. I'm already running late for meetings," Luca added. He stepped closer to her, tempted to kiss her lips, but he stopped himself. He had promised to wait until she asked for it.

"The maid will take care of anything you need. Tomorrow, we will go shopping for clothes. We will be taking a short trip soon."

Where could he be taking me? Sophie wondered, watching him leave.

She made her way to the dining room, nibbled on a few sandwiches, and then returned to her room.

At 7 p.m., her phone vibrated, waking her from a deep sleep. She hadn't had lunch; she had even told the maid not to prepare any. She was still groggy and didn't bother checking the caller ID.

"Hello?" she answered in a sleepy voice.

"Miss Turner, your mom is out of surgery."

Sophie jolted upright. That wasn't Luca; it was the hospital.

How did they get this number?

Luca must have given it to them.

"Say that again; I didn't hear you." Sophie asked the person to repeat what they said; she wanted to be sure of what she had heard.

"Your mother's surgery was successful. She's in recovery now, although still unconscious but stable. We believe she will heal quickly. She's out of danger."

The call ended.

Sophie was overwhelmed with joy. Tears filled her eyes, and she let out a shout of pure relief. If she could, she would be at the hospital right now. Maybe she could try escaping the estate; it was already dark. Perhaps no one would notice.

She stepped outside to explore the grounds, thinking it would help her learn the layout in case she ever needed to sneak out.

As she neared the southern edge of the estate, voices drifted toward her.

"Boss, please forgive me. It won't happen again," pleaded an unfamiliar voice.

Curious and cautious, Sophie crept closer.

Then she heard Luca's voice.

"There won't be a next time."

She moved instinctively toward the sound, eager to thank him for helping her mother.

Then-

Gunshot.

A deafening crack split the air.

Sophie's heart stopped.

She saw him. Luca. With a gun in hand.

A man crumpled to the ground.

Her breath caught in her throat, her body froze, and her knees gave out. She collapsed.

She had never seen anyone die before.

She had never seen anyone shot.

The horror was too much.

Luca turned and saw her fall.

He rushed to her.