As I stood by the window, sipping my scotch and gazing out at the Manhattan skyline, I
couldn't help but feel like a prisoner in my own life. The city that was once my playground,
my domain to rule with an iron fist, now seemed like a gilded cage. The memories of the
events that had led me to this point swirled in my mind like the ice in my glass. The
Morano alliance, Sophia, the arranged marriage – it all felt like a never-ending nightmare.The door behind me creaked open, and Sophia walked in, looking stunning in a red
evening gown that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her piercing green eyes
sparkled as she approached me, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe.
"Vincent, darling," she said, her voice husky and confident. "I see you're still brooding.
When will you learn to let go of the past?"
I raised an eyebrow, my eyes narrowing as I set my glass down on the table. "I'm just
getting used to my new life, that's all," I replied, my tone neutral.
Sophia laughed, a throaty sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "I'm sure you are. But
you have to admit, this is a far cry from your...previous existence."
I shrugged, feeling a surge of irritation at her probing. "It's a different life, that's all."
Sophia walked closer, her eyes locked on mine. "I think it's more than that, Vincent. I think
you're hiding something. And I aim to find out what it is."
My gut twisted with unease as she reached out and ran her fingers through my hair. It was
a gentle touch, but it sent a warning signal through my body. I knew that Sophia was not a
woman to be underestimated, and I had a feeling that she was going to be a lot more troubled than I bargained for. as we stood there, locked in a silent standoff, I couldn't help but wonder what Sophia's
true intentions were. Was she just a dutiful wife, content to play the role of the mafia wife,
or was there more to her? And what did she want from me?
The sound of the doorbell broke the tension, and Sophia smiled, pulling away from me.
"That must be our guests for dinner. Shall we go down and greet them?"
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe this dinner party would be a
chance for me to get to know Sophia better, to figure out what made her tick. And maybe,
just maybe, I could find a way to use her to my advantage.
As we made our way downstairs, I couldn't help but feel like I was walking into a trap. But I
was ready to play the game, to pretend to be the happy husband, to deceive and
manipulate. After all, that's what I did best.
The dinner party was a lavish affair, with champagne toasts and congratulatory speeches.
I played the part of the happy husband, but my mind was elsewhere, wondering what lay
ahead and how I would survive this arranged marriage.
As the night wore on, I found myself stealing glances at Sophia, trying to read her
expression. She seemed to be enjoying herself, laughing and chatting with our guests. But
I knew better than to trust appearances. In my world, everyone wore a mask, and I was no
exception.
As the evening drew to a close, Sophia leaned in close, her breath whispering against my
ear. "Vincent, I think it's time we had a little chat. In private."
My heart skipped a beat as I met her gaze. What did she want to talk about? And what
secrets was she hiding? I smiled, playing the part of the loving husband. "Of course, my
dear. I'm all ears." But as we walked out of the dining room, I couldn't shake the feeling
that I was in for a wild ride.