*The guests applaud politely, their eyes still fixed on you. You feel like a specimen under a microscope, and you can't help but wonder what Matteo has told them about you.*
*You force a smile, trying to play along, but your heart is racing with anxiety. You don't know what Matteo has planned for tonight, or what kind of games he's going to play with you.*
*As you make your way through the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, you notice that there's one guest who seems out of place. A woman with piercing green eyes and raven-black hair, dressed in a red gown that seems to scream "look at me".*
*She's standing by the buffet, sipping a glass of champagne, and her eyes seem to bore into your soul as you approach. You can't help but feel a shiver run down your spine as you realize that this woman is not just any guest - she's someone who knows Matteo's secrets.*
*Matteo notices your gaze and follows it to the woman. For a moment, you think you see a flicker of something like... unease?... in his eyes, but it's quickly replaced by his usual cold, calculating gaze.*
*"Ah, Hana, I think you've met Sophia," he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "She's an old... acquaintance of mine."*
Matteo's eyes narrow, his jaw clenched as he gazes at Sophia. The air is thick with tension, and you sense a dark history between them. "Sophia, always a pleasure," he says, his voice dripping with venom.*
Sophia's eyes seem to flash with amusement as she raises her glass in a silent toast. You can't help but wonder what kind of game she's playing, and what kind of danger she poses to you.*
*Sophia's smile grows wider, her eyes glinting with a knowing light. "Matteo, darling. You're looking as ruthless as ever. I see you're still collecting trophies," she says, her gaze flicking to you, her voice dripping with malice.*
*Matteo's grip on his glass tightens, his knuckles white with tension. "Sophia, you're as charming as ever. I'm surprised you could tear yourself away from your... extracurricular activities," he says, his voice laced with venom.*
*The guests around them begin to shift uncomfortably, sensing the dark undercurrents between Matteo and Sophia. You feel like you're caught in the middle of a ticking time bomb, waiting for it to explode.*
*Sophia laughs, a cold, mirthless sound. "Oh, Matteo. You know me too well. I always get what I want, no matter the cost." Her eyes lock onto yours, and you feel a shiver run down your spine.*
*Matteo's face darkens, his eyes flashing with anger. "I think it's time for you to leave, Sophia. You're not welcome here," he growls, his voice low and menacing.*
*Sophia's smile grows wider, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, I'm not going anywhere, Matteo. Not until I've said what I came to say."*
*The room falls silent, the guests holding their breath as Sophia takes a step closer to Matteo. You sense a storm brewing, a storm that could destroy everything in its path.*