Sophia coming back from work and looking exhausted already locked eye with his father As she walks through the hallway.
"Hey dear, You're back already? Mr. Sabastine trying hard not to spoil the day, with his unsteady movement talking to his daughter.
"As you can see dad I'm back and will love to take a nap right now. If you don't mind! Sophia says trying to dodge his father's desperate questions.
"I just want to make sure you're keeping to mind, Your date tonight with Jeff. Mr. sabastine echoes through the hallway.
Sophia responded, furiously in rage hearing her father. "you can go on and replace me father, after all you both are partners in crime."
A luxurious black sedan pulls up outside one of the city's most exclusive restaurants. The sign, glowing in golden light, reads "La Renzi," an elegant Italian restaurant known for its exquisite cuisine and high profile clientele.
As the back door swings open, Jeff steps out first, adjusting the cufflinks on his expensive suit with an air of arrogance. Sophia follows reluctantly, her long, elegant dress swaying gently as she steps onto the sidewalk. Standing by the door, Shadow surveys the scene, his eyes cold and calculating, always alert for potential threats. His presence is calm but commanding, dressed in black, blending seamlessly with the night.
"I figured you would appreciate something classy like this, Sophia. After all, nothing but the best for Matteo's future daughter in law." Jeff grinning, holding out his arm to Sophia.
Sophia hesitates, her stomach churning with a mix of frustration and dread. She glances at Lucas, standing silently nearby, his face unreadable but his watchful gaze never straying too far from her. Something about his presence makes her feel both secure and unsettled at the same time.
Sophia coolly, takes Jeff's arm with reluctance. "Classy, sure. Let's hope the evening lives up to it."
Jeff's smirk widens as he leads her toward the restaurant entrance. Lucas follows a few steps behind, always in the background but never too far. His eyes are sharp, scanning the streets, the crowd, the alleyways. The tension in the city has been rising, and Matteo has tasked him with ensuring his son and Sophia's safety during their date.
As they enter the restaurant, the attendant rushes to greet them, bowing slightly as he leads them to a private booth near the back.
The atmosphere is luxurious low lighting, candles flickering, and the soft hum of classical music filling the air. Yet Sophia feels none of its charm. She's painfully aware of Jeff's pompous demeanor and the dark presence of Lucas lingering in the background like a shadow of her own thoughts.
"So, Sophia, still upset about this whole arranged marriage thing? You should be thanking me, you know. I'm doing you a favor after all." Jeff boastfully uttered.
Sophia's fingers grip the edge of her napkin as she suppresses the urge to snap back. She glances briefly over Jeff's shoulder, her eyes locking with Lucas's for a fleeting moment. She quickly looks away, her pulse quickening.
"A favor? You mean turning my life into a business deal?" Sophia lashed out with a burning anger inside.
Jeff leans back in his chair, grinning like he's got the upper hand. "Well, sure. But what's a little sacrifice for all this? You will have more money, power, and influence than you ever dreamed of. Think of all the fancy parties, the designer clothes, the luxury. Isn't that what every woman wants?"
Sophia's eyes narrow, her voice laced with bitterness. "I'm not every woman, Jeff."
"Oh, come on, lighten up! You're marrying into the most powerful family in the country. You should be grateful." Jeff laughs, clearly missing the point.
Sophia clenches her jaw, her patience wearing thin. She glances again at Lucas, who stands near the bar, watching the room like a hawk. Her heart beats faster when she sees him. He's always there, always silently observing, but there's something about him that unsettles her in ways she can't explain. Her thoughts drift back to the night he saved her, his swift decisive movements, the quiet strength he exuded. She feels a strange connection to him, even though she barely knows him.
"Grateful? For what, exactly? Being treated like an accessory to your empire? Sophia lashed out gazing at Jeff with her eyes sharp.
Jeff's expression sours. He leans forward, his tone growing condescending. "Look, Sophia, I'm just trying to make this easier for you. You could at least try to enjoy yourself tonight."
Sophia opens her mouth to retort, but the sudden shift in Lucas's posture catches her attention. His eyes dart toward the entrance, his hand subtly resting on his concealed weapon. Tension floods the air, as if the entire room is holding its breath. He steps closer to their table, his voice calm but firm.
Shadow whispers almost inaudible "There's movement outside. Stay alert."