The following day, Sophie awoke early, her mind clear but haunted. She hadn't had a restful night in years, and this night was no exception. The room around her was quiet, a stark contrast to the constant noise in her mind, but there was an unfamiliar sense of safety here. For the first time, Sophie felt that perhaps, just perhaps, she wasn't entirely alone in this battle.
After ensuring Alex Jr. was comfortable and still asleep, Sophie made her way to the main study where Leo, Steve, and Peter waited. She could feel the gravity of the moment settling on her as she entered the room, each man's expression serious and expectant.
Leo gestured for her to sit across from him, his sharp eyes fixed on her. He appeared intrigued, but there was something else—something warmer than simple curiosity. She didn't let it faze her, maintaining her cold exterior, but his gaze felt piercing, as though he could see past her defenses.
"Thank you for joining us, Sophie," Leo said, his tone respectful yet authoritative. "We're here to understand everything you've been through and to offer you the support you need. This is a safe place for you, but to fully protect you, we need the whole story."
Sophie met his gaze steadily, her face unreadable. "I'm here to tell you everything," she replied, her voice steady but emotionless.
Steve leaned forward, his eyes kind but perceptive. "Sophie, we know parts of the story—about your friend Natalie, the tragedy with the Turners. But we need the details from you directly."
Sophie took a deep breath, a sense of detachment enveloping her as she began. "Natalie and I became friends through an orphanage charity. She was… my closest friend, almost like a sister to me. I never knew she was connected to the Castellano family until it was too late. We trusted each other, shared our lives. She was there for me when no one else was."
She paused, her expression hardening slightly as she continued. "Then, I found out my fiancé, David, was involved with her. They had been hiding it from me, but I found out one day… and I confronted them. I didn't know what I was supposed to feel. Hurt, betrayal—it all came at once."
Leo's gaze remained fixed on her, but there was a new intensity in his eyes, a faint glimmer of understanding. He seemed to see beyond her cold exterior, recognizing the raw emotion she was struggling to keep buried.
"After I left them, I went to a hotel to clear my head," Sophie continued, her tone cold. "That's when everything happened. I was taken. Castellano family gang members found me. They imprisoned me, tortured me. They kept asking me about David—about things I didn't know, couldn't know. They treated me as though I were the one who had wronged them."
A faint tremor entered her voice, but she quickly suppressed it. She wouldn't allow herself to break here.
Steve spoke gently. "And during this time, you found out… about the pregnancy?"
Sophie nodded, her eyes hardening even more. "Yes. But by the time I knew, it was too late. The stress, the pain… I lost the baby. And they didn't stop. They kept going, kept asking for information I didn't have." Her gaze became distant, her voice dropping. "And when I was finally released, I went back to my apartment… and the next day, a policeman came. He told me that my entire family was gone. My parents, my siblings—everyone except Alex Jr."
A tense silence filled the room. The men listening seemed shaken, but Sophie's expression was resolute. She had relived this story too many times to let the emotions control her anymore.
Peter cleared his throat, his voice filled with both sorrow and determination. "Sophie, we're so sorry for everything you've gone through. This… this isn't just a family matter anymore. It's a war, one that you should have never been forced into."
Leo spoke then, his voice a mix of authority and something warmer. "Sophie, we need to discuss your future. You're an intelligent woman. You've survived unimaginable trials. But if you're going to face the people who did this to you and protect Alex Jr., you may need to consider joining us. This organization can provide you with resources, protection, and allies."
Peter frowned, an immediate look of worry crossing his face. "Leo, she's been through enough. I don't think—"
But Sophie raised her hand, silencing her uncle. Her eyes met Leo's, a spark of defiance shining in them. "If joining you means I can protect Alex Jr., then I'll do it. But understand, I'm not doing this for power. I'm doing it for survival—and for justice."
Leo's gaze softened, a hint of admiration in his eyes. He nodded slowly. "We'll help you, Sophie. But know that this path won't be easy. You'll have to face the ghosts of your past, and you'll need strength. But if you're willing, we'll be by your side."
Sophie inclined her head, a slight sense of relief washing over her as she met his gaze with a newfound resolve. She had finally found allies in her battle for truth, and although her path remained uncertain, she knew that she was no longer alone.