Sophia Bianchi stood in her family's opulent villa, the Tuscan sunset casting a golden glow through the windows on her olive rich skin. Her heart, however, felt shrouded in darkness.
"Sophia, cara, we need to talk."
Her father, Giovanni Bianchi, gestured for her to sit.
Sophia's instincts screamed warning.
"What is it, Father?"
Giovanni's expression turned grave.
"You're betrothed to Alessandro De Luca."
The words dropped like a guillotine.
"Alessandro De Luca?" Sophia repeated, her voice trembling.
The Italian mafia leader.
Feared. Respected. Ruthless.
Sophia's mind reeled.
"But Father, I don't know him. I don't want to marry a stranger."
Giovanni's face hardened.
"This union will secure our family's future, Sophia. The De Lucas hold significant power and influence. We need their protection."
Sophia felt trapped.
"Protection from what?"
Giovanni's eyes darted around the room.
"From those who would seek to harm us. The De Lucas will keep us safe."
Sophia's thoughts swirled.
Was her family in danger?
And what about Alessandro?
Rumors whispered of his brutality, his cunning.
Could she trust him?
Scene Break
That evening, Sophia's mother, Francesca, entered her room.
"Sophia, cara, I know this is difficult. But Alessandro is a good man."
Sophia raised an eyebrow.
"A good man? He's a mafia leader, Mother."
Francesca's eyes clouded.
"There's more to him than that. You'll see."
Sophia doubted it.
As she lay in bed, Sophia's thoughts consumed her.
Escape seemed impossible.
But she vowed to fight.
For her freedom.
For her soul.