Alessia couldn't shake off the feeling of unease as they left the gala. Francesca's words echoed in her mind: "Still under his spell."
"Marco, who is Francesca to you?" Alessia asked, breaking the silence.
Marco's gaze remained fixed on the road ahead. "A ghost from my past."
Alessia's curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
Marco's jaw clenched. "Francesca was... involved with me, briefly. Before I met you."
Alessia's heart skipped a beat. "And?"
Marco's voice dropped. "She wanted more. I ended it. She didn't take it well."
Alessia processed this information. "Is she a threat to us?"
Marco's eyes locked onto hers. "I'll handle Francesca. You focus on being my wife."
Alessia's frustration grew. "I am your wife, Marco. And I deserve truth."
Marco's expression softened. "Alessia, Iā"
"Marco, we're home," the driver interrupted.
As they stepped out of the car, Alessia spotted a figure lurking in the shadows.
"Marco, who's that?" Alessia whispered.
Marco's gaze narrowed. "Stay close."
The figure emerged, revealing a young woman with a terrified expression.
"Please, Marco... help me," she begged.
Marco's face hardened. "What are you doing here, Sofia?"
Sofia's eyes darted to Alessia before focusing on Marco. "Francesca sent me. She'll destroy everything if I don't cooperate."
Alessia's mind reeled. What secrets was Francesca hiding?
Marco's voice turned icy. "Tell me everything."
Sofia spilled her story, revealing Francesca's plan to sabotage Marco's business dealings.
Alessia's loyalty solidified. She would stand by Marco, no matter what.
As Sofia departed, Alessia turned to Marco. "We need to stop Francesca."
Marco's eyes flashed with determination. "Together, we will."
But Alessia sensed secrets lingering beneath the surface.