CHAPTER 2 : Weighing the Odds
Sophia paced her apartment, Dante's ultimatum echoing in her mind. Three days to decide: become his fake wife or face death.
She couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Dante's words had struck a chord, exposing her deepest fears.
As a journalist, Sophia had faced danger before, but this was different. This was personal.
She stopped pacing and stared out the window, her thoughts racing.
Could she trust Dante?
Did she have a choice?
Sophia sighed, knowing she had to make a decision.
After what felt like an eternity, Sophia picked up her phone and dialed the number on the card.
Dante answered on the first ring. "Yes?"
"I'll do it," Sophia said, her voice firm.
There was a pause. "I expected you to be smarter, Sophia. But I'm glad you see things my way."
"Not so fast, Dante," Sophia interrupted. "I have conditions."
Dante chuckled. "Go on."
"First, I want unlimited access to your family's records. I want to know everything."
"Done," Dante said.
"Second, I want guarantees for my safety. No harm comes to me or my loved ones."
"Guaranteed," Dante replied.
"Third, this is a temporary arrangement. Once I get the truth, I'm out."
Dante's laughter sent shivers down Sophia's spine. "We'll see about that."
Sophia's grip on the phone tightened. "One more thing: I won't be your puppet. I'll play the wife, but I won't be controlled."
Dante's tone turned cold. "Remember, Sophia, you're mine now. Don't forget it."
Sophia's heart sank, but she stood firm. "I'll remember."
The line went dead.
Sophia took a deep breath, wondering what she'd just gotten herself into.
Sophia was woken by her cellphone ringing, Dante's voice wisphered in her ear, "Meet me at the city hall at 10 a.m. We need to make this official."
Sophia turned, her eyes locking onto his. "What?"
"Our marriage certificate," Dante replied, his expression unreadable.
Sophia's stomach twisted. This was really happening.
"Bring identification and divorce papers... if you have any," Dante added.
Sophia shook her head. "I'm not married, Dante. You know that."
Dante's smile was cold. "Humor me."
Sophia stood outside city hall, fidgeting with her ID.
Dante arrived, looking every inch the powerful businessman.
"Ready?" he asked, offering his arm.
Sophia hesitated before taking it.
Inside, they filled out paperwork and stood before a clerk.
"Do you, Sophia Russo, take Dante Moretti as your husband?"
Sophia's heart sank.
"I do."
The clerk stamped the certificate.
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Moretti.
Dante's eyes gleamed with triumph.
Sophia felt trapped.
Sophia stood at the altar, her hands trembling as Dante placed the ring on her finger.
The ceremony was a blur of lavish decorations, designer attire, and fake smiles.
As they exchanged vows, Sophia's mind wandered to her best friend, Rachel.
Rachel had been furious when Sophia told her about the arrangement.
"Sophia, have you lost your mind? You're marrying a mob boss!" Rachel exclaimed.
Sophia sighed. "I know, Rach. But I have to do this. For the story."
Rachel's expression softened. "I'll support you, but promise me you'll be careful."
Sophia nodded, tears welling up. "I promise."
At the reception, Sophia's coworkers from the newspaper mingled with Dante's associates.
Whispers circulated about Sophia's sudden marriage.
"Sophia's always been so private. Who knew she was even dating?"
"Married to a Moretti? That's career suicide."
Sophia pasted on a smile, navigating the crowd.
Dante's hand wrapped around her waist, possessive.
"Smile, wife," he whispered.
Sophia's heart sank.
Rachel appeared, her eyes narrowed.
"You owe me an explanation," Rachel whispered.
Sophia pulled her into a tight hug.
"Later, Rach. I promise."
As the night wore on, Sophia's anxiety grew.
Trapped in a world of luxury and deceit, she wondered:
What had she gotten herself into?
Would she survive this charade?
Would she uncover the truth?
Sophia stepped into the newsroom, her wedding ring gleaming on her finger. Colleagues turned, whispers spreading like wildfire.
"Sophia's married? To Dante Moretti?"
"I thought she was swearing off men after the last breakup."
Sophia's editor, Mark, approached her, a mix of curiosity and concern on his face. "Sophia, congrats on the sudden nuptials. Everything okay?"
Sophia forced a smile. "Yeah, Mark. Just a whirlwind romance."
Mark raised an eyebrow. "Dante Moretti's not exactly the typical whirlwind romance type."
Sophia shrugged. "You know me, always up for a challenge."
As Mark walked away, Sophia's coworker, Emily, sidled up to her. "Spill the beans, Sophia. What's the real story?"
Sophia leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let's just say it's complicated, Emily. I'll fill you in soon."
Emily nodded, eyes sparkling with intrigue. "I'll hold you to that."
Sophia settled at her desk, scanning the day's assignments. Her eyes landed on a potential lead: a local businessman with ties to the Moretti organization.
Sophia focused on her work, pushing aside gossiping colleagues and lingering doubts. She had a job to do – uncovering the truth.
Dante's words echoed in her mind: "You'll have access to my family's archives, Sophia. Use it to further your career."
hidden secrets within the Moretti family's empire.
After hours of research, Sophia discovered a cryptic reference to "Project Eclipse" in an old news article. Intrigued, she made a mental note to investigate further.
As she packed up to leave, Emily approached, voice low. "Sophia, be careful. Rumors are circulating about Dante's involvement in some shady dealings."
Sophia's expression remained neutral. "Thanks, Emily. I can handle myself."
At home, Sophia found Dante pouring whiskey in his study. "Evening, wife," he said, his gaze piercing.
Sophia played along, smiling sweetly. "Dante, I need access to those archives. You promised."
Dante raised an eyebrow, handing her a keycard. "Be discreet, Sophia. Some secrets are better left buried."
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. Was this the break she needed?
"Project Eclipse," Sophia said, her voice steady. "What is it?"
Dante's expression turned icy, his eyes narrowing. "Where did you hear that?"
"A old news article," Sophia replied, nonchalant. "Seemed interesting."
Dante leaned back, steepling his fingers. "Project Eclipse is...a family matter. Nothing to concern yourself with."
Sophia smiled, taking a seat across from him. "I'm your wife now, Dante. I think I have a right to know."
Dante's gaze intensified, but Sophia held his stare.
"Fine," he said finally. "Project Eclipse involves...restructuring our business interests. Nothing illegal, merely...reorganization."
Sophia's instincts screamed otherwise, but she played along. "I see. And what's the goal of this reorganization?"
Dante's smile was cold. "To solidify our family's legacy, Sophia. Ensure our continued...influence."
Sophia nodded, filing away every word. She knew Dante was hiding something.
As she left the study, Sophia felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Be careful, Sophia," Dante whispered. "Curiosity can be...fatal."
Sophia turned to face Dante, her eyes locked on his. "Is that a threat, Dante?"
Dante's smile never wavered. "Merely a warning, wife. You're now part of this family. Certain...secrets are best left unspoken."
Sophia's voice remained steady. "I understand secrets, Dante. But I won't be intimidated. I have a right to know the truth."
Dante's gaze flickered, surprise flashing across his face. He wasn't accustomed to people standing up to him.
"Sophia, you're playing with fire," he warned, his tone low.
"I'm not afraid of you, Dante," Sophia replied, her confidence growing. "I'll uncover the truth about Project Eclipse, no matter what."
Dante's expression turned calculating, weighing options. "Very well," he said finally. "I'll show you the truth. But remember, you asked for this."
He led Sophia to a secured room deep within the mansion. Files and documents filled the space.
"Project Eclipse," Dante began, "involves strategic alliances and business expansions. But there's more."
He handed Sophia a folder marked "Confidential."
As she opened it, Sophia's eyes widened. The contents revealed shocking connections between the Moretti family and high-ranking officials.
"This is huge," Sophia breathed. "But what's the ultimate goal?"
Dante's smile returned, sinister. "That, my dear wife, is for me to know and you to find out."
Dante's expression turned serious. "Sophia, it's time for you to meet my family."
Sophia's unease grew. "What if they don't approve of me?"
Dante's eyes crinkled as he smiled. "They'll love you. Just be yourself."
Sophia nodded, still uncertain.
"Tomorrow, we'll have dinner at the estate," Dante continued. "You'll meet my parents, Leonardo and Elisabetta, my uncle Marco, my sister Alessia, and my Nonna Rosa."