Chapter 3 : MEETING THE FAMILY.
Sophia's nerves tangled as she entered the Moretti estate alongside Dante. The grand dining room fell silent, all eyes on her.
Leonardo Moretti, Dante's father, glared. "So, you're the woman my son saw fit to marry without consulting us."
Marco Moretti, Dante's uncle, scowled. "A journalist, no less. What were you thinking, Dante?"
Alessia Moretti, Dante's younger sister, smiled warmly. "Hi, Sophia! Welcome to the family!"
Elisabetta Moretti, Dante's mother, rose from her seat, elegant despite her obvious displeasure. "Let's not be rude. Sophia, welcome. Please, sit."
Nonna Rosa Moretti, Dante's grandmother, scrutinized Sophia. "You're not one of us. What makes you think you can handle our family's...business?"
Sophia stood tall, despite the hostility. "I love Dante, and I'm committed to our marriage."
Leonardo slammed his fist on the table. "Love? You don't even know us!"
Dante intervened, his voice firm. "Enough. Sophia is my wife, and she deserves respect."
Alessia whispered to Sophia, "Don't worry, I'm on your side."
Elisabetta placed a gentle hand on Sophia's shoulder. "We'll get through this. Together."
The tension lingered, a palpable divide between those who accepted Sophia and those who did not.
Dinner progressed awkwardly, conversations strained.
Marco sneered, "How did you ensnare Dante, Sophia? Was it for the Moretti name or our family's wealth?"
Sophia's eyes locked onto Marco's, steady. "I love Dante, not your family's status."
Nonna Rosa snorted, "Love? You're a journalist. You'll expose our secrets."
Alessia intervened, "Nonna, stop. Sophia's nice. Give her a chance."
Elisabetta shot Marco a warning glance. "Enough. We'll discuss this privately."
Leonardo's face darkened. "This isn't over, Dante. You've put our family at risk."
Dante stood, his voice commanding. "I've made my choice. Accept Sophia or lose me."
The room fell silent.
Leonardo slammed his fist on the table. "You were betrothed to Gabrielle, Dante! Our families' alliance—"
Dante interrupted, his voice firm. "I won't marry for politics, Father. Gabrielle deserves love, not a arranged marriage."
Marco sneered. "You're throwing away our family's future for some fleeting infatuation."
Dante's gaze hardened. "You know why I won't do it. Mother, you know."
Elisabetta's expression softened, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
Leonardo's face reddened. "Your mother and I—"
Dante cut him off. "Your marriage is a perfect example. Loveless, cold. I won't repeat that mistake."
Alessia whispered, "Dante's right. He deserves happiness."
Nonna Rosa shook her head. "Foolish boy. Duty comes first."
Gabrielle's name hung in the air, a reminder of the broken alliance.
Sophia's eyes met Dante's, a silent question.
Sophia rose from her seat, her voice calm. "Excuse me, I think I've heard enough."
She walked away, leaving the argument behind.
As she reached the foyer, the door swung open, and Gabrielle stepped in.
Gabrielle's eyes locked onto Sophia, icy. "You think you can replace me?"
Elisabetta appeared, her voice firm. "Gabrielle, dear, this isn't your concern. Sophia is Dante's wife."
Marco and Leonardo sided with Gabrielle, while Alessia and Nonna Rosa surprisingly stood by Elisabetta.
The family divided, tensions escalated.
Just as it seemed to boil over, Dante burst into the foyer.
"Sophia!" he exclaimed, rushing to her side.
To Gabrielle, he declared, "You were never more than a duty, Gabrielle. Sophia is my choice, my love."
Dante's gaze burned with intensity. "Sophia, you're my one and only. Forever."
The room fell silent.
Gabrielle's face twisted in anger. "This isn't over."
Dante's public display of affection surprised Sophia, but she played along, aware of the watching eyes.
Gabrielle's dramatic exit left an uncomfortable silence.
Elisabetta broke the tension. "Dante, dear, perhaps it's time to address the media. Control the narrative."
Dante nodded. "Agreed, Mother. Sophia and I will make a joint statement tomorrow."
Alessia whispered to Sophia, "You're doing great. Don't let Gabrielle get to you."
Sophia forced a smile, still uneasy about her new role.
As the evening drew to a close, Dante's family dispersed, their allegiances and agendas unclear.
In the privacy of their suite, Dante turned to Sophia.
"We need to maintain this facade, for now," he said, his voice low.
Sophia nodded, her eyes locked on his. "I understand. But what's our endgame?"
Dante's expression turned enigmatic. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
The silence between them grew, filled with unspoken questions and hidden motivations.
Sophia's gaze lingered on Dante's enigmatic expression. "And what about Gabrielle?"
Dante's jaw clenched. "She's a complication, but we'll handle her."
Sophia's thoughts whirled. What secrets lay beneath Dante's polished surface?
As they prepared for bed, Sophia's phone buzzed.
A text from an unknown number:
"You're playing with fire. Leave Dante before it's too late."
Sophia's heart skipped a beat.
"Dante, look at this," she said, her voice trembling.
Dante's eyes narrowed. "Who is this?"
Sophia shook her head. "Unknown number."
Dante's expression darkened. "I'll take care of it. You're safe with me."
Sophia's hands trembled as she showed Dante the text. "What if it's Gabrielle? Her father won't hesitate to harm me."
Dante's expression turned reassuring. "You're under my protection now. No one will harm you."
Sophia's anxiety lingered. "But think of the repercussions. Gabrielle's father is a powerful ally. I don't want to spark a war."
Dante's voice softened. "I'll handle it, Sophia. Trust me."
As the tension eased, an awkward silence crept in.
The family house's expectation hung over them: newlyweds sleeping together.
Dante gestured toward the bed. "We should get some rest."
Sophia nodded, her heart racing.
Awkwardly, they prepared for bed, avoiding eye contact.
As they lay side by side, Sophia felt Dante's warmth but couldn't shake off the unease.
"This is weird," Sophia whispered.
Dante chuckled softly. "Just pretend we're in love."
Sophia smiled wryly. "Easy for you to say."
Their bodies inches apart, the silence grew thicker.
Sophia's eyes fluttered open to find Dante's hand resting on her waist, his fingers gently curled around her. She froze, unsure how to react.
Dante stirred, his eyes snapping open with an energy Sophia hadn't seen before.
"Morning," he said, his voice vibrant.
Sophia cautiously removed his hand. "Good morning."
Dante sprang out of bed, stretching with an unbridled enthusiasm.
"You're... energetic," Sophia observed.
Dante grinned. "Best sleep I've had in years."
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
Dante's expression turned introspective. "Yeah. Wonder what changed."
Unaware of Dante's chronic insomnia, Sophia attributed his restful night to exhaustion.
As they began their morning routine, Sophia couldn't shake off the feeling of Dante's hand on her waist.
Dante watched Sophia get ready, her elegance captivating.
"She's not bad," he thought, surprised by his own admission.
But he quickly brushed it off, reminding himself of their arrangement.
Business, not pleasure.
As they headed downstairs, Sophia's poise and confidence commanded attention.
"You're quite the natural at this," Dante said, his tone light.
Sophia smiled wryly. "Acting's not new to me."
Their banter was interrupted by Elisabetta.
"Today's schedule: media conference, then a charity event."
Dante nodded. "Let's get this over with."
Sophia's eyes met his, a fleeting connection.
The media conference focused on addressing the controversy surrounding their surprise marriage, reaffirming the Moretti family's commitment to philanthropy and stability.
After the conference, Dante turned to Sophia.
"Let me drive you to work," he offered.
Sophia hesitated. "No, I'll take a cab."
Dante raised an eyebrow. "Sophia, we're married. It's a public image thing."
Sophia's resistance softened at his reminder.
"Right. Acting," she said, forcing a smile.
Dante's expression remained neutral. "Exactly. No need to get worked up."
Sophia nodded curtly. "Fine. You can drive me."
As they walked to the car, Dante's hand brushed against Sophia's, sending an unexpected spark.
He withdrew, focusing on the drive.
The tension between them was palpable.
Sophia broke the silence. "Dante, maybe we should... hold hands or something."
Dante's eyes flicked to hers. "Why?"
"To ease the tension. And it'll reassure people we're really married."
Dante's expression softened. "Makes sense."
He offered his hand, and Sophia took it, his warm fingers intertwining with hers.
The gesture felt surprisingly natural.
As they pulled up to Sophia's workplace, her coworkers stared.
Whispers erupted as Sophia exited the car, Dante's hand still holding hers.
"Wow, he's gorgeous!"
"Looks like they're really in love!"
"I heard it's a arranged marriage, but they seem perfect together!"
Sophia's colleagues ogled Dante, their envy palpable.
Dante smiled charmingly, waving at the onlookers.
Sophia's face flushed, playing along.
As Dante drove away, Sophia's phone buzzed with texts from coworkers.
"Spill the tea!"
"Is he as amazing as he seems?"
Sophia smiled, her fictional marriage suddenly feeling more real.
Sophia's day was filled with curious glances and whispered conversations. Her coworkers' fascination with Dante was palpable.
At lunch, Rachel, her best friend, cornered her. "I have to say, you two look amazing together. Your marriage is so convincing!"
Sophia rolled her eyes, smiling wryly. "You know the truth, Rach."
Rachel winked. "I do, but honestly, the way he looks at you? It's like he's really in love!"
Sophia chuckled. "Acting skills, that's all."
Rachel leaned in. "Well, you're selling it. I almost believe it myself!"
Sophia shook her head, laughing.
Meanwhile, Dante's day was consumed by business meetings and strategic planning.
During a conference call, Marco, his consigliere, whispered, "Gabrielle's father is getting restless. We need to reassure him our alliance remains solid."
Dante's expression turned grim. "I'll handle it."
As Dante arrived at Sophia's office, her coworkers' whispers intensified.
"Look at him! He's so gorgeous!"
"They're perfect together."
"I heard he's extremely wealthy."
Sophia's face flushed, playing along.
Dante offered his arm, and Sophia took it, smiling.
"Ready?" he asked.
Sophia nodded.
As they left the office, Rachel mouthed, "Call me later!"
Sophia nodded discreetly.
In the car, Dante asked, "Tired?"
Sophia nodded.
Dante's expression softened.
The drive home was quiet, Sophia's thoughts drifting.
Back at the Moretti estate, Elisabetta greeted them.
"Dinner will be served soon."
Sophia nodded.
As they entered the dining room, Marco and other family members awaited.
The evening promised politics and strategy.
As they sat down for dinner, Marco cleared his throat.
"Sophia, we need to discuss your family's... legacy."
Sophia's grip on her fork tightened.
Dante's eyes narrowed. "What's your point, Marco?"
Marco's tone turned condescending. "Her parents' dealings left... unfinished business. Vulnerabilities we can't ignore."
Sophia's face paled, memories resurfacing.
Dante intervened. "That's enough."
Uncle Roberto chimed in. "Dante, you can't shield her forever. She needs to understand—"
Dante's voice turned icy. "I said enough."
The room fell silent.
Sophia's eyes met Dante's, gratitude flickering.
Elisabetta attempted to diffuse the tension. "Let's focus on the present."
But the damage was done.
Sophia's emotions churned.
Dante stood, his voice firm. "Excuse us."
Sophia followed him, relief washing over her as they left the tense dinner table.
In their room, Dante turned to her. "I'm sorry about that."
Sophia's voice trembled. "They always bring up my parents."
Dante's expression softened. "You don't deserve that."
He stepped closer, his eyes locked on hers.
Sophia felt a lump form in her throat.
Dante's hand brushed hers, a gentle gesture.
"Tonight was too much," he said. "Let's just... rest."
Sophia nodded.
They undressed in silence, the tension dissipating.
In bed, Dante's arm wrapped around her, a comforting presence.
Sophia's eyelids closed, his warmth a balm to her frayed emotions.
The night ended sober, no pretenses.
Just two people seeking solace.