There was Dante
1107 Words
Chapter Four
Sophia’s POV
“Are you switching from Santa to a clown?” I said a little too quickly, turning away from him. “Because it’s not funny.”
Dante smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. He stepped back with a sigh tucking his hand in his back pocket. “Can I see Mona before I go?”
I regained my composure, running my hands over my coat. “Uhm..sure..”
“One sec.” He held up his index finger, winking at me before heading downstairs.
Once he was gone, I dropped my face in my palms, letting out a muffled groan as the image of his lips resurfaced in my mind.
It was just like the first night we spent here.
Was he really going to kiss me?
And why did I think of letting him?
Why does he keep showing up around me?
These were the questions that plagued my mind, but as Dante came to view once again, they merged into one.
How could he smile so easily after everything that happened between us?
“I got her a present,” he showed me a beautifully wrapped box, “I didn’t lie about delivering late gifts. You’re leaving first thing tomorrow right?”
I swallowed hard, “Yeah I am.”
Why did that feel so heavy to say?
“I heard about what happened at the wedding,” Dante started, his brows furrowing in worry. “It’s not your fault Sophia.”
“Well,” I turned so he wouldn’t see my expression, swiping the room card against the door’s lock. “Caroline and ninety-nine others would disagree.”
“No offense but Caroline is an asshole.”
His response caught me off, guard.
I burst into laughter, throwing my head back as tears pricked my eyes.
“None taken,” I said between laughter, shaking my head at him. For the first time in a while, I felt the tension ease off my shoulders, and the air didn’t feel suffocating.
Although it was for a brief moment, I forgot about the fact that this trip was nothing but a disaster.
Once I caught my breath, I paused, feeling Dante’s unwavering gaze. It was like he was memorizing my every move. Or maybe he noticed the difference between the girl he loved and me.
The girl who was no longer me.
“Sophia—”
“Mommy?”
Mona peeked from the sheets of the bed, drowsily rubbing her eyes, “Is that you?”
Dante stepped forward before I could say anything, whispering to her.
“It’s Santa.” He sat beside her, using the gift box to block his face. “And he got your gift.”
“Santa?” Excitement budded in Mona’s voice, but she was still sleepy.
“Yes it’s me, but you can open your gift tomorrow. Santa would be sure to remember you.” He responded, fondly ruffling her hair.
Mona smiled as she settled against the bed, then Dante gently placed the box by her side. She was already falling back to sleep, but just as he moved to her, she reached out and grabbed his pinky.
“Thank you Santa.” She mumbled, her eyes fluttering close. “Can you give my mommy a gift too?….she’s…..been really…sad…”
My eyes widened, taken aback by her statement. I thought I did my best to hide my true emotions around her. I was an actress for crying out loud, but I guess even I couldn’t evade the sharp perception of a young child.
She was my daughter after all.
Mona fell silent, her breathing even as she succumbed to sleep.
Dante straightened up, and a few seconds of awkward silence passed between us.
“I’ll get going now.” He spoke first, offering me a bittersweet smile. “It was nice seeing you again Sophia.”
I stood there, even as he brushed past me. He didn’t stop to look back, didn’t ask any questions, hell he didn’t even blame me, and for some reason I wished he did.
Ever since he picked me up that night in the snow, I expected him to do something. To say something, but he was his usual self. Kind. Gentle. Playful.
He didn’t demand an explanation, nor did he crucify me for breaking his heart.
And in a world where everyone gave while expecting something in return.
There was Dante.
Who gave wholeheartedly without reward.
In that moment, watching him leave tugged at something inside me, a part of me I buried six years ago.
My body moved on its own, and I wrapped my arms around his waist, burying my face in his back.
“Don’t go.” My voice was small, but I knew he heard.
I felt him stiffen, frozen in place with his hand hovering against the doorknob.
Taking a deep breath, I braced myself for what I was about to say next.
“Don’t you hate me? Shouldn’t you hate me?” I asked, genuinely curious.
Another beat of silence passed and I was beginning to regret acting impulsively, but then he spoke.
“Maybe I should,”
My heart hammered in my chest.
Slowly, Dante turned to me.
I wanted to pull away, but a gasp rippled from my throat as his hands curled around my waist, keeping me flush against his chest.
I unconsciously held my breath as his free hand slid from my waist, moving to gently grasp my chin, making sure I don’t avoid his gaze.
His green eyes were deep, glimmering with a sadness that rushed out like water from a broken dam. Like he had been holding back all this time
“You left me at my lowest, went on to chase your dreams, became a renowned actress, got married, and had a daughter,” He whispered, his voice heavy with emotion.
Guilt sank its claws into my heart, and I couldn’t bring myself to say anything.
He was right. But instead of letting me go, he held on a little tighter.
His forehead rests on my mine, and I let out a shaky breath.
“But even still, I cheered you on, thinking you got your happy ending even if it wasn’t with me…”
“Dante…” Tears burned my eyes, but he didn’t stop.
“I would have been satisfied with watching from the sidelines, but now I realize…..You were far from happy.”
Suddenly, his gaze sharpened, flickering with something dangerous.
“But I won’t sit still anymore.”
Before I could comprehend what he meant. His lips crashed against mine.
- Writer
