Take me home
1336 Words
Gia POV
Gia stared at herself in the mirror—braiding her hair—while Sophia played with Luca in the background. She could hear their laughter floating towards her through the hallway.
What was she doing? What the hell was she doing? She asked herself as she smoothed down her dress. This was dangerous. If Leonardo ever found out… well… Gia tugged the sleeve of her dress lower, hiding the dark bloom spreading across her forearm.
He had never outright slapped her or anything, but when he got angry, he was rougher, his fingers tighter, causing a bruise every now and then. She knew it was wrong, but luckily, it was only her. Luca didn’t need to fear him.
But she was terrified of what he would do if he ever found out what she’d been up to. That’s where Sophia came into play. She just didn’t know it yet.
On schedule, her phone rang. Leo.
She took a moment to collect herself, before answering. “Leo, hello,” she put on a fake smile. He always said smiles could be heard through the phone, and he hated it when he couldn’t hear hers.
“Amore, how are you doing today?” His voice was smooth, loving almost.
“I’m fine, thank you. How is your day going?” she asked.
“You know, just boring business. I wish I was home with you and Luca,” he sighed dramatically.
“…Leo, I’m lonely… come shower with me…” Gia clearly heard a woman’s voice in the background.
Leo started coughing to try and cover it, but she’d clearly heard, making her feel much better about her own decision to see Dante tonight.
When they were only just married, Gia would get angry, and demand to know who was with him, but now… she just felt numb. She was used to it. It was nothing new.
“I hope you come home soon. I miss you too.” She said, her hands balling to fists. No, she didn’t love him, but it still hurt that other women got the charming Leo, while she….
“What are your plans for tonight?” Marco had every Saturday off. Normally, it wouldn’t be a problem, since Leonardo was always home on the weekends. Finally, Gia had some freedom.
“I invited Sophia over. We’re just having a girls' night. You know, masks and braiding hair and stuff,” she chuckled.
“Oh, that’s nice. Give her my love. I have to go now. I’ll see you soon. Love you.”
“I love you too,” she ended the call.
“We’re having a girls' night in, huh?” Sophia asked, popping up behind her. Gia startled, feeling guilty for using her friend like this.
“It’s not what you think, it’s just a charity thing and—”
“Then why are you shaking?” Sophia asked, looking at Gia’s trembling hands. “Tell me the truth, Gia. We’ve been best friends for years.”
Gia’s throat tightened. She tried to busy her hands with her purse, smoothing invisible wrinkles, pretending she didn’t hear the tremble in her own voice.
Sophia crossed her arms.
"You’re shaking," she said again, her voice soft — but there was steel underneath. "You’re lying to me. And I think I know why."
Gia flinched.
Sophia wasn’t cruel. She wasn’t trying to hurt her. But the words still landed like a slap.
"You’re going to him, aren’t you?" Sophia asked, more accusation than question. Gia swallowed and slowly nodded.
Sophia let out a harsh breath, dragging her hands through her hair.
"I knew it. When you told me you saw him last week…Gia. He’s married. To another woman. You know this. And Leo…he saved you. Gave you a life."
"I know," Gia whispered. She’d never told Sophia what kind of person Leo had become after they got married—she couldn’t. She was too ashamed.
"And he broke your heart once. I was there. I watched you fall apart."
Gia closed her eyes, the memory slicing through her. She had fallen apart. And Sophia had picked up the pieces.
"I’m not stupid, Soph," Gia said, her voice shaking. "I know what I’m doing."
"Do you?" Sophia snapped — then caught herself. She exhaled slowly, pain flashing across her face. "I’m sorry. I just... I love you. And I hate watching you get hurt again."
Gia bit her lip so hard she tasted blood. "I’m not expecting anything. It’s just dinner. Just... closure."
Sophia stared at her for a long moment — searching her face, looking for any cracks. Gia prayed she wouldn’t find the truth buried there. That it wasn’t just dinner. That it was hope. Stupid, reckless hope.
Finally, Sophia shook her head. "I don’t agree. And I think you’re making a mistake."
Gia’s heart sank. But before she could speak, Sophia stepped forward, pulling her into a tight hug.
"But I’m not going to stop you," she whispered fiercely. "Just... be careful. Please, Gia. Promise me you’ll be careful."
Gia nodded against her shoulder, blinking back tears. "I promise."
She told Sophia she’d be back by midnight, before sneaking out of the gate and into the waiting Uber. Gia had deliberately left her phone behind. It was risky, but she wasn’t sure if Leo was tracking her-and she knew she’d be safe with Dante.
After getting into Dante’s car, they drove to the beach house in silence, each passing minute feeding into Gia’s guilt.
Why was she doing this? This was stupid.
Suddenly, Dante pulled open her door, holding out his hand for her to take. “This isn’t a date, Dante,” Gia snapped, taking his hand anyway.
“I know,” he nodded, before leading her inside. He’d already set up everything. There was even a chef inside.
“Dinner’s ready,” the chef smiled. "Dessert’s in the fridge. I’ll leave you to it,” he winked, thinking he was leaving a happy couple alone.
Dante pulled out her chair, and Gia reluctantly sat, before he placed a dish in front of her.
“Why are you doing this? This isn’t a pleasure meeting. It’s closure,” she said, with a tremble to her voice.
“I want to talk about Luca,” Dante said.
“What about him?” Gia defiantly asked, putting down her fork. He was not stealing her baby.
“I—Did you know, the night we got married. Did you know that you were pregnant?” he asked softly.
Gia was surprised at his tone. “Yes. I was waiting for the right time to tell you, but then Isabella showed up and…”
Dante sighed and closed his eyes as if he was in pain. Watching him like that—was making her angry. Was he playing the victim here?
“You should have told me—I would have—”
“You would have what? Moved her into our house so we could all live together like one happy family?” she sneered. “they were demanding you marry her—”
“I would have said no! I would have fought for us!” Dante slammed his hand on the table, causing Gia to flinch.
“You should have fought for us regardless! But you just stayed silent and married her. And now you have this happy family with your daughter and—”
“I’m not happy, I’m surviving,” Dante countered.
“Poor you! poor Dante! Your life is so hard. Do you even know what my life is like?! Leo….he’s—” Gia closed her mouth, swallowing her words.
Dante’s eyes darkened, “He’s what? Tell me...”
“This was a mistake. Take me home,” she demanded, standing up from the table.
Dante stood frozen for a second, staring at her like she’d just ripped his heart out. But he didn’t argue. He just grabbed his keys and headed for the door.
- Writer
