The lawyer, a short, balding man with a perpetually moist mouth, slapped a black file on the table, its contents splayed out like a challenge. His beady eyes locked onto Sofia, his voice dripping with gravity. "You'll be signing a non-disclosure agreement, Miss...?"
"Sofia," she supplied, her eyes never leaving his face.
"Ah, yes. Well, Sofia, this NDA is ironclad. You're not allowed to breathe a word about this contract to anyone, no matter how trivial it may seem. If you do, you'll be liable for a fine of $10 million. No exceptions."
Sofia's eyes widened, but she flashed a playful smile. "Don't worry, I'm a vault. In tenth grade, my best friend confided in me about a certain illicit affair with a teacher. That secret's going to the grave with me."
The lawyer's expression remained stern, but Dominic's piercing gaze bore into her, his eyes seeming to say, "This isn't a game, Sofia." She giggled, a nervous habit, but quickly sobered up. "I'm joking, of course."
Dominic leaned in, his voice low and even. "This isn't a joke, Sofia. There are people risking a lot for this plan to succeed. We need your discretion."
Sofia's sarcasm was palpable. "Yes, sir. I'll be sure to keep my lips sealed."
The lawyer hesitated, glancing at Dominic, who shrugged. "Very well," the lawyer said, handing her a blue file. "Take your time to review the document. We'll wait for your response."
Sofia took the file, her eyes scanning the pages as she stood up. "I'll be in touch soon." With that, she turned and left the room, leaving the two men to their serious faces and weighty secrets.
Sofia entered the kitchen, her senses heightened as she felt the gaze of the men in the room upon her. She walked towards the refrigerator, her heels clicking on the marble floor.
The kitchen was a hive of activity, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filling the air. The room was filled with members of the mafia, their tattoos and rugged features a testament to their affiliation. The atmosphere was lively, with laughter and conversation flowing freely.
Sofia's eyes scanned the room, taking in the scene before her. A group of men stood by the counter, their eyes fixed on her with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Two girls, one with long, curly hair and a kind smile, the other with a pixie cut and a mischievous glint in her eye, made their way towards her.
"Hey, I'm Isabella," the curly-haired girl said, extending a hand. "And I'm Gianna," the pixie-cut girl added, her eyes sparkling with friendliness.
Sofia shook their hands, feeling a sense of warmth wash over her. "Sofia," she replied, her voice firm.
The girls exchanged a glance, their smiles faltering for a moment before they regained their composure. "Welcome to the family, Sofia," Isabella said, her voice dripping with sweetness.
As they chatted, Sofia's eyes wandered around the kitchen, taking in the sights and sounds. The room was filled with the hum of conversation, the clinking of dishes, and the occasional burst of laughter. It was a scene she had never imagined herself in, and yet, here she was, surrounded by members of the mafia. Surprisingly they all seemed like a family, the sort of family she never had.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out to her, "Sofi." Only her closest friends and family used that pet name, and her heart skipped a beat as she turned to face the speaker.
A tall, tan figure approached her, his brown eyes locking onto hers with a hint of nervousness. As he drew closer, Sofia's mind raced with memories of their past. It was Eric, her former best friend, who had vanished without a trace four years ago. His smile was still endearingly awkward, but his eyes now held a hint of hardness, a testament to the life he had lived since their separation.
They sat across from each other at a white table in the garden, surrounded by the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the chirping of birds. Sofia's eyes searched Eric's face, seeking answers for the years of silence. "You look great," Eric said, his voice tinged with a hint of shyness. "And you look very different," Sofia replied, her tone laced with a mix of emotions.
"you must be very confused seeing me here"
"no not at all, this is the most normal thing ever. In fact, when I knew i was going to get into an agreed marraige with a mafia boss, i also knew my long lost best friend was going to to be casually in the said mafia boss's house. Everything is perfectly normal" she said sharply.
Eric's smile faltered, and he nodded, "I know I owe you an explanation, Sofi. I couldn't tell you... I couldn't tell anyone." Sofia's anger and hurt simmered just below the surface, but she took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm herself. "We told each other everything, Eric. Everything," she emphasized, her voice cracking.
"I'm sorry. I couldn't tell you this one" he said apologetically.
As Sofia struggled to process her emotions, Eric's words hung in the air like a challenge. She couldn't reconcile the Eric she knew with the man sitting before her, his grey shirt stretching across his broad shoulders, his eyes hardened by the life he had chosen. This Eric was a stranger, and Sofia wasn't sure if she wanted to rekindle their friendship or protect herself from the pain he had once caused her.
"Did you know he wanted me to be part of this deal?" Sofia asked, her voice laced with disbelief.
Eric nodded, his eyes locked onto hers. "Yes, I did."
Sofia's heart sank, feeling betrayed by Eric's knowledge of the situation. The Eric she once knew would never have let her walk into harm's way without warning her. But this Eric, the one sitting in front of her, seemed different.
As if sensing her distress, Eric added, "Dom isn't what the public thinks he is, Sofia. He's not a bad person. In fact, I suggested you to him."
Sofia's eyes widened in surprise. "Why would you do that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Eric leaned in, taking her hand in his, but Sofia quickly pulled it away. "Sofia, I've thought of you every day since I left. When Dom and I came up with this plan, I knew it was the perfect opportunity for you. I know you, Sofia. You're not made for that small-town life, working at that diner, putting up with your father. You'll make enough money from this deal to finally create the life you want."
Sofia's expression softened, seeing the sincerity in Eric's eyes. She realized he wouldn't put her in harm's way, but her anger and hurt from the past still lingered. There was also a hint of annoyance, a feeling she couldn't quite understand yet.