Page 110 of The Don's Soulmate

I hold my breath, waiting for him to continue.

"I think," Viktor says, "that Carlotta and Ettore planned this together. I think they've run away."

My mind races. Is this a trap? Or does Viktor genuinely believe this version of events? I force a look of stunned realization onto my face. "You...you really think so?"

Viktor nods, looking almost relieved. "It makes sense. Carlotta escaping a loveless arranged marriage with the man she truly loves?"

I bite my lip, torn between the urge to defend Carlotta and the need to maintain my cover. "I... I suppose it's possible," I concede, my voice barely above a whisper.

As Viktor continues to explain his theory, I can't shake the growing unease in the pit of my stomach. How much does he really know? And, more importantly, whose side is he truly on?

“And so,” Viktor finishes. “I think they did the right thing. It is better for her to be happy with a man who will treat her right than to be wed to Ugo Caputo. Kudos to her if they did run away together.”

Viktor's compassion for Carlotta's situation seems genuine, and I find myself wavering. Could I have misjudged him? His dark eyes hold mine, filled with what’s clearly a sincere concern.

"I can't imagine how worried you must be for Carlotta," he says softly, reaching across the table to take my hand. His touch sends an unexpected jolt through me. "But if I'm right, she's safe with Ettore. He'll protect her."

I swallow hard, torn between my instinct to trust Viktor and the nagging voice of caution. "You really think so?" I ask, allowing a hint of hope to color my voice.

Viktor nods earnestly. "I do. Ettore is a good man from what I’ve heard, despite what others might say. And he clearly loves Carlotta."

My heart races as I consider confiding in him. Maybe, just maybe, he could help ensure Carlotta's safety and help me get them out of the country. I open my mouth, on the verge of revealing everything, when a sharp buzzing cuts through the air.

Viktor's phone vibrates on the table, and the screen lights up. My blood runs cold as I catch a glimpse of the caller ID: Ugo Caputo.

"I'm sorry," Viktor says, reaching for the phone. "I should take this."

I force a smile, but inside, my suspicions flare to life with a force unlike anything before. My intuition now yells at me to shut the hell up. Get out of here.

It all comes back to me. All this time, Viktor has wanted to know about Carlotta. Was this theory his or one he already knew? Is he working with Ugo Caputo?

Holy shit. He’s working with Ugo Caputo. That’s the only reason he’s calling Viktor. This man I’ve been seeing is only close to me because he wants information on my best friend.

My heart breaks at having been used, but there’s no time for tears. Things could get dangerous, real fast. I need to leave asap.

I feel my pulse quicken as Viktor silences the call and puts the phone on the table face down. Pushing down the panic rising in my throat, I plaster on my most charming smile.

"Oh, don't worry about it," I say, waving my hand dismissively. "Actually, I should probably get going. It's getting late, and I have an early meeting tomorrow."

I rise from my chair, smoothing out my dress. "Thank you for dinner, Viktor. It was lovely."

Viktor's brow furrows, a flicker of something – disappointment? frustration? – crossing his face. "Are you sure? We haven’t even finished our meal."

"I'm sure," I reply, edging towards the door. My instincts are screaming at me to leave, but I force myself to move casually. "We'll catch up again soon, I promise."

As I reach for my purse, Viktor stands abruptly. "Sofia, wait-"

I turn, my guard up, ready to make a dash for the exit if needed. But I'm not prepared for what comes next.

In a blur of motion, Viktor's hand swings towards me. There's a sickening crack, and pain explodes through my skull. The world tilts sideways, darkness creeping in at the edges of my vision.

My last conscious thought is of Carlotta. I've failed her. As I crumple to the floor, I pray to whatever gods might be listening that she remains safe, even if I can't protect her anymore.

Then, mercifully, everything goes black.

Chapter 54

Sofia

---