Page 54 of The Don's Soulmate

"Remember when we used to sneak out and explore the city at night?" I ask wistfully, my voice tinged with frustration. "We were fearless back then."

Sofia grins, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And always up for an adventure," she adds. “It wasn’t so long ago though, you know?” she says, gently.

"Ugh, I miss that life so much, Sofia. It’s getting harder and harder to remember who I used to be. How free I felt. All this time cooped up in here..." My voice trails off, and I heave a sigh. "I just want to be free again, you know? To live my life without all these restrictions. But sometimes, it feels like that part of my life is dead to me… forever."

"I know," she says gently, placing a comforting hand on mine. "But don't worry, Carlotta. We'll find a way back to that freedom, I promise."

“How?” I ask, feeling a surge of rage at the world’s endless lies. “How can you promise? Ugo Caputo could imprison me for life. I’d be his wife, his property. God knows my father won’t come to my aid. And you, Sofia? You could spend the rest of your life searching for me and never find where they keep me.”

Sofia goes quiet, trying to process my words. Before she can say anything, there's a sudden knock on the door and it swings open, revealing Ugo Caputo, his bulky frame filling the doorway. A cold shiver runs down my spine as I take in his presence, my instincts screaming at me to be cautious.

"Ah, there you two are," he announces, his voice dripping with false charm. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything too important."

"Actually, my brother just called Sof—" I begin, afraid he’d get angry and make my life a worse hell than before at seeing Sofia here, but he cuts me off.

"Never mind that," he says dismissively. "I wanted to talk to you both about something. You see, I've arranged a little outing for the two of you. A chance for you to catch up and have some fun together. After all, I can’t bear the thought of my dear future wife not enjoying the time leading up to her wedding…"he gives me a long, lingering look with a creepy smile plastered across his face.

"Really?" Sofia asks, her curiosity piqued. I can tell she's trying to discern his motives, just as I am. My mind is running with a million thoughts. Time leading up the wedding? When will it be? Dare I ask?

"Of course," Ugo replies, his oily smile never leaving his face, his chin tripling down as he peers at us from where he stands. "I know how much you two have missed each other, and I thought it would be a nice treat." As he speaks, I can't shake the feeling that there's something more to his actions than meets the eye.

"Thank you, Ugo," Sofia says, her voice cautious but polite. "We appreciate it."

"Think nothing of it," he replies with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Just enjoy yourselves tonight."

As he leaves the room, I feel a growing sense of unease. While the prospect of a night out with Sofia is undeniably appealing, I can't help but wonder what Ugo Caputo's true intentions are. What does he stand to gain by allowing us this momentary freedom? And more importantly, what price might we have to pay in return?

Be careful, Carlotta. Be very careful.

But I don’t question it; a taste of freedom is too rare an opportunity to pass up.***

As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of deep red and purple, Sofia and I stand before the mirror in my bedroom, excitement bubbling within us like champagne. The anticipation of our night out together can’t be contained, a welcome escape from the room that has held me captive for so long.

"Remember when we bought this dress in Milan?" I ask Sofia as I zip up the back of her slinky, sequined dress.

"Of course! Those were some fun trips," she replies with a wicked grin, her eyes sparkling in the soft light. "Tonight's going to be just like old times."

"I hope so," I say, my heart racing at the thought of freedom, even if only for a few hours. My hands shake slightly as I adjust the straps of my own form-fitting black dress, a daring choice for me usually, but one I wanted tonight for myself.

"Carlotta, you look stunning," Sofia reassures me, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "It's been far too long since you've let your hair down."

"Thank you," I whisper, feeling a sense of gratitude swell within me. "I couldn't have done this without you. You truly are my best friend."

We’re dressed when my father appears in the doorway, his stern gaze scanning both of us. The air in the room grows heavy with tension, and for a moment, I'm certain he's going to deny us permission to leave.

"Ugo informed me of your plans for tonight," he says, his voice low and measured. "He claims it's his way of showing his love for you, Carlotta. I was against letting you out, but he insisted it’s his call as your fiancé and so, I had no choice."

I struggle to suppress my skepticism, knowing full well that Ugo Caputo's ‘love’ comes with strings attached. Nevertheless, I nod, accepting my father's words for now.

"Very well," he continues, his tone softening slightly. "You may go, but be careful. And remember, you represent our family's honor. Any trouble tonight, and the consequences would be harsher than any you’ve had so far."

"Thank you, Papa," I reply, my voice filled with both surprise and gratitude. “I promise there won’t be any trouble.” And I mean it. There’s only one person who brings trouble: Ettore Mancini. And after how he abandoned me on an empty street, there’s no way he’s coming back into my life.

Sofia and I slip past him and out of the house. I have one last fleeting thought of Ugo, wondering what he’s playing at by showing me this kindness. But for now, I push those thoughts aside, choosing instead to focus on the freedom that lies just ahead.

"Let's make tonight one for the books, Carlotta," Sofia whispers as we make our way through the streets in a speeding car, ready to paint the town red.

The door to the bar opens, and a wave of laughter, conversation, and music washes over us. My heart races with excitement as Sofia and I step inside, our eyes taking in the lively crowd and vibrant atmosphere. It feels like an entirely different world compared to the one I’ve inhabited for almost two months.

---