The Don’s Soulmate

48. Sofia

Chapter 48

Sofia

"Viktor," I say, my voice steady despite the sudden pounding in my chest. "What a surprise to see you here."

He leans against the wall outside my office, his dark eyes scrutinizing me as if he's trying to uncover some hidden secret. "Sofia, where do you keep disappearing to?" he asks, a trace of frustration in his voice. “We’ve hardly been meeting, and I’m just wondering if everything is alright.”

"Can't a woman have her secrets?" I tease, attempting to deflect his suspicions. My heart races at the thought of revealing Ettore and Carlotta's hideout to him. I know Viktor is harmless, but I can’t risk letting him know what I’ve been up to. He could accidentally let the information slip to someone dangerous.

"Come on, Sofia," Viktor insists, taking a step closer. "You know you can trust me. Has something… changed between us? You haven’t even been coming over."

I smile and touch his arm lightly, feigning nonchalance. "I appreciate your concern, but really, it's nothing for you to worry about. How about I come over tomorrow night? You can cook me that delicious stroganoff!" I say in a sweet, flirty tone. God, I hope he buys it.

“Why tomorrow?” he asks. “What are you doing tonight?”

“Got a ton of work,” I lie through my teeth. “The family business needs me. Father’s incapable of managing without my help.”

"Alright, if you say so," he says reluctantly, his gaze still weighing heavily on me.

Earlier that day, Ettore called me. The urgency in his voice was impossible to ignore. "Sofia, we need supplies, groceries, and prenatal vitamins for Carlotta," he said, his tone firm and resolute. I’ve done some research, and I believe she’s low on iron from how tired she’s been.”

"Of course," I replied without hesitation. "I'll take care of it. You two just focus on staying safe."

They mean too much to me to let anything happen to them. And while my heart flutters at the sight of Viktor, he can never understand what Ettore and Carlotta truly mean to me. The bond we share goes beyond anything I could ever have with him.

"Look, I've got to go," I tell Viktor with a forced smile, my heart racing as I grip the strap of my purse tightly. "I promised my father I'd help him with something for a meeting tomorrow."

"Alright," he agrees reluctantly, his gaze still full of concern. "Take care, Sofia."

"Will do," I reply, turning on my heel and walking away.

This secret feels like a heavy burden on my chest, but I know I'm doing what's right for Ettore and Carlotta.

My breath catches in my throat as I hurry toward the store. Time is of the essence, and I can't afford any delays. It’ll be getting late soon, and I want to reach the cottage in good time so I can spend the remainder of the evening with Carlotta.

While making my way through the busy streets, I know I must be careful not to raise suspicion. I glance around frequently, ensuring no one is following me or paying too much attention to my movements.

I race through the aisles of the grocery store, grabbing items off the shelves in a frenzy. Prenatal vitamins, organic fruits and vegetables, tons of berries and ice cream - all Carlotta's favorites. My hands shake as I load the bags into my car, thoughts swirling, the reality of Carlotta's pregnancy sinking in. It's almost unbelievable that there’ll be a baby soon, in the midst of this insane game of hide and seek.

I have to keep them safe and give this baby the best shot at a healthy future, especially considering how they asked me to be the godmother.

The moment I arrive at the safe house, my heart relaxes. The cottage stands unassuming amidst the dense forest.

"Carlotta, Ettore – it's me, Sofia," I call out softly as I knock on the door, not wanting to startle them.

Ettore's imposing frame fills the doorway. His ice blue eyes meet mine.

"Were you followed?" His voice is sharp and demanding.

"No. I was careful."

He nods, seeming to relax slightly as he helps with the bags. Inside, I find Carlotta resting on the sofa, her growing belly prominent under her flowing dress.

Her face lights up when she sees me. "Sofia! Come, sit."

She grasps my hands warmly as I join her. I glance at her belly in awe. "You must be over six months along now."

Carlotta beams, rubbing her stomach. "Yes, I feel the baby kick so often now. My little bambino." A shadow crosses her face. "I just wish..."

"You'll get through this," I squeeze her hand supportively. "We'll keep you both safe."

Ettore brings tea, his presence reassuring despite his brooding silence. We share this secret world, the three of us bound by trust to protect Carlotta and her unborn child.

But for how long?

I sip my tea, savoring the brief moment of respite with my friends. But the weight of our predicament hangs over us.

"Have there been any new developments?" Ettore finally asks.

My jaw tightens. "Carlotta’s father's men are still scouring the city for us. Ugo is, too."

Carlotta shudders, one hand protectively covering her belly.

"If they ever find out you're helping us, Sofia," Ettore adds grimly. "You'll be punished severely if discovered."

My breath catches but I lift my chin. "I knew the risks. You'd do the same for me."

Ettore studies me, his ice blue eyes unreadable. But I know I’ve won his loyalty for life.

"We're so grateful, Sofia." Carlotta squeezes my hand, her green eyes glistening. "I don't know what we'd do without you."

I manage a smile despite the unease twisting my stomach. "That's what friends are for. I'll always be here for you, both of you."

Ettore turns away, his broad shoulders tensed. Carlotta leans into me, her belly pressing against my side. For now, we have each other. No matter what, I won't abandon them.

A sudden explosion shatters the window behind us. Carlotta screams as glass rains over us. Ettore whips around, shock etched on his stony face. My heart pounds wildly.

I throw my body over Carlotta, shielding her protruding belly from the shattering glass. She trembles against me, letting out frightened whimpers.

"Get down!" Ettore barks.

We huddle on the floor as more bullets pierce the cottage, splintering the furniture. Ettore crawls to the window, cautiously peering out.

"I can’t see anyone," he reports tersely.

My mind races. How many men are there? Where are they hiding? How did they find us way out here? What do we do now? “I thought I wasn’t followed,” I whisper.

Carlotta grips my hand, her nails digging into my skin. "The baby...we have to get out of here," she cries.