25. Sofia

25

SOFIA

M y phone buzzes, and I see a text from Edie.

Hey, Fee! Bad news —baby decided to come early. Renovations will have to be on pause till I’m back from maternity leave. Sorry!

I sigh, texting back.

No worries, Edie. Take care of yourself and that little one. Congrats!

I stare at my phone for a moment, then make a decision. I need to see Perfezione for myself.

As I approach the shop, the familiar fa?ade looks strange with scaffolding around it. I unlock the door, stepping into a space that’s both familiar and alien.

The interior is in the early stages of renovation. Plastic sheets cover what remains of the old fixtures. The walls are stripped bare, exposing the bones of the building. Piles of construction materials—wood, drywall, paint cans—are scattered around.

I run my hand along a partially rebuilt counter, sawdust coating my fingers. The air smells of fresh paint and wood shavings, a far cry from the comforting scents of fabric and leather I’m used to.

In one corner, I can see where Edie started working on the new display area. It’s just a frame now, but I can almost imagine how it will look when it’s finished.

As I wander through the space, memories flood back. Lou taking her first steps right where that pile of lumber now sits. Zip teaching me how to use his old shears at what used to be the cutting table. The countless fittings, the laughter, the sense of community we built here.

But darker memories intrude. Jonah and James’s bodies on the floor. The terror I felt when Gino threatened us. The weight of the secret I now carry, both figuratively and literally, as my hand unconsciously moves to my still-flat stomach.

I lean against a half-finished wall, suddenly overwhelmed. Is this even worth fighting for anymore? So much has happened, so much pain and fear centered in this place. I killed a man here. Too many people have died because of this shop.

But then I remember the good times. The pride on a client’s face when they saw themselves in a perfectly fitted suit. The joy of creating something beautiful with my own hands. The sense of carrying on Zip’s legacy. Helping those who are down on their luck.

I’m torn, caught between the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future. Part of me wants to walk away, to start fresh somewhere new, somewhere without all this baggage.

Maybe I could sell Perfezione, use the money to start fresh somewhere new with Lou. Somewhere far from all this danger and drama.

But as quickly as the thought comes, I dismiss it. Gino would know if I tried to sell. He’d make my life hell, especially if the Timpones technically own the property. No, selling isn’t an option.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. There’s the money in the safe, enough to get Lou and me out of here. We could disappear, start over somewhere Gino can’t find us.

But what about Zip? I’d be leaving him high and dry. Then again, with Cher suddenly playing the caring daughter… maybe he’d understand. Maybe he’d want us to be safe, even if it meant leaving him behind.

And Lou… she’d be upset, sure, and God knows she’s been pissed enough at me recently. But she’s tough. Resilient. She’d adapt to a new place, make new friends. Change can be good, right?

I place a hand on my stomach again, thinking of the new life growing inside me. Don’t I owe it to this baby to give it the best, safest start possible?

But as I look around the shop, at the bones of what we’re re-building here, I feel a pang of regret. This place has been my home, my livelihood, for so long. Can I really walk away from it all?

The weight of the decision presses down on me. Stay and fight for what we’ve built, risking everything in the process? Or run, start fresh, but leave behind everything and everyone we love?

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. Whatever I decide, I know one thing for certain. I need to talk to Angelo. He deserves to know about the baby, and maybe… maybe together, we can figure out what to do next.

This is too much for me right now. I’m too tired and nauseous to make any decisions. I forgot how fucking awful the first trimester can be.

Sighing, I start to get ready to leave when I hear the bell chime. My heart leaps into my throat. No one else should be here.

I look up, and my blood runs cold. Gino stands in the doorway, a cruel smile playing on his lips. He looks immaculate in his tailored suit, but his eyes are cold and predatory.

“Well, well,” he drawls, stepping inside. “If it isn’t the lovely Sofia. How fitting to find you here.”

I back away, my hand instinctively moving to protect my stomach. “Gino, what are you doing here?”

He chuckles, a sound that sends shivers down my spine. "Just checking on my property. You know, the scene of the crime. Tell me, Sofia, do you still see Jonah’s face when you close your eyes?”

My breath catches.

“I don’t know what you're talking about,” I manage to say, my voice shaking.

Gino's smile widens. “Oh, I think you do. You’ve been a very naughty girl, Sofia. And now it’s time to face the consequences.”

I glance around frantically, looking for an escape route. The half-finished renovations that had seemed so promising just moments ago now feel like a trap closing in around me.

“Stay away from me,” I warn, trying to inject strength into my voice. But even to my own ears, it sounds weak and frightened.

Gino takes another step forward, his eyes never leaving mine. “You know, I’ve always admired your spirit, Sofia. So similar to your mother’s. It’s no wonder my father fell for her. But it’s a shame you chose the wrong side in this little war of ours.”

I edge toward the back of the shop, hoping to make it to the rear exit. “There are no sides, Gino. I just want to be left alone.”

He laughs, the sound echoing off the bare walls. “Oh, but that's where you’re wrong . You made your choice the moment you allowed Angelo Pirelli to get involved. And now… now you’ll have to pay the price.”

I turn to run, but Gino is faster. His arm wraps around me, and I feel something press against my mouth. The world starts to spin.

“Shh,” Gino whispers in my ear, his lips grazing my flesh. “Don’t fight it. We have so much to discuss.”

As darkness closes in, my last thoughts are a jumble of fear and regret. Angelo, Lou, the baby… I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.

Then everything goes black.

I come to slowly, my head pounding. The room is dimly lit, bare concrete walls surrounding me. A single bulb dangles from the ceiling, casting harsh shadows. I’m tied to a chair, the ropes biting into my wrists.

Panic threatens to overwhelm me, but I force it down. Stay calm , I tell myself. Panic won’t help .

I take deep breaths, trying to work the ropes, but they only burn my skin.

“I wouldn’t bother if I were you,” a sly voice says.

I jerk my head up to see Gino leaning against the wall, a smug grin on his face.

Anger surges through me, pushing aside the fear. “You fucking bastard” I spit out. “You’re a sad, pathetic, pitiful excuse for a man.”

Gino’s grin falters. “Shut up,” he warns.

But I can’t stop. I won’t stop. I’m tired of being scared and always being on the defensive. Gino tried to ruin my life, and I won’t let him anymore. “You’re a goddamn coward, Gino. A pathetic, small man trying to play at being powerful. You waited until your father was dead before you started swinging your dick around. Why was that? Because you knew your father had actual power. You’re just a cheap imitation.”

“I said shut up!” Gino snarls, his face contorting with rage.

“Or what?” I challenge. “You’ll kill me? Go ahead. It’ll be the last thing you ever do. But you’ll never be as good a Don as your father was, as Angelo is?—”

Suddenly, a figure emerges from the shadows. Before I can react, they slap a piece of duct tape over my mouth.

I scream in frustration, but it comes out muffled and weak.

Gino’s smug smile returns. “That’s better. Now that you’re finally quiet, we can let the real party begin.” He nods to the figure who taped my mouth. “Let them in.”

The door opens, and my heart stops. Angelo walks in, followed by Romero pointing a gun at Gino.

No , I think desperately. No, no, no.

As they approach, their faces grim, I realize with growing horror that this nightmare is far from over.

In fact, it might just be beginning.

Angelo’s eyes flick to me, his mouth tightening almost imperceptibly before he turns back to Gino.

“You’re so goddamn predictable, Gino,” Angelo sighs, shaking his head. “I knew you’d try something like this, ever since you boasted that you’ve had eyes on Perfezione. That’s why I had my contractor send Fee that fake text. To make sure she’d be at Perfezione.”

My eyes widen in shock, and my heart plummets all the way to my goddamn shoes. Angelo manipulated me? He used me as bait? I feel a surge of betrayal, unable to voice my hurt through the tape.

Even Gino looks taken aback for a moment before his face contorts with rage. “You think you’re so clever, don’t you, Pirelli?” he snarls. “But you’re forgetting one thing. I’m the one holding all the cards here.”

Angelo’s laugh is cold and humorless. “Are you? Look around, Gino. You’re outgunned and outmaneuvered. It’s over.”

Gino’s eyes narrow dangerously. “Nothing’s over until I say it is. You’re going to give me everything I want. Perfezione, your cars, and Fucina. Or else…”

“Or else what?” Angelo challenges, his voice deadly calm. “You’ll kill Fee? Go ahead. Try it. See what happens. See, Romero has done some digging, and we found something so interesting. Does the name Mama Rosa’s ring a bell?”

Gino’s face goes white and Angelo smirks. “I think it does.”

Angelo continues, his voice deceptively light. “We had a nice chat with the chef there. Interesting guy. Had some very interesting things to say.”

The color drains from Gino’s face, fear flickering in his eyes for the first time since this confrontation began.

Angelo’s laugh is cold, humorless. “That’s right. We know all about how you poisoned your father.”

“Be a shame if La Familia found out,” Romero adds, adjusting his stance, his gun never wavering from Gino’s chest.

The silence that follows is deafening. I watch Gino, wondering if he’s finally realized he’s been outmaneuvered. As angry as I am with Angelo for using me as bait, I can’t help but admire his strategy.

But then Gino starts to laugh, a cold, hard sound that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

“I should’ve killed that chef a while ago,” he muses, his eyes glinting dangerously. “No matter. I’ll take care of him after I deal with you all. But first, I have a little surprise.”

Angelo pauses, glancing at Romero. I can see the uncertainty in his eyes. It’s clear he wasn’t expecting this. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

Gino’s laugh grows louder as he snaps his fingers. His henchman, the one who taped my mouth, disappears for a moment. When he returns, my world shatters.

Lou. My baby girl. Bound and gagged, her eyes wide with terror as she fights against her captor.

I scream against the tape, thrashing in my chair. This can’t be happening. Not Lou. Please, not Lou. Tears stream down my face as I struggle uselessly against my bonds.

Angelo’s face goes pale, his composure cracking for the first time. “You son of a bitch,” he snarls at Gino, taking a step forward.

Romero’s hand on his arm stops him. “Boss,” he warns, his eyes never leaving Gino.

Gino’s smile is triumphant. “Now,” he says, “let’s talk about who’s really in control here.”

I watch as Angelo’s mind races, his eyes darting between Lou, me, and Gino. I can see the moment he realizes just how precarious our situation has become.

Lou’s muffled cries pierce my heart as she struggles against her captor. Her blonde hair is disheveled, her blue eyes wide with fear and confusion. She looks so small, so vulnerable. I want nothing more than to hold her, to tell her everything will be okay.

But I can’t. I’m powerless, helpless to do anything but watch as my worst nightmare unfolds before my eyes.