Chapter 6: Between Shadow and Light

Sofia spent the night restless. All she could think about was Dario's handwriting on the paper he had given her - the brief message felt like both an invitation and a threat. Sleep was not an option; she spent her time thinking about the possibilities of what he was up to.

When the sun finally slipped through the curtains, Sofia had already decided to try to confront Dario directly and demand an explanation. She couldn't go on living in such uncertainty.

A few hours later, Sofia is standing in front of the skyscraper that houses the headquarters of one of Moretti's companies. The towering building has a glass facade that reflects the morning sun. At the entrance, security guards check everyone closely.

As she walks in, Sofia feels like an intruder, but she tries to put on a confident face. She approaches the receptionist, a well-dressed young woman in a formal black suit.

"May I help you?" the woman asks with a polite smile.

"I'd like to see Dario Moretti," Sofia says in a firm tone.

The woman's smile fades slightly, but she remains professional. "Excuse me, do you have an appointment with him?"

"No, but it's important," Sofia replied.

The woman looked hesitant, but before she could answer, a familiar heavy voice sounded behind Sofia.

"It's okay, Biancini. I'll see him."

Sofia turned around and saw Dario standing there, wearing a dark grey suit that made him look like the personification of control.

Dario motioned for Sofia to follow him to the elevator without saying anything. Sofia complied, even though every step felt like heading into a lion's den.

The elevator was luxurious, with mahogany wood panelling and soft music that filled the awkward silence between them.

"What brings you here, Sofia?" asked Dario finally, breaking the silence.

Sofia looked at him sternly. "I want to know what you meant by that message. What do you want from me?"

Dario smiled a little but didn't answer. The elevator doors opened, and he stepped out, leading Sofia to a large room with a stunning city view. The room was his office—a large wooden desk in the centre, a black leather sofa in the corner, and a tall bookshelf full of thick books.

Dario sits in his chair and gestures for Sofia to sit in the chair in front of him.

"So, you want to know what I want," he said, interlacing his fingers before his face.

"Yes," Sofia replied, her voice trembling slightly.

Dario looked at her intensely as if trying to read her mind. "You unusually came into my life, Sofia. And I believe in destiny. Maybe you're here for a reason."

Sofia frowned. "I don't believe in fate. You brought me here and forced me into your world. That's not destiny, that's manipulation."

Dario chuckled, but it didn't sound comforting. "You're right. I manipulated the situation. But only because I wanted to protect you."

"Protect me? From what?"

"From a world you don't understand," Dario replied, suddenly serious. "The world is not just black and white, Sofia. It is grey, and often, that grey is dangerous. You've gotten too close to something you shouldn't know."

Sofia felt her blood rushing. Although her job as a photographer sometimes took her to unusual places, she never thought it would make her a target.

"What are you talking about?"

"I'll explain, but not now," Dario said, leaning back in his chair. "For now, you just need to know I'm here to ensure you stay alive."

Their conversation didn't give Sofia any clear answers, but she felt that Dario believed in his words. The man seemed cold and manipulative, but something in the way he spoke made him sound sincere.

When Sofia finally leaves the office, she feels more confused than ever. But one thing is sure: she can't just walk away from Dario Moretti.

An Unsettled Evening

That evening, Sofia sits at the small table in her apartment, examining the photos she took at the market this morning. Her hand trembles slightly as she touches the camera, remembering her encounter with Dario there.

As she transfers the files to her laptop, something catches her eye. In one of the photos, he sees a man in a black suit standing in the background, watching him. The man's face is not visible, but his demeanour is suspicious.

Sofia zoomed in on the image, trying to get a closer look. She felt a chill run down her spine. Was she being watched? And if so, by whom?

That fear made her decide to contact Marco again.

"Marco, I need your help," she said once the call was connected.

"What's wrong?" Marco's voice sounded worried.

"Someone might be watching me," Sofia replied, trembling.

Marco was silent momentarily before finally saying, "I'll come. Don't go anywhere."

Sofia nodded, even though Marco couldn't see her. He knew that he couldn't fight this situation alone.

However, in her heart, she also knew that only one person could genuinely protect her- the person she was trying to avoid.

Dario Moretti.