Chapter 7: The Deeper Trap

Sofia couldn't close her eyes that night. The clock's ticking on the wall felt like a hammer pounding in her head, reminding her of every second that passed without answers or security. Even though Marco had come a few hours ago to check her apartment and ensure nothing was suspicious, the feeling of threat lingered like a dark shadow she couldn't get rid of.

She sat on the corner of the bed, her body curled up, hugging her knees as if seeking protection from something unseen. Her gaze kept shifting between the apartment door and the window, like a guard too tired for duty but not daring to give up. Every slight sound- the clinking of pipes and the wind sweeping across the glass made her body tense up as if someone could break in at any moment, carrying a threat she could only imagine in her fear.

"Why me?" she thought, the question echoing repeatedly in her tired mind. Hundreds of people in this city, perhaps thousands, were more interesting, important, or relevant to the game Dario Moretti was playing. But somehow, Sofia Foster is part of this chessboard, a pawn placed on the front line, with no idea who her opponent is and what the end goal is.

Her eyes glance at the camera lying on the table by the window. The device, which used to give her the control to capture beautiful moments of the world, now felt like a useless inanimate object. Even its lens could not capture the dangers lurking outside, amongst the shadows of the night.

Outside, the faint sound of sirens flashed by, mixing with the hustle and bustle of the city's nightlife that went on as usual. The laughter of alcoholics in the alley, the roar of motorcycle engines disappearing in the distance, and the sound of footsteps on the sidewalk all formed a symphony that he used to find soothing. But not tonight. For Sofia, the world feels changed-isolated, small, and full of dangers she doesn't understand.

The next day

Marco delivers Sofia a simple breakfast: a warm croissant and a cup of black coffee. He sits in a kitchen chair, his face filled with worry.

"What are your plans now?" asked Marco finally, breaking the silence.

"I don't know," Sofia answered honestly. "I can't go on living like this. But I don't know how to get out either."

Marco let out a long breath. "Dario Moretti is not an easy man to deal with. If he's decided to get involved in your life, he won't back down."

"Why is he doing this? I don't have anything to do with him," Sofia retorted, frustrated.

"Sometimes, reasons aren't as important as intentions," Marco says, stirring his coffee lazily. "He wants something from you, Sofia. And until you know what it is, you'll keep getting caught up in this game."

Marco's words sent a chill through Sofia's heart. She knew Marco was right. But how could she approach someone like Dario without destroying herself?

An Invitation She Couldn't Refuse

That afternoon, Sofia received a text message on her phone.

"Come to Villa Moretti tonight. We have something to talk about."

There is no sender's name, but Sofia knows who sent it. Her heart skipped a beat as she read the message. She knew this was not a request but an order.

Marco tries to persuade her not to go. "Sofia, this is too dangerous. I don't know what he's planning, but it's clear he's in complete control. You can't just give yourself away."

However, Sofia felt she had no other choice. If she didn't go, it might make the situation worse. Deep down, there was a burning curiosity—an almost frightening curiosity.

Villa Moretti

The villa Moretti is an imposing building on the city's outskirts, surrounded by high fences and armed guards. When Sofia arrives, she feels like she has entered a completely different world- a cold, closed, secretive world.

A well-dressed man opens the door and ushers her into the spacious living room, where Dario is already waiting for her. He sat on a black leather sofa, wearing a suit that, this time, was dark blue. His face looks calm, but his eyes radiate an intensity that makes Sofia feel as if she is being stripped naked.

"Sofia," he greeted softly, but there was a strength in that tone that couldn't be ignored.

"What do you want from me?" Sofia asked immediately, without preamble.

Dario smiled a little as if he expected the question. "I want to protect you," he replied shortly.

"Protect me from what?" Sofia demanded.

Dario stood up and strolled to the large window behind him, looking out over the perfectly manicured garden. "There are many things you don't know in this world, Sofia. Many enemies, many threats. And unfortunately, you have attracted their attention."

"What do you mean? I'm just a photographer. What could they possibly want from me?"

Dario turned around, his gaze sharp. "You know something they don't want anyone else to know. And they'll do anything to make sure that secret stays hidden."

Sofia felt the air disappear from her lungs. "What do I know?"

"That's the question, isn't it?" Dario smiled again, but this time it was cold. "I'm trying to figure it out. And until I know the answer, you will remain protected."

Growing Tension

Their conversation continued, but Sofia still needed to receive satisfactory answers. Every word Dario said felt like a riddle, and Sofia felt increasingly trapped.

However, as Dario escorts Sofia to the exit, something changes. His usually cold gaze seemed to soften for a moment.

"Trust me, Sofia," he said softly. "I won't let anything happen to you."

Sofia wanted to reply, but the words felt too heavy. She just nodded slowly before stepping out into the night.