Unexpected Run In

Unexpected Run In


Sofia pov 

The hospital lights felt too bright and the sterile walls made Sofia feel exposed. She kept her hood up, sunglasses low on her nose despite the early morning hour. She had booked her appointment under her mother’s maiden name and slipped away to come for her appointment with the doctor. 

She still hadn't gotten the courage to tell Marco that he was going to be a father because she was scared that he might react negatively about the news. 

Also aside from Lucia, no other person was aware, not even her family. 

It felt weird and wrong to let someone else know before Marco. She just needed to get her shit together and tell him as soon as possible. 

Her boots clicked softly against the white linoleum as she made her way toward the  exit. She smiled with uncertainty as she remembered her encounter in the ultrasound room.

“That’s your baby.” The doctor touched a spot on the screen. 
“That's my baby?” She smiled in awe. 
“Yes, over time, the limbs and other parts will develop over time.” The doctor smiled with patience. 

The tiny flicker of a heartbeat, the sound was so soft and with each beep it made her realize how real everything was. She was pregnant with a tiny baby growing in her tummy. 

Tears fluttered on her lashes, she wasn't crying because she was sad but from the overwhelming knowledge that she wasn’t alone anymore. 

Sofia left the hospital through the back exit to avoid attention, walking briskly toward the waiting cab she’d booked. But the black car parked just beside it looked a too familiar.
A man in a black coat stood leaning against it casually like he’d been waiting for hours without a care.

Kristoff Romanov was here. And that man leaning against the car was either his driver or bodyguard.

Her stomach twisted in dread. What did he want from her now? Matteo wasn't here to protect her and she was vulnerable and all alone.

Before she could change route and escape, another man, came from behind blocking her pathway. 
“Come with me, Ms Bianchi. My boss just wants to talk.”

She had no choice but to follow him. It was better to get it done. 
She was ushered into the back of the car before she could even argue.

Inside, Kristoff looked almost relaxed. His hands were gloved, resting on his thighs.
“I was wondering when the secret appointments would begin.”

She stiffened. How did he know she was going to be at the hospital? Was he spying on her or what? 

He tilted his head, his pale eyes glinting with something between menace and curiosity. 
“Prenatal visits are usually  less discreet, you know.”

Sofia’s breath hitched. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” She absentmindedly touched her stomach as if to protect her baby from Kristoff's scrutiny. 

“Don’t I?” He leaned in, just slightly. 
“It’s a pity Marco doesn't know he's going to be a father.”

“Leave Marco out of this.” She scowled, not happy that another person has been privy to this news and Marco hasn't been told about it. 

“You’ve always been a chess piece in other men’s games, Sofia. Your father. Your brother. Your husband. But I’m offering you something they never have.” Kristoff changed his tactics. 

“Which is?” she bit out.

“Freedom.”

The word stung. She had never been free since she was born, been traded from one glider cage to another like a precious bird. 

“Come with me willingly, and I’ll call off everything. Just escape. A new life. On your terms.”

She narrowed her eyes. “You’re lying. You’d never let me go. You want to own me.”

Kristoff’s smile never quite reached his eyes. “I want to break Marco De Santis. And taking you from him would do that. But,”

He paused, his gaze flickering toward her abdomen in the most chilling way.

“You’re not just his now, are you?”

Sofia didn’t answer. He was referring to the baby she was carrying. Now a part of Marco lived in her. 

And that silence  was almost an answer in itself.

Kristoff leaned back. “You don’t have to say yes. Not yet. Just know the longer you stay in his shadow, the more pieces of you will fade away.”

Sofia didn't say a word just stared at him.

“I will be waiting for you when you change your mind and come to your senses.” Kristoff dismissed her. 

Sofia knew when the car door clicked open. The guard that had ushered her in was already waiting for her outside. 

In her rare moment of impulsivity, Sofia 
hesitated in her seat. 

“I need you to do something for me, Kristoff.” 

Kristoff arched his brow waiting for her to continue.

“Leave Lucia alone.” Her tone was cold. 

Her semi threat and order was greeted with Kristoff's laughter. 

She didn’t look back as she stepped out.

But her legs were trembling.