Chapter 33: I care

SOFIA'S POV

I wake up still exhausted from the last week. I honestly haven't caught a break since the reveal. I like being invisible, but now a million people know me. How the fuck does that even happen? My phone vibrates on my nightstand and i figure it's another one of the notifications I can't seem to get rid of.

I did get a few missed calls from Nova after that night but i didn't pick up. Her parents seem to have a hold on her. Maybe I was wrong about Delia having more power, her dad does.

The fashion week meant alot to my stepdad and he insisted on making a public appearance. I didn't understand why but he's always had my best interest and it wouldn't be important if he didn't plead with me to.

Mila storms into the room unannounced, ctossing her arms.

"So you get a million followers for showing your face and I can't even get my boyfriend to follow me back?"

"In his defense, he follows you on his secret account,"

"....and posts us," her mood softens a little.

"Are you ready for campus or you'll finish your semester online?"

"I think I'm ready. The secret is out and part of me wants to soak that in," I say and she chuckles.

She walks out of my room and I head into the bathroom to take a shower.

I really do miss Castiello.

And I hate the way she looked at me when she found out, like I was no different from Delia.

I blowdry my hair once I'm done, picking the minimalist outfit I have. My status might have changed but I haven't. I make quick breakfast so I can take my medication and Mila just sits on her phone with furrowed eyebrows.

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah...apparently Nova is missing?"

My head shoots up at the name.

"What do you mean missing?"

I feel the thumps in my chest fasten.

"She hasn't been seen since that night, Sofia," she says, her voice growing into a whisper.

"Is that like her?" I ask trying to sound composed but I do care.

She lied to me but I still like her.

"Fuck, I need to be with Luca right now,"

"What about campus? It's my first day back," I say softly not wanting to sound selfish.

"I love you but Luca is my boyfriend and he needs me right now. His cousin means a lot to him," she says and maybe I'm missing the whole point. I do like Nova, I have since she reminded me that she existed.

"I'm coming with you," I say with finality but she blocks me with her palm.

"We don't know why she left and you two...you haven't...it's best if I go alone. Her family is different, " Mila says trying to soften the blow. I press my lips in understanding. Would I also need to find out about their nature along with the public?

The Castiellos hate the Vescovi name. What did I think? That Nova would magically be different from the family that raised her?

"Okay...I'll just go to campus but text me with updates," I say and she leaves. She probably ordered a ride. I grab my keys along with the only hoodie I have, Nova's hoodie. I wear it on my way to the car because I feel chilly randomly all over sudden. The doctors said it's nothing to worry about so I won't insist on finding out.

My playlist fills the car as I drive, trying to distract me from Nova. She's engaged now, and to a guy. She didn't seem happy but she said yes to it. Why did she even like me back if she was just going to get married after university?

My phone rings and I pick up.

"Hey father dearest,"

"Hey Sofia. We need to talk,"

"is everything okay?"

"Yes but it's about your girlfriend,"

"She's not....my girlfriend,"

"Well you like her so I did some digging,"

"Matteo...please don't meddle. I can handle myself,"

"I'm still your father and I will protect you always," he says genuinely. He's a rival to Nova's father so I don't want this to be bigger than it already is.

A soft sigh escapes my lips.

"What did you find out?"

"Nova has been set to marry Fabio Caruso since she was 18. Sofie, she was set up for an arranged marriage,"

I halt abruptly earning a few honks from the cars behind me. She wasn't lying. She was going through all of that alone. It must have been hard to admit to liking me.

"Why are you telling me this dad?"

“This was decided for her long before she became an adult. The engagement benefits both families financially. Her father treats it like a merger.”

I pause.

“I don't think that girl has ever had the luxury of choosing anything for herself.”

His tone is softer now.

That's his fatherly instinct.

She knew it was inevitable and still let herself want me.

He hangs up after the silence. I don't know what to say to that.

I grip the steering wheel tighter.

The image of her in that white dress flashes through my mind again.

Not happy.

Trapped.

And for the first time since fashion week, missing Nova hurts more than being angry at her.

I park my jeep next to Paolo's, who's leaning against it on his phone.

"Hey Stranger,"

"Sofiaa! What....are you okay?"

"Why?"

"Nova is missing,"

"Nobody but his family know that,"

"i know... but Mila told me,"

"That's why you waited for me? You didn't have to, " I ask genuinely.

"Someone posted the video of you from the night you were drugged.....the guy is one of Nova's friends," he says through gritted teeth.

So that's why he parked next to my spot.

I laugh softly, feeling my eyes gloss up. I had forgotten about that. Not that it happened...but the fact that it affected me.

I grab Nova's hoodie throwing it on to cover my white tank top.

He hooks his arm with mine as we walk towards the building. Eyes on us but I know it's because of me. Is there a bottom I haven't hit yet? No. Because until my team of doctors tell me how long I have left...I'm just existing.

The cheerleaders are seated by their usual table with their captain in clear view. Paolo points at an empty booth away from prying eyes and I nod approvingly.

My class is in an hour and I just wanted to be here early. He rolls his eyes at something behind me.

"Even with all that money you still haven't learnt class," Delia says now Standing infront of us checking her phone.

"I'm sorry did you say learnt in class or been to one? This isn't a projection zone so go entertain your team," I retort surprising myself.

Her eyes growing a bit wider but it only lasts a second.

"I'm not the one sleeping around here. Just stay away from Nova. You're ruining her name,"

I lick my teeth before Paolo places his hand on my arm.

She has no right to defend Nova's honour. She blackmailed her with her secret for God knows how long.

I stand up, fixing the hoodie properly.

"I still have more power over Nova," she says with a smirk.

My palm lands on her cheek abruptly before she stumbles back caressing it.

"Did you all fucking see that? She just assaulted me!" she says dramatically to the forming crowd.

I've never done that before or been that angry but I have a limit.

"You should ice that,"

Paolo giggles following closely behind me.