SOPHIE & THE DUKE 🔞

Chapter 10

Sophie

As I pulled up in front of the new house, which would be my home for a long time, my heart skipped a beat with excitement. It was a fresh start, a new chapter full of possibilities, and I could feel the thrill running through my veins. I had faced challenges and endured mistreatment and abuse, but this moment brought hope—it felt as sweet as cherry wine. I planned to enjoy every single moment.

Placing my hand on my still-flat tummy, I felt happiness for the life growing inside me. I knew we would be happy, no matter what.

Taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the house, I saw that it was stunning and inviting. The exterior was painted a calming pastel blue, and a white picket fence surrounded the front yard, adorned with flowers and climbing vines, adding a natural touch.

Standing there, a swell of pride filled my chest. I had never lived in such a serene and beautiful house before, and it left me in awe.

Escaping from Helen's house in New York had been tough, but with Fabiola's help, I managed to pack a few things and gather some money from my savings box to buy a bus ticket. Flying was out of my budget.

The bus journey from New York to South Carolina took two long days, but I kept Fabiola informed throughout the trip to assure her I was safe. She told me that Helen and her daughters had a frantic reaction upon discovering the note I left, explaining my decision to leave and never come back.

As the symptoms of pregnancy started to manifest strongly, I sighed, feeling weary and drained after the lengthy bus ride.

I opened the door and stepped inside, brimming with eagerness to explore the house and find its rooms. To my delight, it turned out to be a cozy two-bedroom house, just as Fabiola had described, with a charming bookshop situated right in front.

Feeling utterly exhausted and ravenously hungry, I collapsed onto the sofa in the living room. Thoughts of Gio consumed my mind, his presence lingering even in this new space.

I couldn't help but wonder if he ever thought of me, although deep down, I harbored doubts. Gio led a busy life, after all. As a yawn escaped my tired lips, the weight of sleep began to settle upon me. I comforted myself with the assurance that I would find something to eat later.

                          *          *       *

Five months later

It had been five months since I left New York, and during that time, I had been living on my own. Now, at six months pregnant, my growing belly served as a gentle reminder of the precious life inside me and the journey that led me here. My body had undergone remarkable changes, adapting to accommodate the little one. With a smile, I envisioned what my baby would look like—perhaps resembling me, Gio, or even a mix of both.

Returning to the task of organizing the books on the shelf, a sense of contentment filled me. I had taken over the management of the bookshop that Fabiola's daughter had left behind when she moved away.

"You're absolutely glowing today, Sophie," Syl, a regular customer at the bookshop, greeted me as he walked in.

Syl, a familiar face at 'Book Haven,' my current bookshop, appeared to be in his early thirties, with a head of brown hair and a height of 5'9". He possessed a deep love for reading and worked diligently at the local fire station, often seeking solace within the walls of the bookshop during his days off. Syl was one of the first customers I had the pleasure of serving at Book Haven and one of the first individuals to extend a welcoming hand when I first arrived in this town.

Unmarried, he would often mention that he was patiently awaiting the arrival of the right person to share his life with. Syl was a kind-hearted man, and I always held hope that he would eventually find a wonderful individual to settle down with.

"Sophie," he greeted me warmly.

"Huh?" I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Syl call my name. "Thank you, my friend," I replied with a warm smile.

"How's the baby doing? I hope there's not too much commotion happening in there," he playfully remarked as he strolled around, choosing a book from the shelf.

"Oh, there's definitely a lot of kicking happening. I think I'm carrying a future soccer player," I chuckled, setting aside the dusting rag I had in my hand.

"I can imagine," he responded, pulling out a magazine from his bag and flipping through it's pages .

"Sophie, can you believe this? An Italian guy is buying one of Atlanta's NBA teams," Syl exclaimed with a disgusted expression. "This country is terrible," he added.

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of 'Italian.' I quickly dismissed it; after all, Giovanni wasn't the only Italian in the world.

"Can you imagine this guy? I bet he's one of those people who want to control America with their money. I'm going to Google him right now," Syl burst out, scrolling through his phone. I watched as his eyes widened with excitement.

I became an observer to his fervor, witnessing his eyes widen with a surge of anticipation, as if the prospect of unlocking the truth stirred an exhilarating energy within him.

"Sophie, take a look... This guy goes on expensive yacht tours with attractive models... Damn, this hottie by his side is stunning," Syl said, turning the phone toward me.

I glanced at it, and then I saw him. The one who made it difficult for me to sleep, the one I yearned for every passing day, the father of the child growing inside me.

"Gio," I instinctively uttered.

Syl directed a curious gaze toward me, his eyebrows slightly raised in surprise. "Impressive, Sophie," he remarked, his voice laced with amusement. "You seem to be incredibly well-informed about the latest news." A lighthearted laugh escaped his lips, indicating his willingness to playfully dismiss the situation. Yet, a flicker of genuine intrigue remained as he inquired further, "I can't help but wonder, though. How did you come to know that his name is Gio?"

I clutched my hand to my belly as my eyes focused on the picture of Gio. He wore a turtleneck and plain trousers, standing at the entrance of a hotel with the same redhead I had seen at the mansion. His hands rested on her waist, and they were locked in a passionate embrace.

My chest tightened, and a pang of pain struck my heart. I quickly swallowed and turned away, hoping Syl wouldn't notice my impending tears.

Damn these annoying pregnancy hormones. But were they solely responsible, or was it my genuine emotions?

"Sophie, are you okay?" Syl asked, coming closer and touching my face. I couldn't speak, afraid that I would break down in tears. We stood there together for a moment, him trying to gauge if I was alright, when the bell of my bookstore rang, indicating someone's arrival.

I turned around abruptly to greet my client, breaking away from Syl's embrace but it wasn't another client standing at the door. It was someone else, someone I both longed to see and didn't want to see.

"Gio," I said, thinking my mind must be playing tricks on me.

He watched me with his penetrating gaze, his eyes traveling from head to toe. Then, his gaze shifted to Syl, who stood beside me, before finally settling on my swollen belly.

I turned to look at Syl.

Syl stood there, his mouth agape, unable to utter a sound.