Page 55 of Forsaken Promises

Dom has always talked about his desire to travel, to see the world beyond the confines of our insular lives. And while I know that a long, extended trip is out of the question right now, with my father’s health and our family obligations… what if I could surprise him with a taste of that freedom? A chance to escape, even just for a little while?

Before I can second-guess myself, I'm directing the driver to make a stop at a nearby travel agent’s office. Stepping inside, I'm struck by the array of colorful posters and brochures, each one promising adventure and excitement in far-flung corners of the globe.

The agent, a cheerful woman with bright red hair and a warm smile, greets me from behind the counter. “Welcome! How can I help you today?”

I take a deep breath, feeling a flutter of nerves in my stomach. “I'm looking to plan a surprise trip for my husband. Just a long weekend, somewhere new and exciting. Somewhere we can get away from it all, even just for a little while.”

The agent’s smile widens, her eyes sparkling with understanding. “Of course! That's such a lovely idea. Let me pull up some options for you.”

As she taps away at her keyboard, I let my gaze wander over the posters on the walls. Images of sandy beaches and snow-capped mountains, of bustling city streets and serene countryside vistas. Each one seems to call to me, promising a world of possibility and wonder.

“Okay, here's what I've got,” the agent says, turning her screen to face me. “A few different destinations that might fit the bill. Romantic and just a short flight away.”

As I scan the options, one in particular catches my eye. A tiny, picturesque village nestled in the heart of France, surrounded by rolling hills and verdant wineries. It looks like something out of a dream, a place where time seems to stand still and the worries of the world just melt away.

“That one,” I say, pointing to the screen. “The Loire Valley. It's perfect.”

The agent nods, her fingers flying over the keys as she pulls up more information. “Excellent choice. I can book you a charming little villa with stunning views of the countryside. And of course, plenty of opportunities for wine tasting and exploring the local culture.”

I feel a grin spreading across my face, a sense of giddy anticipation bubbling up inside me. “That sounds amazing. Let’s do it.”

A few minutes later, I’m walking out of the office with two open-ended tickets in my hand, feeling lighter than I have in weeks. I can’t wait to surprise Dom with this, to see the look on his face when I tell him we’re going on an adventure, just the two of us.

But as I’m exiting the building, still lost in my own thoughts, I suddenly collide with a solid wall of muscle. I stumble back, disoriented, and strong hands reach out to steady me.

“Sofia?”

26

SOFIA

Istumble back from the collision, my heart racing and my cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I'm so sorry,” I mumble, trying to regain my composure. “I wasn't looking where I was going.”

But as I look up, my words die on my lips. Standing before me, his dark eyes glinting with amusement, is none other than Luca, the same man I’d seen lurking outside the Sicura house just a few days ago.

He smiles, a slow, knowing curve of his lips that sends a shiver down my spine. “No need to apologize, Sofia. It was entirely my fault. I should have been paying more attention.”

Around us, the bustling street seems to fade away, the noise of traffic and chatter receding into the background. It's like we’re suspended in our own little bubble, a world apart from the rest of the city.

Luca’s gaze shifts to the door of the travel agency, his brow furrowing slightly. “Planning a getaway, are we?” he asks, his tone light.

I force a laugh, trying to shake off the sense of foreboding that’s settling over me. “Just a little surprise for my husband. A chance to escape the city for a bit, spend some quality time together.”

His smile widens, but there's no warmth in it, only a glint of something sharp and predatory, like a wolf baring its teeth.

“Escape,” he repeats, rolling the word around on his tongue like he's savoring the taste of it. “That’s an interesting choice of words, Sofia. Almost like you’re running from something.”

I bristle, my defenses rising. “I’m not running from anything. I’m excited to share this trip with Dom.”

Luca takes a step closer, his presence suddenly overwhelming in the cramped space between us. “If you're smart,” he says, his voice low and intense, “you’ll get out while you still can. While you still have a chance at a life beyond the gilded cage of the Sicura Family.”

I stare at him, my heart pounding in my ears. “What are you talking about? Dom is my husband, my partner. I'm not going anywhere.”

He shakes his head, a look of something like pity crossing his face. “Oh, Sofia. So naive, so trusting. Don't you see? Nothing good can come from being tied to Dominico Sicura. He’ll use you, break you until there’s nothing left but a hollow shell of the woman you used to be.”

“What do you mean, nothing good can come from being tied to Dominico Sicura?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, my heart pounding. What does Luca know that I don’t?

Luca shrugs, his expression inscrutable. “Exactly what I said. The Sicuras—they’re not like other Families. They have a way of destroying everything that they touch, of leaving a trail of bodies and broken hearts in their wake.”

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