Chapter 6 : Acceptance

CHAPTER 6

Acceptance

Sophia opened the door of the office, her movements graceful yet purposeful, and stepped out into the corridor. Fabio followed closely behind, the weight of their shared history hanging heavy in the air between them.

"So you're the one I marry?" Fabio's words cut through the silence like a knife, his tone laced with bitterness and resentment. "Your poor wretched family wants to reap where you guys didn't sow."

Sophia stopped abruptly, her heart pounding in her chest as she turned to face Fabio. The hurt and anger that had simmered beneath the surface for so long threatened to boil over, her emotions raw and unfiltered.

"How dare you?" she seethed, her voice trembling with barely contained fury. "You think you can just waltz back into my life and pass judgment on me and my family?"

Fabio recoiled slightly at the venom in Sophia's words, the sting of her rebuke cutting deep into his wounded pride. He had never intended to hurt her and had never imagined that his words would ignite such a fierce reaction.

"I... I didn't mean it like that," he stammered, his voice faltering under the weight of Sophia's gaze. "I just... I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to upset you."

But Sophia was beyond reason, her anger fueling her actions as she lashed out with all the pent-up frustration of years of heartache and betrayal. With a swift motion, she raised her hand and landed a wicked slap across Fabio's cheek, the sound echoing through the empty corridor like a gunshot.

Fabio staggered back, his hand instinctively rising to cradle his stinging cheek. He stared at Sophia in shock, his mind reeling from the suddenness of her attack. He had expected anger, perhaps even resentment, but he had never anticipated such a violent reaction.

"What the hell was that for?" he demanded, his voice tinged with a mixture of hurt and confusion.

Sophia's chest heaved with exertion, her eyes blazing with righteous indignation. "That was for all the pain you've caused me," she spat, her words dripping with venom. "For all the lies and deceit, for all the broken promises. You have no idea what you put me through."

Fabio's heart sank at Sophia's words, the weight of her accusations bearing down on him like a lead weight. He had never intended to hurt her and had never imagined that his actions would have such far-reaching consequences. But now, faced with the raw truth of Sophia's pain, he couldn't deny the role he had played in her suffering.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so sorry for everything. I never meant to hurt you, Sophia. I swear."

But Sophia remained unmoved, her gaze unwavering as she held his gaze with a steely resolve. "Sorry isn't good enough," she declared, her voice cold and impassive. "You can't undo the past, Fabio. You can't erase the pain you've caused."

With those words hanging in the air between them like a heavy shroud, Sophia turned on her heel and strode away, her footsteps echoing down the empty corridor. Fabio watched her go, his heart heavy with regret as he grappled with the enormity of his mistakes.

Duncan stood outside the office door, his eyes fixed on the chaotic scene before him. Papers were scattered everywhere, and the furniture was in disarray. He shook his head, a deep sigh escaping his lips. "Oh, Fabio, when will you learn?" he muttered, disappointment etched on his face.

Fabio, his son, stood amid the chaos, a defiant look in his eyes. "But I did nothing wrong," he protested, his voice laced with innocence.

Duncan's expression turned stern. "You did everything wrong, Fabio," he replied, his voice firm but laced with a hint of sadness. "You've always been reckless, and impulsive, and now look what's happened. You're trying to ruin what could be a perfect union, and I have to bail you out... again."

Fabio's face reddened, but he remained silent, knowing his father's words held truth.

Duncan's gaze narrowed. "Whatever you do, Fabio, you're getting married to Sophia. The sooner you get that through your thick head, the better for you."

Fabio's eyes widened in protest. "Father, no! I can't marry her! I don't love her!"

Duncan's expression turned unyielding. "Love has nothing to do with it, Fabio. This is about securing our family's future, our legacy. You will marry her, and you will make this family proud."

Fabio's face fell, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He knew arguing with his father was futile. Duncan's word was law, and he would stop at nothing to ensure his family's success, even if it meant sacrificing his son's happiness.

As the two men stood there, the tension between them was palpable. Fabio felt trapped, suffocated by his father's expectations and the weight of his family's legacy. He longed for freedom, for the chance to forge his path, but he knew that was a luxury he couldn't afford.

With a heavy heart, Fabio nodded, accepting his fate. "Yes, Father. I'll marry Sophia."

Duncan's expression softened a hint of approval in his eyes. "That's my boy, Fabio. Now let's clean up this mess and move forward. We have a wedding to plan."