Chapter 3 - THE WOMAN BEHIND THE KISS
Sofia Vale had been in love with Dante Moretti since she was twenty-three.
At least, that was what she told herself.
The truth was less romantic.
She loved his power.
His wealth.
His reputation.
And the way people moved aside when he entered a room.
Her father, Vincent Vale, had once been one of Dante's closest business associates.
Their families had worked together for decades.
Sofia grew up believing she would eventually marry Dante.
Then he met Lena Bennett.
Lena had been working at a small art gallery in Chicago.
She was twenty-four.
Quiet.
Intelligent.
Beautiful without trying.
Dante had walked into the gallery to purchase a painting.
He left with Lena's phone number.
Six months later, he proposed.
Sofia never forgave her.
Over the next five years, Sofia made herself indispensable.
She joined the family business network.
Attended meetings.
Organized events.
Found excuses to remain near Dante.
And slowly, she began planting doubts.
“Lena doesn't understand your world.”
“She's too sensitive.”
“She wants a normal husband, Dante. You can't give her that.”
Dante had dismissed the comments.
But he hadn't stopped Sofia from making them.
Three months before the anniversary, Sofia began calling late at night.
Business emergencies.
Family matters.
Problems only Dante could solve.
Lena noticed.
She asked questions.
Dante became irritated.
“Don't create problems where there aren't any.”
Sofia heard about the argument.
And smiled.
On the anniversary night, Sofia entered Dante's office carrying documents.
She knew Lena was coming.
A staff member had mentioned the dinner delivery.
Sofia timed her arrival carefully.
She stood close to Dante.
Touched his arm.
Then kissed him.
For several seconds, Dante failed to react.
That was all she needed.
Because when Lena appeared in the doorway, the damage was already done.
Now Sofia sat inside her father's office.
Vincent Vale listened to her account.
Then frowned.
“You pushed too hard.”
Sofia looked up.
“What?”
“Dante doesn't like being manipulated.”
She laughed.
“He'll get over it.”
Vincent shook his head.
“You don't understand that man.”
Sofia's smile faded.
Her father continued.
“He may forgive a business failure.”
He leaned forward.
“But he will never forgive someone who deliberately destroys what he loves.”
Sofia looked away.
For the first time, she wondered whether she'd miscalculated.
Then her phone vibrated.
A message from an unknown number.
The wife is gone. Proceed with phase two.
May you like
Sofia stared.
And smiled.
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