Chapter 8 - THE BIRTHDAY PARTY THAT BECAME A TRAP
Alejandro invited Sophia to Leo's fifth birthday party.
She almost refused.
But Leo had asked for her.
And despite everything, she wanted to see the little boy again.
The celebration was held in the garden of the Duca estate.
There were balloons.
A small cake.
A magician.
And a quiet tent where Leo could retreat if the noise became overwhelming.
Sophia noticed that immediately.
Alejandro had listened.
Leo spotted her near the gate.
“Song lady!”
He ran toward her.
Sophia crouched.
“Happy birthday, sweetheart.”
Leo hugged her.
Alejandro watched from the terrace.
For the first time in months, his son looked completely relaxed.
Sophia spent the afternoon helping Leo open presents.
Then, just before sunset, a woman approached her.
Elegant.
Silver-haired.
Wearing a dark green dress.
“Sophia Brooks?”
Sophia turned.
“Yes?”
The woman smiled.
“My name is Victoria Duca.”
Sophia went still.
Alejandro's aunt.
His father's younger sister.
Victoria studied her.
Then whispered, “You look exactly like Isabella.”
Sophia's heart pounded.
Victoria reached for her hand.
“Come with me.”
Sophia hesitated.
“Why?”
May you like
Victoria's smile disappeared.
“Because your mother is alive.”
