Irene
"What do you mean you saw your daddy?" I questioned Sofia, squirting to her size but her smile was beeming with excitement making me doubt if it was an imagination of her's.
"Yes I saw him and he told me he would be back, he just had to make an important call." Sofia said to me with excitement, I looked up at the CEO who was clearly angry at the little trouble Sofia was staring at and she doesn't even seem to care about any of that.
"Stop saying that, how can you just assume your father was her when you have never seen him before?" I questioned again, trying my best to keep my voice down so the CEO behind me won't hear.
"It doesn't matter mommy, it was him. I know it was him." She insisted.
" Can you please take her out of here already?" The CEO said.
" You heard what the boss just said, we need to leave." I said to her but Sofia who smiles back,
" That's better, that way we would get the chance to see daddy outside. If we stay here we won't be able to see him". Sofia responded pulling me Forward, I waved quickly to the CEO before rushing out because Sofia won't let go of her tight grip on my wrist.
I step out of the Galiano building, feeling a mix of disappointment and confusion. Sofia's insistence that the mystery stranger was her father had stirred up feelings in me that I had long buried. But Sofia's words had sparked a glimmer of hope within me, a hopeful longing for answers that I wasn't even sure I wanted.
As I walk down the crowded street, lost in my thoughts, I accidentally bump into a man at the elevator. His dark shades conceal his eyes, but his cologne scent triggers a memory deep within me. I immediately recognize it – it's the same cologne, it's just too similar but I can't recall where exactly I smelt it from.
"Sorry," I murmur, stepping back and avoiding eye contact. I don't want to raise any suspicions or draw attention to myself.
"No problem," the man replies, his voice deep and raspy. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, thank you," I say, my voice slightly trembling. I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. Benjamin is dead. This man is just a stranger. I need to let go of these foolish thoughts.
But as I steal a glance at him, something in his mannerisms catches my attention. The way he holds himself, his aura of power and authority – it's eerily familiar. Could it be possible? Could this really be Benjamin?
No, I tell myself firmly. It's just a coincidence. I'm letting my imagination run wild. I need to snap out of it.
"I'm sorry for bothering you," I say, forcing a small smile. "I should get going."
Before I can turn away, the man reaches out and gently clasps my arm. The touch sends a jolt of electricity through my body, and I freeze, unable to move.
"Sofia," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "Is it really you?"
My heart skips a beat. How does he know my daughter's name? Could it be possible that he's been watching her all this time, or he knows her?
"Who are you?" I manage to ask, my voice barely audible.
The man hesitates for a moment, as if contemplating his answer. Then, he removes his shades, revealing a pair of piercing blue eyes.
"Daddy." Sofia cooed the minute she looked up at him, I pulled her to my Bosom covering her mouth gently.
"I am so sorry for her bad manners." I apologized to the stranger who seemed to already be distracted due to Sofia's affection towards him.
" It's fine….we have met already." The stranger said smiling at Sofia who won't even let go of his legs.
"You see mom, he recognized me." Sofia said, also making me realize that he called her by her name despite not knowing anything about us.
" How did you know my daughter's name?' I questioned.
"She caused a little ruckus just now and I heard her name, don't he be so nervous I am not stalking you either." He said as the elevator opened again and a few workers walked in. I looked at the number of levels and it was already on the last floor.
"Sofia let go of him we would have to leave soon". I whispered to Sofia who shrugged clinging to the stranger while the employees whispered amoungst themselves I had no choice but to stand up and compose myself till we get to our destination and for some weird reason the elevator was extremely slow and awkward.
I can feel the eyes of the employees in the elevator on us as the doors close and we start descending. Sofia, still clinging to Benjamin's shoulder, is giggling and pointing at different buttons in the elevator, oblivious to the attention we're attracting.
"Sorry again for causing a scene," I say, my voice filled with embarrassment. "Sofia can be quite…energetic."
Benjamin chuckles softly, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "No need to apologize. She's quite the character."
As the elevator doors open to the ground floor, the employees quickly exit, giving us a wide berth. Benjamin carries Sofia out of the elevator, her laughter echoing through the lobby. I follow closely behind, feeling a mix of disbelief and curiosity.
Once we're outside, Benjamin gently sets Sofia down on her feet. She clings to his hand, still beaming up at him with adoration. It's clear that she sees him as a father figure, and I can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy mixed with gratitude.
"Thank you for taking care of her," I say softly, my gaze meeting Benjamin's.
"It was my pleasure," he replies, his voice filled with warmth. "She's an incredible little girl."
SOFIA
As we stood outside the Galiano building, I reluctantly let go of daddy's hand. He promised to see me again, and I held onto that promise with all the hope in my heart. But for now, I had to let him go and trust that he would keep his word.
"Goodbye, Daddy," I whispered, watching as he walked away. My heart felt heavy, but I knew that this was just the beginning of our journey.
"Come on, Sofia," Mom called, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turned to see her waiting for me, a mix of emotions on her face. She looked both relieved and concerned, as if unsure of what just happened.
"I'm coming, Mommy," I replied, running towards her. As I reached her side, she pulled me into a tight embrace.
"Are you okay, Sofia?" she asked softly, her voice filled with worry. "That man, he seemed familiar to you. Do you know him?"
I nodded, not knowing how to explain my connection to daddy. It was as if I had known him my whole life, even though we had just met. There was something about him that made me feel safe and loved.
"He's my daddy, Mommy," I finally confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "I know it in my heart."
Mom looked at me, her eyes filled with both surprise and sadness. She squeezed me tighter, as if trying to protect me from the uncertainties of life.
"Sofia, honey, I don't want you to get your hopes up," she said gently. "We don't know for sure if he really is your dad. How can you be sure of something so unsure, I told you your daddy was on a business trip." For so many years.
I nodded, understanding her concern. I knew that Mom had been hurt in the past, and she didn't want either of us to get hurt again. But deep down, I couldn't deny the connection I felt with daddy. It was something special, something I couldn't ignore.
"I understand, Mommy," I replied, my voice filled with determination. "But I believe that he's my daddy. And I want to find out the truth."
Mom smiled sadly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "We'll figure it out, Sofia. Together. I promise."
And with that promise, we walked hand in hand towards our future. I didn't know what lay ahead, but I had hope in my heart. Hope that one day, I would finally have my daddy by my side.
Benjamin–
How was I able to promise Sofia so easily, I don't even know anything about this little angel but I was quick to promise her. Where could her father possibly be?
As I walked away from the Galiano building, my mind was in a whirlwind of confusion. Sofia's claim that I was her father had stirred up emotions and questions that I hadn't anticipated. Who was this girl, and how did she know my name? I had no memory of ever meeting her or her mother before.
But despite the uncertainty, there was something about Sofia that tugged at my heartstrings. Her innocent smile, her unwavering belief in our connection – it was all so compelling. And in that moment, as she clung to my hand and begged me to promise to meet her again, I couldn't resist making a vow that I didn't even fully understand.
I found myself walking aimlessly through the streets of the city, lost in my thoughts. How could I have promised Sofia that I would meet her in front of the Galiano building again? I had no idea if I would be able to follow through on that promise. What if her real father showed up and shattered her hopes? What if I wasn't capable of being the father figure she believed me to be?
But despite my doubts, there was a tiny voice inside me that whispered to take a chance – to embrace this unexpected connection and see where it led. Maybe Sofia was the missing piece in my life that I didn't even know I needed.
I reached my apartment and let out a sigh as I stepped inside. The place was cold and empty, just like my heart had been for far too long. Without even realizing it, Sofia had managed to stir up emotions and hopes that I had long buried.
I made myself a cup of coffee and settled down on the couch, my mind still consumed by thoughts of Sofia. She deserved to know the truth, even if it meant confronting painful memories from the past. But how was I supposed to find the answers she sought? I had no leads, no clues – just a feeling deep within me that there was more to this story than met the eye.
"How can I possibly keep my promise to Sofia If I don't have any information on her." I said to myself.
My mind was filled with worry and confusion as I paced back and forth in our small apartment. The stranger's promise to Sofia had caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. How could he make such a promise when he knew nothing about us? What if he never showed up again? Sofia's hopes would be shattered, and my heart would break along with hers.I couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in my gut that something wasn't right. How could Sofia be so sure that he was her father? I had always told her that her father was on a business trip, but now doubts began to creep into my mind. What if I had been lied to all these years? What if Sofia's real father was out there somewhere?As I continued to worry, Sofia came running into the room, a big smile on her face. She had a way of bringing light into even the darkest moments."Mama, did you see how much daddy loves me?" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with e
Benjamin —I watched as Irene took Sofia away with her, I don't know what had suddenly gotten into me I can't even let go of Sofia for a second, like she is already a part of me and it hasn't even been up to a day."Boss, Miguel is ready to see you". One of my guard said clearly surprised to see me in the building kitchen."Tell him to come and meet me here." I instructed still trying my best to get the image of Sofia out of my mind."Sir, here in the kitchen?""Do I need to repeat myself?" I asked making the guard rush out. I need to see Sofia again atleast that would be the only way I would be in my right state of mind.Few minutes after continuously thinking about the little angel that just walked into my life.When Miguel walked also a bit stunned to see my waiting in this area of the building."
"So tell me princess, what and what did your daddy buy for you?" I asked Sofia the minute we stepped into our apartment but she seemed quiet and walked directly to the sofa."Why can't daddy stay with us?" She asked, staring deep into my eyes with her sparkling deep blue eyes."That wasn't the answer to the question I asked you." I said also avoiding her questions, Sofia might be just 5 years old but she was definitely wiser than I expected."And why would you want him to stay with us don't you know he has other jobs to do than stay here?" I said a few minutes after not getting any response from Sofia."Because he is my daddy and I want to have a happy family like my friend's." She said sniffing quietly,I dropped the luggages in my hands and rushed up to her cleaning the tears on her cheeks."You don't have to cry Sofia, no one is taking your father away from you." I said but she
Irene —"Why would you assume that I was being scolded by my boss?" I asked, feeling the intensity in his eyes as she stared directly into mine with a fierce look. I slowly tried to pull my hands out of his grip but he wasn't letting go and for a split second there I was totally out of breath.Suddenly, he gave out a sheepish smirk."That's better, if he did not scold you in any way then let's go out for lunch like Sofia requested." He said relaxing back on his seat making Sofia jump up in excitement.As Benjamin, Sofia, and I walked out of the building, hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. I knew that Miguel's threat still lingered, and his encounter with Benjamin earlier had only heightened my worries.As we stepped outside, the afternoon sun greeted us, casting a warm glow over the busy streets. Sofia's excitement was contagious as she bounced beside
Irene —"Sofia I love you and so does your father." I said slowly cleaning the tears from my cheeks before she notices anything."That's a big lie, because Daddy told me he wasn't sure he was my father."My heart broke into a thousand pieces as Sofia's words echoed in my ears. How could Benjamin say such a thing to her? It felt like a knife to my chest, and I struggled to find the right words to comfort her."Sofia, Daddy loves you more than anything in this world," I said, my voice shaking. "Sometimes, people say things they don't mean when they're angry or upset. It doesn't change the fact that you are his princess, and he loves you unconditionally."Sofia's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at me, searching for reassurance. "But why would Daddy say something like that, Mama? Doesn't he want to be my Daddy anymore?"I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "Sometimes, adults have their own problems and worries,
Benjamin—---So this is the infamous Leonardo Dante's villa, I can't wait to see his daughters and mostly the one who made him this way. Although I am not sure she still resides here, I just hope Leonardo Dante business offer is worth all this trouble."Sir, Mr Leonardo Dante would be with you soon." One if his servants said before being and then walking away, I stare at the pictures on the table but all I can see is only one daughter, no signs or picture of the other one."Mr Benjamin Ferrari." I heard from behind me as Leonardo descended from the stairs with a wide smile on hus face and his daughter the one on the picture frames.I stood up almost immediately acting like a gentleman as we shaked hands."Mr Dante." I replied taking my seat with him also sitting opposite mine."What would you like to take?" His daughter asked also faking the smile on her face."I am fine," I replied, she nods and sits beside her dad.
Benjamin —-"So are you going to marry his daughter?" Miguel questioned after asking how my meeting went."I don't have a choice Leonardo thinks that's the only way he can pay me back for the favor I want to do for him." I replied going through some files on my desk while Miguel continue to drink his coffee still surprised by Leonardo's offer."Why are you so determined to help him anyways, everything about him has been ruined I don't see why he has to come back, don't you know he is our competitor?" Miguel said."It's my decision to do this and you can't say anything to change my mind." I said calling my secretary through the Intel phone."So that means you won't be leaving the country soon or atleast you won't be going back alone." Miguel joked smiling as my secretary walked in and I suddenly saw Irene in her, it was her dressing that was so similar to that of Irene."You called for me sir." She said bowing at Miguel who just n
AURORA —--I slowly turned the woman around and it was just a woman with similar features like Irene. "Miss." The lady questioned also surprised with how swiftly I turned her around."I am sorry I mistook you for someone familiar," I apologized looking around the office if I would see anyone like her one last time before leaving but there was no such person.After making sure she wasn't anywhere around the building, I walked out of the building but before getting to my car I saw a little girl who had a striking resemblance with Benjamin, Benjamin had really rare eye color and so did this girl. I know Benjamin was a secretive person which made the media no nothing about him despite the enormous wealth he had but he definitely had no mistress or kids.The little girl stares at me kinly for a few seconds but I could swear she look too much like Benjamin and for a spilt second I saw Irene, what is going on with me I keep seeing Irene's face In di