Chapter 21 Luca
I'm reviewing security footage of the villa’s front door.
When Sofia left for the visit to her father’s house yesterday, she was nervous and fidgety.
When she returned three hours, her demeanor was different.
Shoulders rigid with tension, movements sharp with barely controlled panic.
Something happened in that house that changed her entire demeanor.
I rewind the footage and watch it again. The way she carries herself when she thinks no one is watching. The brief moment when she looks directly at the security camera with an expression I've never seen on Sofia's face before. As if she's assessing threats and planning responses.
That's not the reaction of someone who just had a pleasant family visit.
My phone buzzes with Detective Alberti calling, hopefully with the additional results I've been waiting for.
"I've got some more information on Mrs. Romano," he says without preamble. "Though I have to say, it's raising more questions than it's answering."
"Tell me."
"Her background checks out for the most part. Born in Rome, educated at private schools, studied art history at university. But there are some gaps in the timeline that don't quite add up."
"What kind?"
"Medical records show she was treated for anxiety and severe depression during her university years. Severe enough that she took a semester off. But the timing doesn't match with what her academic records show. According to the university, she never missed any time."
Interesting.
"So her father covered up her psychological issues? Why would he do that?"
“Maybe he was embarrassed or thought it would prevent an alliance marriage,” he says. “There are other medical records, but they’re sealed. I can’t access them. Even with my contacts.”
The sound of footsteps in the hallway interrupts my thoughts. Sofia is awake and I don’t want her hearing this conversation.
“Keep me informed,” I tell him and quickly hang up.
"Hey," she says from the doorway, wearing one of my shirts hanging above her knees again. I’ve never asked her why she prefers to wear my shirts instead of a robe.
“Is something wrong?" I ask.
She moves into the room, but there's something different about her posture today. More careful, almost timid. "I kept thinking about our conversation last night."
"Which part?"
"The part where you seemed to think I might not be who I claim to be."
Direct confrontation and a bold strategy.
"You’re letting suspicion cloud your judgment.
" She settles into the chair across from my desk, but doesn't relax into it the way she has been lately.
"I understand that I've been different since our marriage.
More confident, more willing to express my opinions.
But that's what happens when people feel safe enough to be themselves. "
"Is that what you're doing? Being yourself?"
"Yes."
"And who is that, exactly?"
For a moment, something flickers across her face, uncertainty, maybe, or fear. Then the mask slips back into place.
"I'm a woman who is trying to be a good wife. I might be failing, but I’m trying and that is the honest truth."
It's a good performance. Convincing, even.
Then I remember what the detective told me about Sofia having psychological problems with anxiety and depression.
What if I’ve been judging her unfairly? What if she’s trying to be a good wife to me and I’m pushing her straight over the edge with my suspicions and questions?
"You're right," I say, watching her carefully. "Marriage is an adjustment for both of us."
She tries to hide the relief on her face. "I'm glad you understand."
"I do. In fact, I think we should do something to celebrate properly. Maybe take a trip together, just the two of us."
"A trip? Where?"
"A honeymoon. We never had one, and I think it might be good for us to get away from all the family pressures and business obligations."
Her face lights up with what looks like genuine excitement. "Really? I would love that! Where were you thinking?"
"I was hoping you might have some ideas. Somewhere you've always wanted to go."
She's quiet. Then she leans forward, her face animated with excitement.
"I've always dreamed of seeing Europe properly," she says. "Not just business trips or family obligations, but actually experiencing different cultures, different cities."
"What did you have in mind?"
"Well..." She gets up and moves to the window, looking out at the gardens with a wistful expression.
"You might think this is silly, because it’s not the first honeymoon destination that comes to mind.
I've always wanted to visit Prague. I've heard the architecture there is incredible, all those medieval buildings and bridges. It sounds almost magical."
"Prague?” I can’t help questioning the destination. “You’re right, that’s an unusual choice."
"I know it sounds random, but I saw some photos in a travel magazine once and it just looked like something out of a fairy tale." She turns back to me with a smile. "Unless you have somewhere else in mind?"
I shake my head. “Not at all. If you want to go to Prague, then we will."
"Are you sure?" She looks suddenly uncertain. "I don’t want to drag you away from work."
"No, I like the idea. You've been patient with all the business demands on my time. You deserve to see the world. Especially since we didn’t do a formal honeymoon."
She crosses back to me and leans down to kiss my cheek. "Thank you. This means more to me than you know."
There's something in her voice, gratitude, but also something else. Relief, maybe? Or anticipation?
"When would we leave?" she asks.
"Soon. I'll have Paolo make the arrangements."
"I should let you get back to work," she says, already moving toward the door. "I'll start researching things to see and do. I want this trip to be perfect."
“I’ll sure it will be.”
I pick up my phone and call Paolo. "I need you to start planning a trip to Prague," I tell him. "We’ll need luxury accommodations and a full security detail."
"How many people?"
"Just me and Sofia. But I want background checks on every hotel, every restaurant, every guide we might use. And Paolo?"
"Yes, boss?"
"I want you to pay special attention to Prague.
Find out what's there that might interest someone like Sofia.
Museums, galleries, cultural sites. But also look into anything else.
People, businesses, anything that might explain why she would want to visit that particular city.
It was her pick for a destination, not mine. "
"Understood. Any particular timeline?"
"As soon as possible."