Chapter 22 Gabriella
I'm staring at three open suitcases, and trying not to have a complete breakdown.
On the bed are clothes that belong to my sister.
But packed carefully in the hidden compartment of my largest suitcase are items that belong to me.
A worn jacket, boots, and the emergency cash I've been saving for weeks.
Because this honeymoon isn't about romance or seeing Europe with my husband.
It's about finding Sofia before everything falls apart.
The trip is a gamble, as was suggesting Prague. But I have to try to find Sofia and warn her to stay far away. If Sofia is in Prague, if she's in trouble or needs help, I have to reach her before Papa does something stupid.
I don’t have a clue how I’m supposed to get out of this mess, but the most important person is Sofia.
Her continued safety is my priority.
The phone in my pocket buzzes. Papa again with another panicked text. "We need to talk before you leave."
I delete it without responding. The last thing I need is another conversation where he begs me to fix this mess while simultaneously making it worse with his panic.
"Are you packed?" Luca appears in the doorway.
"Almost." I gesture at the suitcases. "I might’ve overpacked. I’m not sure how to dress for the weather."
"It’s better to have options,” he says. “We can always buy you anything you might need there as well. Are you excited?" He moves into the room and sits on the edge of the bed.
"Yes, and a little nervous too," I say honestly.
“What are you nervous about?"
"Everything. The language barriers, or getting lost." My reasons sound ridiculous. I turn to face him. "What if I embarrass you?"
"You won't." His voice is gentle, but his eyes are studying my face with that intensity I've learned to dread. "You're smart, adaptable. You'll figure it out."
If only he knew how adaptable I really am.
"Will Paolo be coming with us?"
"Paolo and two others. Discrete security, nothing that will interfere with the trip."
Discrete security that will be watching my every move.
"I should finish packing," I say, turning back to the suitcases. “I don’t want to forget anything important.”
"Sofia,” he stops me. "Is there anything specific you're hoping to find in Prague? Anyone you want to see or reconnect with?"
He’s fishing for something.
"No, just the usual tourist things. Museums, restaurants." I force a smile. "Why?"
"No reason. I want to make sure we don't miss anything important to you."
"The only thing important to me is spending time with you."
It's what Sofia would say. Sweet, devoted. Luca isn’t buying it.
My phone buzzes again. Papa, of course. "Gabriella, please. This can't wait."
I quickly delete it, but not before Luca notices the message notification disappearing from my screen.
"Important message?" he asks.
"No, only a spam text."
I'm drowning in lies, and each one makes it harder to remember what story I'm supposed to be telling.
"I'll let you finish packing," Luca says, standing. "We leave soon."
Luca barely has time to leave and shut the door when my phone starts ringing. I know without checking, it’s Papa again. Calling instead of texting despite my clear signals that I don't want to talk. If I don't answer, he'll keep calling, maybe even show up here. Which would be an absolute disaster.
"What?" I snap on the second ring.
"Thank God. I've been trying to reach you all morning."
"I told you not to call me. Stop texting too."
"Listen to me. I've been thinking about this situation all night, and I need to know you're not planning anything reckless."
"The only thing that's reckless is you making phone calls and texts that can be traced. Stop it!"
"I had to try. I'm terrified about what might happen if this continues."
"And I told you I would handle it."
"By leaving the country?” His voice rises. "Do you think I'm stupid? Where are you hiding Sofia?"
I don't answer, which is answer enough.
"I knew it," he says. "You’re trying to find her. While your husband becomes more suspicious by the day. This is not the time to leave town. This is the time to lay low and hope everything settles down."
"It's the only chance I might have to warn her to keep moving. If I can even find her. And to maybe work out a better plan."
The silence that follows is long and heavy.
"Sofia was never strong enough for this kind of life,” he finally says.
“You’re right, she’s isn’t and you’re the one who forced her into this marriage. Now I’m trying to fix it. I must go. Don't call me again unless it's an emergency. And I mean a real emergency, not a panic attack."
I finish packing quickly, shoving the last of Sofia's conservative clothes into the suitcase and making sure my own emergency supplies are well hidden. In Prague, I'll need to become myself again, at least temporarily.
An hour later, I'm standing in the foyer with three suitcases and a fake smile. Luca is checking messages on his phone while Paolo loads our luggage into a black SUV.
I’m leaving for my honeymoon and instead of being happy, I’m terrified.
Luca helps me into the car that will take us to the airport, where his jet is waiting to fly us to Prague.
I resist the urge to turn around and take one last look at the villa. Will I see it again? Will I return here as Luca’s wife?
I’m not feeling confident I will.
The thought makes me sadder than I ever thought possible.