Chapter 35
SOFIA
After browsing catalogs and online listings over the next few weeks, one morning I asked Jude to drive us out into the rolling hills outside of Nashville.
‘Where are we going again?’ Jude rasped as he navigated the winding roads.
I read out the brochure.
‘It’s not quite a ranch, but it’s a beautiful, sprawling estate surrounded by ancient oaks, open pastures, and a creek.
Tucked away on five private acres in Forest Hills, the luxury Nashville 6-bedroom property offers a rare combination of privacy, updated design, and a prime location.
Minutes from Green Hills and the downtown grid. ’
The scenic, tree-lined entrance road with high security gates led to a secluded two-story grey-and-white house in a park setting, boasting sweeping treetop and skyline views.
I’d gotten the keys from the selling agent the day prior, and I unlocked the front door to let Jude and me inside.
Stepping into the main foyer, we both gasped as natural sunlight poured through oversized windows and a skylight.
The home also featured exposed cedar beams, reclaimed century-old timber accents, and bespoke solid-wood barn sliders that brought an elevated warmth to the architecture.
Automatic window shades let in light, and an integrated Sonos sound system pulsed soft music in the background.
At the heart of the home stood a chef’s kitchen featuring thick marble countertops, custom timber cabinetry, a built-in Miele coffee machine, and a Wolf gas range.
A beverage refrigerator sat flush to the island, which boasted ample storage and leather stools.
Next was a walk-in pantry and a butler’s wet bar, seamlessly connecting the culinary zone to multiple entertaining spaces.
Several distinct living areas centered around rustic stone fireplaces, offering flexible layouts for everyday survival, working from home, or hosting our circle of friends.
One wall featured floor-to-ceiling doors that slid open for indoor-and-outdoor hosting, all overlooking an extensive, stunning pool with a wraparound deck.
With a view of a bijou lake, the private stone terrace had an outdoor hearth and multiple seating areas.
The secluded primary suite was a true retreat.
Expansive glass panels let in pristine treetop views, oversized walk-in closets, and a spa bath with heated tile floors that warmed our bare feet.
Five other bedrooms featured the same amenities, creating the perfect environment for rest and offering stunning views of a green valley.
The basement level included a cinema room, a half bath, a custom bourbon bar, and a climate-controlled wine cellar.
However, the crown jewel of the lower tier was a spacious additional room.
The moment we walked in, Jude stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes lighting up.
‘Sofia, this is it,’ he rasped, his timbre rising with uncharacteristic enthusiasm as he stepped out of the dimensions of the floorboards.
‘Look at the acoustic potential in here. The sound isolation is already halfway built into the foundation. I can fit twice as much gear as I had at the old place. I’m going to run the cables through this wall, and mount the master mixing console right in the center.
I’ll build a full, custom isolation booth for recording vocals in that back corner. ’
I smiled at the delight in his rasp.
He started pacing the room, mapping out the placement of his guitar racks, tracking monitors, and amps, consumed by the blueprint taking shape in his mind.
I stood back, affection washing over me as his creative drive sparked off.
While he ran the numbers and calculated the square footage for his music sanctuary, I left him and drifted up to the upper levels.
I used my notes app to write down my vision for sheer white curtains by the iron windows. Plus a cream-and-warm-earth-tone palette for the living areas.
As well as plush, textured rugs to soften the wide-plank floors.
We stood on the back deck later, our hands locking together as we stared out over the valley.
‘This will be our forever home,’ I said, arms around each other, eyes locked on the view.
‘Can’t wait to do the rest of life with you here, babe,’ he whispered as he leaned his head to kiss me. This is it, this is us.’
We put a deposit down that very afternoon.
Later, back in our Belle Meade mansion, the bedside lamp cast a glow across the linen sheets as I rested my head on Jude’s chest.
We’d just made the most earth-shattering love, and I turned my head to press my lips to the skin of his nape, my body still shuddering.
His sinewed hand moved in slow circles on my bare shoulder, his fingers hot on my skin.
‘You never really talk about Italy and your past life as an actress babe,’ Jude murmured, his jaw brushing my hair. ‘Why?’
I shifted, propping my chin on his ribs to see his face.
‘I didn’t think you cared at first, mio bellissimo. I was also shy to tell you, because my career ended in a fizzle. I only started acting to pay off my university fees, but the whole thing took off before it died a spectacular death.’
Jude arched an eyebrow, a smirk cutting through his stubble.
‘Give me the stats, wife. Were you Italy-famous, or just Naples-famous?’
‘I was a household name in the country for five years,’ I confessed. ‘I starred in the hottest shows at the time. I was in ads, I modeled on runways, and magazines put me on their most beautiful lists.’
He let out a whistle, his grip tightening around my waist.
‘I read about it. So I married a literal superstar queen. Why did you walk away from all that cash and glory?’
The ghost of my old fears tightened my throat.
‘Because the glitz was fake, and the danger was real. The mafioso demanded protection money from the actors. Eventually, they bought the studios and tried to use us as cash cows.’
I took a breath, lost in memories of the past.
‘Plus, the grueling sixteen-hour workdays and unhealthy industry expectations drained my soul. I lived in constant dread under the public eye. Worse, my management agency, Talento Italiano, cut and ran, leaving me broke and owed millions in pay.’
Jude nodded, his eyes darkening as he processed my words.
‘I understand, babe. Fame is a toxic dumpster fire if you don’t build high walls around your life. You know that all of us in the band have experienced grief, drugs, alcohol, addiction, homelessness, and depression. We know the cost of what the dark side looks like.’
‘Where did you meet, honey?’
‘It was years ago in the SAS, Australia’s hard-core military service, in the army music corps.
We served together, then went our separate ways.
For two to three years, we all made a mess of it; I got caught up in narcotics, dealing cards, losing money, and gambling my life away.
My wild living got me a stint in jail, where I cleaned up my act.
Thank heavens I walked out of lock-up alive.
Somehow we drifted back together and tried to make it as a band; and at first it was hard as hell.
Still, we made it, and we’re now freakin’ united in our cause because we all understand the price it took to get us here. ’
‘Is that why the Six Sinners are so locked down?’ I asked.
‘Exactly,’ he murmured. ‘That’s why we rarely do interviews. Our social media is strictly about the music. We never share images of Deacon’s son or our family lives. We keep our business private.’
‘I appreciate that.’
He paused, his chest rising. ‘That’s why the thought of those photos getting leaked horrified me; the thought of being exposed was traumatic.’
I reached up, wrapping my fingers over his hand, kissing his calloused knuckles.
‘Don’t worry, I’m never going back to acting, honey. I love community work too much, especially because it makes a difference.’
‘You’re incredible, you know that?’
‘I mean it,’ I said, gazing straight into his eyes so he could see my certainty. ‘Also, if we have a family later on, I’ll protect them with everything I have. No paparazzi is getting near us if I can help it.’
Jude’s chest rumbled with silent laughter as he tugged me down for a deep, lingering kiss.
‘A family huh? I like the idea of a mini-us, and I love the idea of making them even better.’
He proceeded to show me again just how much he meant it.
The following day, Jude listed his Belle Meade mansion and finalized the sale within forty-eight hours, severing our ties to the place.
We packed up and moved out to the estate.
Miles away from traffic, noise, the crowds, the paparazzi, and flashing cameras, where we could build a life in the quiet.
A month later, Six Sinner’s new Oceania tour kicked off down under.
I traveled with Jude and the crew for the opening seven days, eager to see his home city.
We rolled into Sydney, New South Wales, where the harbourside metropolis welcomed us with brilliant sunshine, golden beaches, and a magnificent foreshore.
Our hotel suite, perched high above Circular Quay, offered a stunning, unrestricted view of the famous Bridge arching over the water like a giant steel coat hanger.
On the third night, the production team staged a free promotional concert right on the iconic white granite steps of the Sydney Opera House.
Ten thousand fans packed the forecourt, their cell phones creating a wave of light in the stunning backdrop.
I stood tucked into the wings behind a set of amplifier stacks, as the band enthralled their homegrown fans.
When Jude finished his opening number, he slung his black electric guitar over his shoulder, his charcoal shirt clinging to his muscles.
He gripped the center microphone, his green eyes scanning the screaming crowd before he turned his face toward the shadows where I hid.
His signature hoarse rasp boomed through the colossal line-array speakers, silencing the uproarious throng.
‘Sydney, some of you might’ve seen a video that went around about me speaking of the woman I adore. The rumor mill has gone to town trying to figure out who she is. You don’t have to wonder anymore. My stunning, kind, amazing wife, Sofia, is here tonight. Get out here, beautiful.’