Shadows of the heart

ron barrier between her turbulent past and an uncertain future. As the gates creak

e, luxurious lifestyle, and the shadows that seemed to surround them. Chiara emerged from t

eaceful morning air, yet the grandeur

oo flawless, like a painting come to life. At the entrance she was greeted by Signora Ros

le is expecting you." Chiara nodde

t is an honor

nd then to Mr. Vitale," she added, guid

ittering chandeliers, and beautiful murals on the ceilings. From th

maze of corridors before arriving at

ra Rossi said as she opened the do

Vitale will meet you in

case on the bed and taking a big breath. T

only to support herself, but also to pay off her larg

ges, the numerous hours working late into the night to make end

here, and she was not abou

reshened up. The house was a maze, and s

ling windows. The walls were covered with leather books, and the

nd a big mahogany desk

s fixed on hers. Chiara felt a rush of something”f

ued, his voice deep and ri

told him as she sat down, her

sity. "I know you've got a bad past, but I need to see

special case." Chiara nodde

o provide Sofia the c

. "Very good. Sofia can be guarded. She's reluctant to

understanding. "I'm going to do e

ns. "All right," he murmured, a grin c

show you Sofia's room. You can spend som

ara replied, rising from her

Marco Vitale has a frightening and intriguing presence. She knew this work would be dif

e knocked softly and waited. The door opened, revealing a small girl with bi

tly, crouching to her level. "I am C

, attempting to express warmth and kindness. "I understand that this is new and even in

nd Chiara worried whether she

softening somewhat. "Okay," she whispered. Chiara felt rel

I can't wait to

t her room. Perhaps she might find her

't shake the feeling that this was merely the start of

study window. Something about her—her quiet determination, t

than just another employee. I couldn't afford distractio

he statistics and figures that typically provided him comfort. But his mind kept going back to

d, expecting Signora Rossi. Instead, it was Sofia. She peered arou

for her to enter. She crossed the room ging

she said, just above a w

d, maintaining his neutral ton

o the ground. I do not know yet. B

could finally improve. That is excellent to hear. Give her a chance, okay? She is h

a soft hug. "I love you, Sofia. "

d softly, her voice muf

help but feel a sense of hope. Perhap

ore bedtime. Her bathroom was beautiful, with marble flooring and a huge bathtub tha

g as Chiara stepped out of the sho

er heart beating fur

rted, but the words died in his throat as his eyes traveled over her. For a mi

felt a flush build up her cheek.

came to see whether everything was okay. I—I'm alright

tensity that her breath caught. Chiara, he muttered,

cannot seem to withstand the magnetic attraction between them. Before sh

wel slips out of her grasp. His touch lit a fire within her, and

ped to exist as they b