Married to the Mafia Boss

chen. The soft glow of the overhead light illuminated the cluttered yet warm space filled with family photos and mismatched furni

up with a smile before her brow furrowed in

mind--"his laughter, the warmth of his presence. "Um, just a fr

e. "Is this the same friend you've been spending time with?

it's nothing like that. He's really nice. He help

lumping slightly as she leaned against the doorframe. "I just worry about you,

ofia's mind: the late nights her mother worked multiple jobs, the constant stress over bills, the fights that

, but the doubt in her mother's eyes made he

tinged with desperation. "You have to be careful, Sofia. I've

ed in, his backpack slung over one shoulder. He paused, sensing the tension in the

nk at the worry in his eyes. He had always been perceptive

added, attempting to lighten the mood, but the we

er and sister. "Are you okay, Sofia?" he

yed her. Miguel stepped closer, and Sofia could see the innocen

looking out for your sister, sweetheart," she said, forcing a smile tha

you." His voice was earnest, and Sofia felt a wave of sadness wash over her. How could s

lightly. She wanted to believe that, but the weight of her mother'

ng as she looked at her daughter. "Life can be unforg

distant memory, overshadowed by the heaviness of her family's reality. As Miguel leaned against her side,

she thought of Luca. She remembered how their conversation had flowed so easily, how he had ma

message f

t you tonight. Would love

ers trembling slightly. "It was great m

ld be something more, something that could lift her from the heaviness of her life. But just

r with wide eyes. "Who are you texting?"

to keep her tone light, but the weigh

in?" he asked, his innocent q

she felt the sadness creeping back. How could she explain this whirlwi

chest. While the promise of a new connection shimmered just out of reach, the shadows of her