125. I love Sofia.

Elena.

I moved through the rooms of the house, going about my daily tasks, but I couldn't shake off the heaviness in my heart and mind. Ever since the intense confrontation with Sofia, where she ruthlessly threatened to expose my secrets, and the growing distance between Deangelo and me, a cloud of sadness hung over me, dimming the joy I once felt.

I tried to find enthusiasm and comfort in my usual routines, but it felt futile. Everything I did felt empty and meaningless. The vibrant energy that used to drive me had faded away, leaving behind a hollow void inside me.

While I mechanically folded laundry, my mind kept replaying Sofia's hurtful words. The weight of her threat pressed down on me, filling me with anxiety and fear. The life I had carefully built, the fragile sanctuary I had created, now seemed on the verge of collapse. I had worked so hard to establish myself here, to escape the shadows of my past, and now it felt like everything was unraveling before my eyes.

But it wasn't just Sofia's threat that burdened me. The drastic change in Deangelo's behavior deeply hurt me. His once-loving gaze now seemed distant, as if I were a stranger in his life. The warmth and tenderness we once shared had vanished, replaced by cold indifference. I yearned for the connection we used to have, the connection that made me feel seen and cherished. The absence of his presence in my life created an empty void that nothing else could fill.

Lost in my thoughts, I moved from one task to another, surrounded by the deafening silence of the house. It only amplified the heaviness in my heart, reminding me of the growing divide between us. The memories of our stolen moments, the stolen glances and kisses, played in my mind like a bittersweet melody.

How had everything fallen apart so quickly? I couldn't help but question if it was my fault, if I had pushed the boundaries too far and expected too much from a relationship built on secrecy. Doubt consumed me, eroding my self-confidence. The fear of losing everything I held dear gnawed at my spirit, leaving me vulnerable and exposed.

Camila, in her vibrant and lively manner, tried to bring some cheer into my desolate world. Sitting beside me, she leaned in, her eyes gleaming mischievously. She had heard some gossip, thinking it might divert my attention from the suffocating weight that enveloped me.

With a gentle touch, Camila shared tales of a blossoming relationship between Deangelo and Sofia, hoping to ignite a spark of interest within me. She spoke of stolen glances, whispered conversations, and the undeniable chemistry that seemed to exist between them. Camila's intentions were pure, driven by genuine concern for my well-being. Little did she know that her words struck a fragile spot deep within my wounded heart.

As Camila's words escaped her lips, my façade crumbled, and tears poured down my cheeks. Camila could sense my distress, her voice filled with worry as she reached out to comfort me. "Elena, what did I say? I didn't mean to upset you," she whispered, her concern evident.

Unable to contain my anguish any longer, I broke down in uncontrollable sobs, my body trembling under the weight of my sorrow. Camila immediately tried to backtrack, apologizing for unintentionally causing my pain.

"It's not your fault, Camila. It's just that everything has been so overwhelming lately," I managed to say, my voice choked with emotion.

Camila nodded, understanding my struggle, and offered me a warm smile. "I'm here for you, Elena. Whatever you need."

Taking a deep breath, I wiped away my tears and mustered a grateful smile. "Thanks, Camila. I appreciate it."

Feeling the need to clear my head and escape the emotional storm raging within me, I wandered aimlessly around the Ferrari compound. The pain in my heart felt unbearable, and I was determined to shield myself from any further heartbreak. Little did I know that fate had a different plan in store for me. Lost in my thoughts, I turned a corner and nearly collided with Deangelo. He appeared just as lost and deep in thought as I was. Our eyes locked, and instinctively, I tried to look away, shielding myself from the pain his presence invoked. But he called out to me, his voice filled with a mix of longing and uncertainty.

"Elena, please... sit with me," he softly pleaded, his eyes searching mine for a response.

Reluctantly, I obliged and took a seat beside him. We sat in silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily between us. Eventually, he broke the silence by asking about the children and their studies. I answered truthfully, doing my best to maintain composure.

Unable to resist the burning curiosity inside me, I mustered the courage to inquire about his relationship with Sofia. My voice trembled slightly as I posed the question, fearing the answer that awaited me. Did he truly love her as he once loved me?

Deangelo hesitated, his gaze fixed on the ground. I immediately regretted crossing that line, feeling a pang of guilt for prying into his personal life. But to my surprise, he spoke, his voice tinged with a mix of sadness and determination. "I love Sofia," he confessed, his words hitting me like a heavy blow. "I love her with all my heart, and I can't wait to make her my wife."

A suffocating feeling overwhelmed me, and a wave of nausea washed over me. I clutched my stomach, feeling the bile rise. Deangelo, concerned, asked if I was feeling unwell. I dismissed his worry with a weak gesture, unable to find the words to express the turmoil inside me.

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision as I turned away from him. I couldn't bear to let him witness my vulnerability, my heartache. With a heavy heart, I hurriedly made my way back to the house, tears streaming down my face, my emotions in tatters. Seeking solace within the confines of my room, the walls closed in around me, echoing the pain that consumed me. The realization that Deangelo had moved on, that he had found love and happiness with someone else, tore through my heart like a sharp knife. The depth of my despair seemed unfathomable, the ache in my soul unbearable.