A/N: I'm having a lot in my plate so please bear with me.
Sofia's pov
Tears blurred my vision as I processed the news. The doorbell's chime sliced through the heavy air, and Riley, ever stoic, opened it.
Caleb stood on the other side, and my disbelief transformed into a stern question, "What are you doing here?"
"Sofia, I want to talk." He pleaded.
"Well, I don't want to," I retorted, my emotions bubbling beneath the surface.
"C'mon, let me explain." Caleb urged, a hint of remorse in his eyes.
"No explanation for this!" I choked on my words, my voice wavering as I confronted him.
I marched forward, pushing him with every word, "I cried on your shoulder, opened up about missing my father, and shared my nightmares. I trusted you! Why didn't you tell me? You kept me from my identity, from my brother."
His response was silent, his lack of defense amplifying my anger.
"I was ashamed, Sofia. How could I admit I loved my brother's wife and had an affair with her? I couldn't, but I kept an eye on you. I didn't just turn my back," Caleb explained, desperation tainting his voice.
" I wish you had turned your back. I wouldn't be this hurt, wouldn't feel betrayed," I retorted.
"Sof, I'm sorry—"
"For what? For making me hate her guts while you were lying? For turning me into an assassin? For using me? For not stopping my anger and letting it consume me?"
"I tried, Sofia, but you were stubborn."
"Of course, it's my fault! You didn't tell me because you were worried about the mafia. Your brother's mafia. You let me think I'm your brother's and made me give you the lead. Take the mafia, I don't want it or anything from you. Now leave!"
"Sof—" he tried to approach, and I yelled, "Don't touch me!"
"Sir, please leave!" Riley interjected, ready to attack.
"I'm talking with my daughter," Caleb insisted.
"I'm not your daughter!"
"Please listen." He stepped forward, and I cried.
Suddenly, Kian appeared, standing between us, and said, "Leave her alone or I'll call the police."
Tension filled the room as everyone held their breath. My gaze flickered between Kian, Caleb, and Riley, emotions swirling. The air crackled with the weight of the confrontation, and the silence hung heavily, waiting for the next move.
"Do you think you're a man to stand in front of me?" Caleb insulted him.
"I'm man enough to do that. Now out!" Kian asserted.
"Such a disrespectful dick!" Caleb raised his hand to slap Kian, but Riley intercepted, "You better keep your hand to yourself."
"And who will stop me? Do you forget whose animal you are?" Caleb sneered.
"I didn't. That's why I'm protecting Sofia and Kian. That's my job!" Riley declared.
"You'll pay for this." Caleb seethed.
"Try anything with Riley, and you'll regret it!" I threatened.
Kian, momentarily shocked, said, "Riley, let go, let him do what he wants—"
"Your room!" Riley cut him off, his tone dark.
"Yes, sir!"
"You call him sir? Ironic!" Caleb chuckled.
