Chapter 2: The Price of a Favor
DARIO
Despite the respect I have for my grandfather, he’s not the boss anymore. So why do his threats still terrify me?
Probably because I’ve witnessed his cruelty over the years. But is there really a reason for him to insist so much on this damn marriage?
Maybe the Dempseys are cashing in the favor for saving his life some time ago.
I wonder what kind of family would hand their daughter over to a fate like this. Unless they’re after money. But I won’t allow them to get a single cent.
“You listening to me, boy? Take on your commitment or deal with the consequences.” My grandfather says, sitting in the armchair in my office.
Another visit, another threat. That’s my grandfather, Joseph Genovese — the man who raised me, who loves me, but who’s also the former mafia boss and is currently threatening to kill me.
“Despite being my grandfather, you know you can’t just threaten me like that. I’m the one giving the orders now.” I say, sitting behind my desk.
“You may give the orders, boy, but the rules remain the same. This is a family commitment, and if you disrespect it, you’ll burn.”
Rules. Always the fucking rules. Nothing is more important than following the code of honor; after all, that’s what guarantees you’ll still be alive the next day.
Rights and duties to preserve the safety of the Cosa Nostra and dictate the behavior of its members. Loyalty, obedience, and all that shit.
For some, it’s a choice. For others, destiny. My damn destiny, for being born into the Genovese family and raised by my grandfather.
And despite trying to live my own life, I couldn’t escape my obligations when the old man decided to retire.
Now I have to split my time between being the head of the mafia and a professor in my spare hours.
“So, what’s your decision?” he presses.
“I’ll do it. But my way.” I say at last.
Aqui está a tradução completa do capítulo que você enviou, em inglês americano, mantendo o estilo e a carga emocional do original, com fluidez natural e fidelidade ao seu tom:
✽ ✽ ✽
Three Years Later
SOPHIA
I can’t wait any longer. Now that the deadline has finally expired, it’s time to end this.
I’d been trying to give Dario a chance, to settle this without putting him in trouble with his grandfather, but every attempt to contact him has been a complete failure.
Maybe he doesn’t care about his grandfather’s opinion anymore, not like three years ago when he made me move into a house just to keep up the illusion that we were living together.
But the truth is, I’ve never met him. Never seen his face. Never even once stood in the same room with the man I’ve been married to for three years.
And now I don’t owe him anything. It’s time to go back to my real home.
Out of respect for the affection his grandfather has for me, I won’t keep pretending anymore. This time, I’ll tell Joseph the truth.
Over the years, I’d grown a little fond of the old man too, despite his mysterious, intimidating air as he sat in my living room.
Joseph usually visited at least once a month. But this time, I had to tell him I planned to divorce his grandson.
I spent a long time trying to come up with a convincing excuse, but nothing sounded right. In the end, I decided to tell the truth.
“So, child, what is it you want to tell me?” he asked, setting the empty teacup on the coffee table.
“This isn’t easy…”
Lie. It’s far too easy.
“But I’ll be direct… I’m going to ask your grandson for a divorce,” I said.
Joseph didn’t even look surprised, keeping that calm expression of his.
“And what reason would you have for doing that, dear?”
“I’m not happy. Dario is always gone… I feel alone. I feel like I don’t even know my own husband.”
Which is true, because I literally don’t.
“I understand, child. But perhaps you two should talk first.”
“I’ve tried. Many times. I’m always trying to talk to him, but I don’t think he has any time—even for his own wife.”
“Oh, dear… I’m sorry my grandson couldn’t make you happy. You know all I want is your happiness. But before anything, let me speak to him. I’ll tell him myself what you intend to do.”
I nodded.
“Thank you.”
If Joseph managed to warn Dario, he’d actually be doing me a favor.
✽
By late afternoon, I’d packed some of my things, loaded them into my car, and drove them back to my old apartment. I couldn’t be happier to finally return home.
Tonight was also the grand opening of Chloe’s new bar, and as her best friend, my presence was non-negotiable.
I planned to use that party to celebrate the end of my unconventional marriage.
I caught my reflection in the mirror after getting dressed, brushing a few stray bangs off my forehead, feeling radiant.
There was a different light in the blue eyes staring back at me, a new glow on my face.
I was finally free. No more pretending, no more worrying about this farce of a marriage.
And in the end, the sacrifice had been worth it. Taking over my parents’ company forced me to grow in ways I never expected. It hadn’t been easy in the beginning, but now the business was thriving. Lily was safe and happy.
And maybe best of all, I was about to be a single woman again.
I gave myself a spin, checking my dress and the black stiletto heels.
Tonight isn’t the night to play it safe, Sophia. Time to celebrate, girl, I told myself, running my fingers through my chocolate-brown hair, mussing it up just enough to make it look wild.
Smiling, I grabbed my purse and my keys, ready to start a new chapter in my life.
✽
I stopped at a light just a few blocks from home. Traffic in Manhattan was strangely light, and I silently thanked the universe.
I was checking my phone when a sharp knock hit my window, making me jump.
And when I turned and saw the man’s bloodied face, my body froze instantly. Fear slammed into me like a wave.
“Please. Open up. I need help,” the man said, pounding on the glass urgently.
Despite the desperation in his tone, his deep voice carried something else too—a command.
“If you don’t open, I’ll be dead soon. And you will too.”
What? Shit. Panic shot through me. What the hell was happening? Was he serious? I couldn’t trust a stranger. He could be a killer. Or worse.
I stared back at the light. Still red. For a split second, I considered just running it.
“We have less than a minute… Open it… please,” he insisted, sounding almost desperate.
Was his life really in danger, or was this some kind of setup? But if he wanted to kill me or steal my car, he could’ve just pointed a gun at me.
I should ignore him and drive away. That would be the smart thing to do. But if he was telling the truth, I’d never forgive myself.
Before I could talk myself out of it, the decision was made. The light turned green at the exact moment I hit the unlock button.
He slid into the passenger seat in one swift motion. He was big, with dark hair—also streaked with blood—that brushed his shoulders, loose strands falling across his face, making it harder to see him clearly.
“Drive. Don’t stop until I tell you,” he ordered firmly.
My hands were shaking, breath coming too fast. I had just let a complete stranger into my car. I had to be out of my mind.
I hit the gas, the car surging forward.
Leaning closer, the bloodied stranger checked the rearview mirror, scanning for tails. Watching him do it weirdly calmed me for a second. Maybe he really was telling the truth. Or maybe this was all part of a bigger trap.
When I noticed the black gloves on his hands—also smeared with blood—panic spiked again.
Oh God. He’s going to kill me.
“Stay calm and drive. I’m not going to hurt you. I just need you to get me out of here,” he said, catching my fear.
He kept scanning the mirrors as I drove us farther from the spot where I’d found him.
“Here. Stop here,” he said when we reached an almost deserted side street a few minutes later.
My heart was still pounding out of my chest.
“Don’t worry. You’re safe. And so am I, thanks to you.”
I stared dead ahead at the empty street, too afraid to look at him.
“Relax, sweet thing… I’m leaving now. But before I go…” His hand caught my chin, turning my face toward him.
The only thing I could make out on that bloodied face were the grayish-blue eyes. They held a strange magnetism, a dark, sensual shadow. His suit, though wrinkled and stained, still looked expensive.
“You were very brave. Now I owe you.”
I blinked. Was he… complimenting me? A killer wouldn’t do that… would he?
“I think you deserve a reward. So… what do you want, sweet thing? You can ask for anything. Money, whatever you want…”
My eyes, traitorous, flicked down his body.
He’s offering me a reward? Then it was all real?
God… I just saved someone’s life.
I let out a shaky breath, tension easing just slightly. But if this man wasn’t a killer, then who the hell was he? Someone being hunted. Someone with serious money, if he could casually offer me anything.
He definitely wasn’t ordinary.
“I’m part of the reward too, if you want me,” he added, teasing, making me snap my gaze back to his face.
For a beat, the air between us tightened, heavy with something I couldn’t name. Was he… flirting with me?
My phone rang suddenly, jolting me and shattering the tension. The sound felt almost absurd in the thick silence.
“I’ll just…” I gestured toward the phone, still unsure if it was even safe to move without his permission.
“Go ahead,” he said, voice calm.
I glanced at the screen. Chloe.
Her party. I had completely forgotten about her party.
“Chloe?” I answered.
“Where the hell are you?” she snapped, sounding annoyed.
“I was on my way, but something came up.”
“What kind of something? Sophia Dempsey, don’t tell me you’re bailing on me.”
“No. I’ll be there soon.”
“You’d better.”
“I’ll be there in a few minutes, promise. See you.” I hung up quickly.
“Looks like someone’s waiting for you, sweet thing,” the stranger murmured, leaning back casually in the seat, unnervingly composed.
Even before, when I thought we might be chased, he hadn’t looked afraid.
“Yeah… I’m late. And I appreciate your generosity, but I don’t need anything. Thank you.”
I just need to get rid of you.
“You sure? I meant it. You can ask for anything.”
“I’m sure. Thank you, but you don’t owe me anything.”
“That’s not true. You saved my life.”
“Well… I guess I just gave you a ride. But now I really need to go.”
“Of course. I’m holding you up. I’ll let you go then, sweet thing,” he said, reaching for the door handle.
Relief washed over me as he stepped out of the car, but he paused before closing the door and leaned in again.
“Before you go… I think I have the right to know the name of my heroine.”
“Oh, sure… It’s… Anna.” I lied without thinking, blurting the first name that popped into my head. Because no matter how calm he sounded, this man was not safe.
“Anna…” he repeated, as if testing the sound on his lips. “It was a pleasure. Now go, run, sweet thing… while you still can.”