A New Start

Gabby continued, her voice growing stronger as she spoke. 

Mrs Gabby: He loved you so much, Sofia. And now, with this inheritance, you can start a new life, a life free from Sebastian and his treachery.

Sofia looked up from the will, her eyes locking with her mother's. 

Sofia: But how will we get there? How will we start over? 

Gabby's expression grew determined, her hand reaching for Sofia's own. 

Mrs Gabby: I will have someone erase our whereabouts 

Sofia: How are you going to do that?

Mrs Gabby: One thing you should know sofia, you come from a very powerful family…. This is nothing to us 

Sofia: What of Mrs Antonia 

Mrs Gabby: She will come with us, as for the house I will put someone here to watch it, it will be under the person's name 

Sofia: Thanks Mom for doing this 

Mrs Gabby: You don't have to thank me, Sofia, ( squeezing her daughter's hand ). I'm your mother, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect you and your child.

Sofia nodded, her heart overflowing with gratitude. 

Sofia: Thank you, Mom, ( she whispered ). I love you.

Gabby smiled, her eyes misting with tears. 

Mrs Gabby: I love you too, my baby ( she said, her voice thick with emotion ). 

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Sebastian's frustration grows as he hasn't been able to find sofia 

At his office, he sat down on his chair,  Noah sat across him and Wilson came inside with a file 

Sebastian: What does it say ( he asks coldly )

Wilson swallowed hard. For the past 3 weeks, the boss has been cold to everyone and no one dares to mess up in the company. Just like when a female employee came late to the meeting room, he fired her right away.

Wilson's voice trembled as he placed the file on Sebastian's desk, swallowing hard. 

Wilson: I, uh… I'm afraid I don't have any good news, sir, ( he stammered ).

Sebastian's eyes narrowed to slits, his jaw tensing. 

Sebastian: Spit it out, Wilson, ( he growled, a hint of malice lacing his tone ). What don't you have for me?

Wilson let out a shaky breath.

Wilson exhaled sharply, his shoulders hunched forward in apprehension. 

Wilson: We've found no trace of her and her mother since the funeral, sir, ( he began, his words rapid as if trying to escape his mouth ). We've searched all her known haunts and tracked her credit cards—nothing. It's like she vanished into thin air.

Sebastian leaned back in his chair, a chilling calm settling over him. 

Sebastian: She's playing a game, ( he muttered, his gaze fixed on Wilson ). What about the family house 

Wilson: It was sold to Someone else named Mr Domitri, we couldn't get any useful information from him 

Sebastian: She's baiting me, ( he continued, his voice low and dangerous ). She knows I'm looking for her, so she's gone off the grid. But she's not that clever. There's a limit to how far she can run

He steepled his fingers, his expression hardening. 

Sebastian: I want you to expand the search, Wilson. Look everywhere, talk to everyone. I will not be toyed with like this. Find her, Wilson, or you'll wish you never took this job.

Wilson nodded, his face pale. 

Wilson: Yes, sir. I'll start right away. ( He turned to leave ) 

Noah: Don't you think you are taking this too far Sebastian, she had a good reason not wanting to be with you 

Sebastian: Stay out of it, Noah ( he snapped, his eyes flashing ). You think you know what you're talking about, but you don't. Sofia is mine, and I will find her. 

Noah shook his head. 

Noah: You can't make her love you, Sebastian. Maybe it's time to let go.

Sebastian: Let go? ( he scoffed, his voice rising ). I'll let go when I'm dead. My child is growing inside of her, I will find her 

Noah: Do you love her or the fact she's carrying your child? 

Sebastian: What did you say 

Noah: I asked if you love her because if you do you will respect her choice nothing wanting you in her life 

Sebastian: Respect her choice? ( he spat, his voice dripping with venom ). She doesn't have a choice. She's mine, and she will do as I say. As for love? ( He paused, his gaze hardening ). My heart knows where it belongs 

Sebastian's words hung in the air, heavy and thick with menace. His gaze bore into Noah, a silent challenge in his eyes.

Noah held his ground, his voice steady. 

Noah: Love isn't about possession, Sebastian. It's about respect, trust, and caring for another person above all else. And if you can't see that, then you're not fit to be a father.

Sebastian's hand clenched into a fist, his eyes darkening with rage. 

Sebastian: You dare speak to me like that? What do you know about love, you change women like it's nothing to you 

Noah's expression hardened, his eyes flashing with suppressed anger. 

Noah: Maybe I don't know much about love, ( he retorted, his voice laced with ice ). But I know enough to recognize the twisted, selfish thing you call 'love.' You don't want a family, Sebastian. You want control.

 Sebastian's nostrils flared, his lips curling into a snarl. 

Sebastian: You've gone too far, Noah. Get out of my sight.

Noah: I'm only helping you see the truth you are blinded to see. When you are back to your senses you know where to find me.

Noah left the office, and Sebastian stood up and threw the laptop on the desk, hitting the door. The laptop crashed against the door, the impact reverberating through the room. Sebastian let out a guttural roar of frustration, his knuckles whitening around his fists.

Sebastian: Damn you, Noah, ( he snarled, his chest heaving with rage ). Damn you to hell.

He stalked towards the door, his steps heavy with purpose. He had to find Sofia. And when he did, he would never let her out of his sight again.

Outside, Noah was already gone, his words echoing in Sebastian

…Sebastian's mind was like a taunting echo. He knew that Noah was right, that his so-called "love" for Sofia was nothing more than a sick obsession, a need to possess and control. But he didn't care. All he wanted was to see Sofia again, to hold her in his arms, to feel the flutter of their child's heartbeat against his chest.

He would find her, he swore. And when he did, he would make sure that she never left him again and learn to love her as she deserves. 

Sebastian's resolve hardened, his mind racing with plans and possibilities. He would be patient. He would be cunning. And when the time was right, he would strike.

Days weeks, turning into months. He immersed himself in work, pouring his rage and obsession into his business. He lost track of time, letting the hours blur together into a ceaseless blur of meetings and phone calls. But he never forgot Sofia, her memory haunting his every waking moment.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Sofia sat in the room, her rounded belly pressing against the fabric of her dress. All around her, voices buzzed and murmured, the discussion lively and animated. 

The room fell silent as Sofia rose from her chair, her voice clear and steady as she addressed the board. 

Sofia: Ladies and gentlemen ( she said, her eyes sweeping across the assembled group ). I am here today to discuss the future of Miller Winery. My father's legacy was one of quality and innovation, and I intend to honour that legacy by expanding our reach beyond the borders of Germany.

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, heads nodding in approval. Sofia smiled, her confidence growing with each passing moment.

Sofia: As the new owner of Miller Winery, ( her voice ringing with authority ), I have some bold ideas for our company's future. We will venture into new markets, exploring opportunities in America, France, and beyond. We will create new products, harnessing the power of technology to develop wines that are both unique and delicious.

The board members exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and excitement.

Sofia: But most importantly, ( she said, her gaze fierce and determined ) we will never compromise on our commitment to quality. Miller Winery will always be a name that is synonymous with excellence, and I will not rest until our wines are known and celebrated throughout the world.

The room erupted into applause, the members of the board on their feet, their cheers ringing through the air. Sofia smiled, her heart full of pride and gratitude.

The excitement of the moment was palpable, the room charged with energy and optimism. But for Sofia, the real work was just beginning. As the meeting adjourned, she was approached by one of the board members, a man named Marco, who clasped her hand with a smile.

Marco: Brava, Sofia ( he said, his eyes alight with enthusiasm ). Your vision is inspiring. And your father would be proud. 

Sofia returned his smile, a flush of warmth rising to her cheeks. 

Sofia: Thank you, Marco 

Marco: As are the rest of the board. We have every confidence in your leadership, and we will do everything we can to help you achieve your goals.

Sofia's heart swelled with gratitude. 

Sofia: Thank you ( she said, her voice thick with emotion ). Your support means everything to me.

Marco smiled a twinkle in his eye. 

Sofia: Then let us begin ( he said, gesturing towards the door )

She got home, drove down the driveway, and a maid ran to her bow and took her bag 

Maid 1: Young miss, madam has been waiting for you 

Sofia nodded, thanking the maid as she made her way into the house. She could already hear her mother's voice, warm and inviting, drifting down the hallway.

Mrs Gabby: Sofia, darling, ( greeting her daughter with a hug ). I hope the meeting went well.

Sofia smiled, a hint of fatigue shadowing her features. 

Sofia: It was a success, ( she said, leaning into her mother's embrace ). The board is behind me.

Gabby beamed with pride.

Mrs Gabby: That's wonderful, mi amor ( she said, leading Sofia towards the kitchen ). Now, let's have some tea, and you can tell me all about it.

Sofia followed her mother, her footsteps slowing as they approached the kitchen table. There, she saw a vase of fresh flowers, a steaming pot of tea, and a plate of her favourite pastries.

Sofia: You spoil me

Sofia said with a smile, settling into a chair.

Gabby laughed.

Mrs Gabby: Nonsense ( she said, pouring the tea into two delicate cups ). You deserve to be spoiled, especially now that you're carrying my first grandchild.

Sofia blushed, her hand instinctively resting on her belly. 

Sofia: You're too kind, ( she said, a smile tugging at her lips ). And I'm grateful for everything you've done for me.

Gabby smiled, reaching across the table to squeeze her daughter's hand.

Mrs Gabby: So you don't want to check the gender of the baby 

Sofia: ( she sips her tea ) No I want it to be a surprise like the olden days 

Gabby's smile softened, her eyes misting with emotion. 

Mrs Gabby: Ah, the olden days, ( she said, her voice wistful ). When life was simpler, and surprises were cherished.

Sofia nodded, a contemplative expression on her face. 

Sofia: There are so few true surprises left in life, I want this to be one of them

Gabby let out a soft chuckle. 

Mrs Gabby: You've always been a stubborn one, ( she said, her tone affectionate ). 

Mrs Gabby: I asked Antonia to prepare your favourite chicken soup 

Sofia: No I don't want to eat it, it's starting to taste like horsefeet 

Gabby's brow furrowed, a hint of concern creeping into her voice. 

Mrs Gabby: Horse feet? ( she repeated, her expression quizzical ). Dear, are you feeling alright?

Sofia waved her hand dismissively, a mischievous glint in her eye. 

Sofia: I'm fine, Mamma, ( she said ) Just feeling a little picky about my food these days.

Gabby shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips.

Mrs Gabby: Well, if you're not hungry, we can discuss other things, ( she said, her voice teasing ). Perhaps we should talk about how you're going to decorate the nursery?

Sofia's eyes lit up. 

Sofia: Oh, I've been thinking about that, ( she said, her voice alive with enthusiasm ). I want it to be gender-neutral, with lots of soft colours and natural wood. 

As Gabby listened to Sofia's plans, her smile widened with pride. 

Mrs Gabby: It sounds beautiful and very modern, just like you.

Sofia laughed, her hand tracing idle patterns on the table. 

Sofia: I'm not sure I'm all that modern, ( she said, a hint of self-deprecation in her voice ). But I do know what I like. 

Gabby tilted her head, her expression affectionate.

Mrs Gabby: You're more modern than you realize, ( she said, her tone warm and reassuring ). You're a strong, independent woman, and you're going to be a wonderful mother.

Sofia's smile softened, a flicker of doubt in her eyes. 

Sofia: I hope so ( she said, her voice quiet ). I just want to give my child the best life I can.

Gabby reached across the table, taking Sofia's hand in hers. 

Mrs Gabby: And you will