. Living In Hell

*Seven Years Later*

“Sofia, come to my room quickly.” Sofia heard her stepmother, Emma, calling her. She felt a pang of hunger in her stomach, but she knew she had to obey her stepmother's command. Sofia covered her plate and placed it on the slab before leaving. She couldn't risk facing the consequences of disobeying her stepmother.

After her mother's death, her life became a living hell. Her stepmother didn't provide her with enough food to eat or proper clothes to wear. Sofia wasn't allowed to enjoy any luxuries in her father's mansion; she was treated as nothing more than a housemaid. Emma, her stepmother, justified her actions by claiming she was disciplining Sofia, fearing that without her mother, Sofia might turn out to be whore due to her mother's poor family background.

Sofia was confined to the house and forbidden from attending any social gatherings or her friends' birthday parties. She wasn't even allowed to have any friends. Today after gathering all the leftover food from dinner, Sofia was relieved to find enough to satisfy her hunger. Otherwise, she had to sleep empty stomach most of the time. However, when her stepmother called her, she had to rush, or she would face severe beatings with burning iron rods. Even now, Sofia carried the scars and pain from those punishments. Emma was sly; she ensured no visible marks were left on Sofia's body, inflicting burns on her feet instead. Sofia had no choice but to endure the pain and continue her work, walking with those burnt feet.

Sofia's heart raced as she hurried towards Emma's room. She knocked on the door gently and opened it slowly, trying not to make any noise. She peeked inside and saw that her half-sister Kat, stepmother Emma, and father were all sitting together, deep in discussion. It seemed something serious was going on from the cold and indifferent expressions on their faces.

"Sofia, please come inside," her father said in his cold voice.

Sofia came inside slowly, bending her head down because she was not allowed to look into their eyes.

Her father came in front of her and said, "What took you so long? You know the rules of this house. You need to respect us and our authority."

Sofia trembled, nodding silently, feeling ashamed and small. Nevertheless, she knew she had to obey her father's strict rules.

"You will be getting married to Leonardo Morelli in ten days. I have fixed your marriage. You should feel fortunate to become a part of such a wealthy family," her father said abruptly.

Sofia's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. She felt as if her world had been turned upside down in an instant. She had never even met Leonardo Morelli before, let alone thought about marrying him. Sofia's mind raced as she tried to process the news. She wondered if there was any way to avoid this arranged marriage and if she had any say in the matter at all.

Sofia seized the opportunity to inquire, "Wasn't Kat supposed to be his bride?"

Kat shook her head as she examined her fingernails. "I'm sorry, but I can't marry him. He's a playboy, and the marriage will last only three years. No way. I won't do this," she said firmly.

Emma sighed. "But we need this alliance to merge our businesses. That's why we have to have a marriage between our families." Sofia’s eyes widened in shock as Emma continued. "...and that's why we've invested so much into you. So, one day, you could be a valuable asset in a business deal."

Sofia couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her family was discussing a trade involving her. Her father was willing to use her as a bargaining chip for a business deal. It was disheartening for Sofia to realize that her entire life was just a tool for their business ventures. She felt like she was an inanimate object in their household, and it was a heartbreaking realization for her.

Sofia took a deep breath and summoned all the courage she could muster. With a trembling voice, she spoke up before her father, something she had never done before.

"Dad, please don't force me into marrying someone, wealthy or not. I never asked for this. I promise I won't be a burden to you anymore. Just give me a chance to live my own life." Despite Sofia's heartfelt plea, her father's face remained cold and unyielding.

“I have made a decision for your life. There is no option for you but to marry Leonardo Morelli. Though I have done so much for you, I have hated you for so many years because you are that whore’s daughter who spoiled my life. I was forced to live with her against my will. So, think of this as repayment for your mother's sin. You don't have to live with him for the rest of your life, but only for three years. After three years, the contract will end, and you will be free,” her father said indifferently, looking at her with disdain.

She was feeling helpless and alone, thinking that no one cared about her. Even her own father didn't seem to prioritize her well-being. She was starting to lose trust in people. It seemed as though she was born under a bad star, destined to face these unfortunate circumstances.

Sofia’s half-sister, Kat, was older than her by two years. Apparently, Kat was born before Sofia, while their father was still married to Sofia's mother. Sofia later learned that her father was in love with Emma, Kat's mother, but felt pressured by his parents to marry Sofia's mother. After Sofia's mother passed away, her father didn't waste any time in marrying Emma and bringing her and Kat to live with him.

With a dismissive wave of her hand, Emma signaled that the meeting was over.

"You're free to go now," she said before adding, "We'll begin preparing for the wedding tomorrow. You should feel lucky to be marrying into such a wealthy and influential family." She couldn't hide the smug smirk on her face as she spoke.

Little did Emma know that Sofia had no interest in marrying a wealthy man, not now, not ever. Having witnessed her mother's suffering and eventual demise in misery, Sofia had made up her mind that all men were evil and heartless. Sofia walked back into the kitchen and noticed her plate was only half empty. But her hunger had died along with her thoughts.

Sofia glanced at the wall clock and saw that it read midnight.

She had just turned eighteen and no one else was around to wish her a happy birthday, not even her father remembered. Sofia retreated to her room and grabbed her mother's photo frame, holding it close to her chest as tears streamed down her face. The night seemed endless as she cried about the unfairness of her life.

. Substitute Bride

“I won't marry that girl!” Leonardo shouted angrily, throwing the contract papers off the table. Alessandro, looking out of the window, listened to his son’s outburst. The study, lavishly decorated with antique furniture and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, was thick with tension.

"Leonardo. Try to understand. This wedding is very important for this merger," his father declared nonchalantly.

"No, Father, it is not fucking possible. I won't marry a slut like her," Leonardo refused sternly. "By the way," he narrowed his grey eyes sceptically. "I was supposed to marry Ricci's other daughter. So, why did they change the bride at the last moment?" he scowled.

"We don't know why they changed the bride. However, this marriage will only last for three years and not a real one, so it doesn't matter who the bride is," his father explained patiently, but Leonardo was not in a good mood to understand those things.

"Are you serious, Dad? You want me to marry a whore for a business deal ?! You can't force me to do anything. It's my life, for fucks sake," he huffed, throwing his hand in the air frustratedly.

"Leonardo, you have to marry her, and I am not asking you or giving you a choice, but... ordering you that this is inevitable," his father roared as his patience timed out. "You are supposed to be married to the Ricci girl only for three years, and after three years, whether you leave or divorce her, I won't stop you. I don't even care what you do after three years, but we need this merger for now to strengthen our company."

His father was a very good businessman but was never a good parent. He never cared about his child's feelings but wanted only power and status.

He was an emotionless man and had brought up Leonardo to be one like him, ruthless and heartless. So now Leonardo was a cruel devil just like his father and had no emotion in his heart.

His father had brought him up as an asset in business, which would make him more powerful, but it made Leonardo hate his father even more.

"I can't believe that you have become so blind that you can't even see the consequences. What about your reputation?! What will people say if you make a whore like her your daughter-in-law?! Are you not afraid that your respect in society will decrease?" Leonardo snorted.

"Mind your tongue, Leonardo!" His father barked. "And I don't care about what people say because only money and power speak and I can shut their mouth with my influence. You have no idea how much money and power we will get from this deal. This new status will take us to the height of success that no one has ever reached," he smirked cunningly before adding, "So it won't hurt to make a girl like her Morelli's daughter-in-law for three years. But remember that you must be in this marriage for the whole three years and don't make me repeat myself," his father threatened with a dangerous expression.

"Then please excuse me because I have no plans to get married in the future, and I cannot spoil my reputation just because of your fucking business deal," Leonardo said in a boring tone and began to leave the room. He had enough for the day.

"Leonardo, you can't defy me like this," Leonardo's father warned him, but he didn't stop."If you leave this room, I will disown you, and I will evict you from my property. You will lose your right over the Morelli Empire," he threw this trump card. "So the choice is yours. Live your life as you want and lose everything or marry that girl for only three years and rule the world like a king," he offered loudly, enough to make Leonardo halt at the door.

Leonardo closed his eyes, feeling the anger rush through his veins. He clenched his fists and took deep breaths to control himself as the killer Instinct within him kicked in, wanting him to kill someone right at that moment. He turned to face his father. His eyes were dark and emotionless as he stared back at his father.

"Fine, Dad! You won. I will marry the girl," he accepted firmly, raising his head. "Now, happy?!"

His father grinned triumphally.

"I appreciate your decision, son. Trust me, it's good for everyone. Now, you may leave," Alessandro said arrogantly before turning to his wife. "Let's start preparing for the wedding, darling," he ordered his wife.

His wife, Anna, nodded as she picked up her phone and dialed a few numbers. Leonardo watched as his parents enthusiastically called everyone to give them the news.

He was promised to marry Ricci's elder daughter, Kate Ricci, but their parents switched brides, and now Leonardo had to marry Sofia Ricci.

He felt hatred and anger claw his heart. He had heard the youngest daughter of the Ricci family was ugly and uneducated. The Ricci family didn't care about her because her mother was a bitch who betrayed her husband and used to sleep around. That was why Carlo Ricci left her and married Kat's mother. But now, her daughter, Sofia, was no better than her mother. She was following her mother intently.

Though it would be a contract marriage, he could not help but feel disgusted by the thought of being with a girl like Sofia Ricci for three years.

"Fuck!" He groaned, coming out of his father's study. "My life is so screwed," he yelled as he kicked the wall. "But wait for the worst to come, Sofia Ricci. I will make your life a living hell," he gritted out, staring at the void. "Welcome to hell, Sofia Ricci!" He sneered with hatred.

. My Life Is Screwed

Leonardo entered his friend's condo feeling frustrated and upset. His friend Domenico Russo greeted him with a warm smile, "Hey, Leonardo!"

But Leonardo didn't respond.

Domenico sensed something was wrong and asked, "What's wrong?"

Leonardo huffed.

"Father issue!" Domenico snorted.

Leonardo scowled.

Domenico inquired once more, "Tell me what happened this time."

Leonardo, visibly frustrated, responded with clenched teeth, "He has replaced the bride and now expects me to wed that slut, Sofia Ricci, who is deemed worthless by the Riccis."

"Why did they change the girl at the last moment? Weren't you supposed to marry Kat Ricci?" asked Domenico, clearly worried.

Leonardo sighed deeply and massaged his forehead before pinching the bridge of his nose. "I have no idea," he said, his voice thick with frustration. "My father threatened me, and I have to marry Sofia Ricci. My life is a mess."

Domenico sat next to him and gave him a reassuring pat on the back. "I'm sorry to hear that, my friend. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

Leonardo nodded and ordered his drink.

"Hey man, it sounds like you're going through a tough time, but hang in there. I'm here for you if you need anything. And hey, I've got some good news that might cheer you up," Domenico said, giving Leonardo a reassuring wink as the doorbell rang. Domenico got up to open the door and Leonardo followed.

The lady, wearing a sexy short dress that was almost transparent, stood at his doorstep.

Leonardo looked at Domenico in annoyance. Leaning over Leonardo's shoulder, Domenico whispered,

"Have fun. I booked her for you. She is yours for the whole night." Domenico winked at the lady and the woman cast a seductive smile.

The lady's appearance was certainly eye-catching, but Leonardo was in no mood to appreciate it. He felt a deep sense of gloom, making it difficult for him to feel anything other than frustration. As he stood there, lost in thought, Domenico leaned over his shoulder and whispered something that only added to his annoyance.

"She is the best in her skill," Domenico praised, and Leonardo scowled.

Leonardo felt a bit overwhelmed as Domenico left Leonardo alone with the lady after giving him a wink. He took a deep breath and tried to relax.

"Have fun," he reminded himself. After all, he had been looking forward to this moment for weeks.

As Leonardo looked at her, she smiled seductively, biting her lips, and entering the condo. He hesitated, unsure of what to do.

Then Leonardo's gaze followed Domenico's back slowly disappearing into the distance. Despite the nagging feeling in the back of his mind telling him to be responsible, he made a split-second decision to let loose and have a little fun, even if it was just for one last time. He knew that his life would be filled with nothing but more stress and chaos in the coming week, so he figured he might as well enjoy the moment while he still could. He closed the door and turned to face the lady.

He looked at the lady before him, his eyes turning dark as he took in her almost naked appearance.

"So, what do you have in your mind for tonight?" he asked.

She shrugged and said, "I'm up for anything as long as it's fun." Leonardo smirked at her innuendo.

"Then let's have some fun. It was a long day for me," he sighed.

As Leonardo walked in, she swiftly shut the door behind him. Then, she turned to him and gave him her full attention.

"Then let me make you feel good. I will make you forget about this bad day." Wrapping her arms around his neck, she seductively perched herself on his lap, their bodies entwined in an embrace.

Her intoxicating scent and tender touch momentarily transported him from the harsh realities of his world. With each breath, Leonardo felt a surge of desire, an urgent need for release.

Aware of the limited time he had before his predetermined fate took hold, Leonardo's mind raced. His father had orchestrated an alliance with the Ricci family, sealing Leonardo's future with a loveless union. Leonardo yearned to taste the freedom he knew he would soon lose.

Driven by a mix of desperation and defiance, Leonardo wrapped his arms tightly around the call girl, drawing her closer as if searching for an escape from the disappointment in this hook-up. Instead, his fingers roughly grabbed her chin, capturing her gaze and momentarily revealing the desperation and lust as the hardened gaze communicated. After marrying the Ricci girl he couldn't ever have such fun.

In a surge of passion and rebellion, Leonardo pressed his lips forcefully against hers, seeking solace, pleasure, and a fleeting moment of control. The kiss became a fierce exchange, a raw expression of his defiance and determination to live on his own terms, even if only for a brief moment.

In that heated moment, Leonardo lost himself and poured all his frustration and anger into this sexual encounter.

She was left breathless and panting heavily when Leonardo released her mouth. Then, furiously clutching the corner of her dress, Leonardo pulled it over her head and threw it aside.

In an urgency, he unbuckled his belt, pulled the zip down, dragged his pants down with his boxers, and left it near his knees. His hard rod swung free in front of her. Licking her lips, she smiled seductively before falling to her knees and holding his steely rod in her hand. Her hungry tongue darted out, licking his cock from the base to the tip. Leonardo groaned, grabbing her hair harshly. She first licked the tip while stroking him, then she took him entirely into her mouth.

"Fuck!"

Groaning, Leonardo closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment. She moved her head swiftly, pumping his girth in her mouth. Wrapping her hair around his fist, Leonardo took control. His hips bucked, and he started thrusting deep down her throat. Her gagging sound increased his pleasure. Leonardo's gray eyes peered into her wet orbs. He was pleased to find her looking at him with lust and desire in her watery eyes as she willingly took him deep down her throat. Leonardo felt pleasure tightening his balls and was about to burst into his climax any moment.

So, he lifted her to her feet before throwing her on the bed. Then, abruptly parting her thighs, Leonardo drifted his fingers between her legs, touching her hot flesh.

She was already wet and ready for him. Leonardo thrust his finger into her cunt, pulling out a cry from her. Her moans became louder, and she screamed and begged him as she came hard on his finger. Leonardo took a condom from his back pocket and tore the packet, pulling it between his teeth. His cock was already hard, painfully ready to enter her sweet core. Leonardo rolled the condom down his shaft. Thrusting into her hard and deep, he impaled her pussy rough and fast. Leonardo needed it to release his stress, and he knew he was brutal on her, but the girl liked it as she begged for more.

After a few thrusts, Leonardo released his hot cum in the condom, drawing her pleasure with his.

"Thanks for the great fuck," Leonardo smirked, winking at her.

Pulling out of her abruptly, he went to the bathroom, disposed of the condom, and left the condo without glancing back at her.