Leonardo was sitting at the dining table, having breakfast. Luca was also sitting beside him. The others had already finished their breakfast and were now waiting for Leonardo to finish eating. They had an important business meeting today.
After a while, Leonardo finishes his breakfast. As soon as breakfast is over, he and Luca leave for the meeting.
The meeting was scheduled at a five star hotel. Many of the country's top businessmen were going to attend this meeting. The meeting was organized by a famous French company. They wanted to launch a new product in Italy, so they were looking to collaborate with an Italy company. They wanted to work with the best company here, which is why they had arranged this meeting. All the major companies had brought their own ideas to present.
They had decided that whichever company's idea impressed them the most, they would collaborate with that one. All the companies had come fully prepared. This deal was extremely beneficial for them, so everyone wanted to give their best.
Almost everyone had arrived for the meeting. While they were all chatting among themselves, everyone's attention suddenly turned toward the entrance.
At the entrance stood Leonardo and Luca. Seeing them, everyone's eyes widened in shock. People started whispering to each other in surprise upon seeing Leonardo there. No one had expected Leonardo to show up. Seeing him drained the color from their faces.
Because they all knew if Leonardo was in the room, they had no chance of getting the deal. They had lost even before trying. Seeing the expressions on their faces, Leonardo gave a devilish smile. Watching them in such a state gave him immense satisfaction.
Everyone was surprised because just a few days ago, there was news that Leonardo was not interested in this deal. His sudden arrival today left them stunned.
All eyes were on Leonardo and Luca as they walked in, ignoring everyone. Seeing them there filled the others with jealousy. They were furious too, but no one dared to show it. No one could say anything to Leonardo. He was too powerful everyone feared him.
Soon the meeting began. One by one, everyone presented their ideas. The meeting went on for about three hours. Then came the results. As everyone had expected, the deal went to Leonardo. Exactly what they feared happened. Leonardo got the deal.
After completing all the formalities, Leonardo and Luca immediately left the venue.
Sofia was getting ready to leave. Although her classes were to start at 9:00, she was still leaving early because everyone in her family was still asleep. She wanted to leave before they woke up. After what had happened last night, she didn't have the courage to face anyone yet.
Sofia picked up her scooter keys and quietly slipped out without making a sound.
She had already asked Rihana to come early too. On the way, she picked up Rihana. A little while later, they reached the college. Since the college hadn't opened yet, they went to a nearby park. They sat down together on a bench.
Rihana said, "Let's eat first, we'll talk later." Since Sofia had left in a hurry, she hadn't eaten anything. Rihana already knew that she wouldn't have eaten, so she had brought food for both of them from home. She took a tiffin out of her bag. Sofia refused at first, but Rihana insisted, so Sofia had to eat despite not wanting to. Soon, both of them finished their meal.
After eating, Rihana said, "Now tell me, Sofia. What happened? You look so disturbed. Did something happen at home?"
Sofia nodded.
Rihana immediately asked, "What happened?"
Letting out a deep sigh, Sofia said, "Dad fixed my marriage. And that too, with Davide."
Hearing this, Rihana's eyes widened in shock. She jumped up from the bench and shouted, "What? Your dad fixed your marriage with Davide?"
Sofia nodded again.
Rihana said, "Okay fine your dad arranged your marriage but out of the whole world he found Davide? Has there been a shortage of boys in Shimla?"
"The guy you can't tolerate for even ten minutes you're supposed to live your whole life with him? If you hear him talk for more than ten minutes your ears will start bleeding! Sofia you're in big trouble! You won't be able to live with that guy."
"Sofia at least try talking to your dad once. Maybe he'll listen."
Sofia shook her head. "There's no point. He'll never agree. This marriage isn't a union. It's a business deal. In exchange for the marriage Davide's dad is going to invest in my dad's company. You know very well money is everything to him. If I try to bring it up again he might even kill me this time."
Rihana felt deeply upset seeing Sofia sad. She didn't know how to help her friend. Talking like this two hours passed by.
"Sofia it's time for class let's go."
Sofia nodded silently.
Both of them started walking towards class when Rihana spotted Davide approaching them. The moment she saw him she immediately grabbed Sofia's hand and pulled her to the side near the wall. Sofia stumbled a bit due to the sudden tug but before she could fall Rihana caught her.
"What happened Rihana? Why did you pull me like that?"
Pointing toward Davide, Rihana said, "Look ahead that wild cat was walking straight toward us. I didn't want your mood to get ruined first thing in the morning by seeing his face."
"He's the root of all this mess. If he hadn't spoken to his father you wouldn't have to go through all this today."
"And anyway today's lecture is already boring. Seeing his face would've made it worse."
"By the way Rihana he looks unusually happy today."
"Of course he is. His dream's coming true marrying you."
"Forget it Rihana. We're getting late for class."
Rihana nodded.
They both entered their classroom and took their seats. A few minutes later Davide walked in and sat two rows ahead of them. Soon after the professor arrived and the class began.
Throughout the lecture Davide kept turning around to glance at Sofia again and again. His behavior made Sofia feel very uncomfortable.
Rihana was boiling with anger. She wanted to go slap him across the face but she knew doing so would only make things worse for Sofia.
Eventually class ended. Rihana and Sofia went to the canteen. A little while later Davide showed up there too not alone he was accompanied by his friends.
Seeing this Rihana muttered to herself, "It wasn't enough that he came he had to bring the rest of the jungle with him too."
Her eyes suddenly landed on a guy who had come along with Davide. Seeing him irritated Rihana even more. It was Mark, Davide's elder brother who constantly chased after Rihana. He had tried to get close to her several times. Rihana absolutely disliked him.
Davide came and sat next to Sofia.
"How are you Sofia?"
Rihana thought to herself, "She was fine until now but thanks to you not anymore."
With a faint smile Sofia replied, "I'm fine Davide."
"You must have heard that our marriage has been fixed."
Sofia gently nodded.
Meanwhile Mark had his eyes glued to Rihana. She felt extremely uncomfortable. When she couldn't take it anymore she turned toward Mark and with restrained anger said:
"Mr Mark why are you staring at me like that? Do I have pearls stuck to my face?"
Mark pulled his chair closer to Rihana and leaned in slightly.
"What can I do? Your face is so beautiful I just can't look away. You're softer than a flower. Makes me want to become a bee and suck all your nectar."
Rihana became flustered and backed away slightly. But while doing so she lost balance and nearly fell when Mark grabbed her hand and pulled her making her fall straight into his lap.
Mark overjoyed wrapped his arm tightly around her waist. Rihana felt extremely uncomfortable. She tried to get up but he held her waist firmly.
Seeing all this Sofia immediately stalked over grabbed Rihana's hand and pulled her out of Mark's lap. Rihana was feeling very embarrassed at that moment. Understanding her discomfort Sofia took her away from there.
Davide seeing Sofia leave like that got furious.
He muttered, "Just wait till we're married Sofia then you'll see how I make you obey me and control you."
Meanwhile Sofia took Rihana out into the garden.
"Are you okay Rihana?"
Rihana nodded.
"Sofia you shouldn't have just walked out like that. What if Davide complains to your dad? He'll be very angry with you."
"Let him be angry I don't care. You're what matters most to me. Just you. I didn't do anything wrong."
"If someone says something to me I can take it. But if someone says anything to you I just can't stand it."
Hearing Sofia's words tears welled up in Rihana's eyes.
"Thank you Sofia for always standing by me."
"What's with the thank you? You're my sister my sweet lovely sister. Now stop crying will you? We're not short of water here."
"Save your tears for when we go to Rajasthan let's cry rivers there they actually need water."
Hearing this Rihana burst out laughing.