[ Bound to serve ]

part 10

ROSSI FAMILY- ;

Vannie rolls her eyes playfully, "You haven't changed a bit, Sofia. Still the same little troublemaker." She hops off the table and pulls out a chair to sit properly. "So, how have you been? Anything exciting happen after that war, while I wasn't in Italy?"

"Nothing much- you think Vittore will finally put a ring on it?" Sofia giggles, hoping that Vittore will accept this engagement - , her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I mean, you two have been engaged since we were kids. But he's now grown up?

"Sofia bites her lip, looking hesitant. "Vannie... Vito is different now. He's grown up during the war, taken on more responsibilities. He's not the same boy you left behindengagement after that war, " She pauses, choosing her words carefully. "Are you sure he still wants this engagement?

"Exactly, Sofia. I'm ready to be a Rossi wife." She reaches out to playfully tousle Sofia's hair..

"As an older sister, I want my brother to settle down first , and have kids before I even think about it for myself-Besides, I'm not ready to give up my freedom just yet." Sofia smiles, leaning back in her chair.

Vannie's voice drops lower and more serious, "Exactly. I've waited long enough. Vittore needs a woman by his side, someone to..." Her voice trails off slightly "Someone to keep watch over him, especially now that things are peaceful again in the town.

"Vannie looks at Sofia, a determined glint in her eyes, "I plan on making my move, Sofia. I'm going to talk to your father and Vittore, tell them I want the engagement and wedding to happen soon." She smiles..

Sofia's eyes widen in shock, "Wait, Vannie... you haven't told Vittore you're back? And you haven't seen him since the war endedwedding right??" She sits up straighter, her voice rising. "You can't just show up and demand a wedding!

"Vannie scoffs, waving a hand dismissively. "Of course, he'll want to. I'm grown up now too, and apparently, quite attractive if the whispers around town are anything to go by." She smirks confidently. "Trust me, Sofia, he'll still want the engagement.

"Sofia's expression turns serious, her eyes filled with worry. "Vannie, listen to me carefully." She pauses, gathering her thoughts. "You need to understand that the only reason Vito agreed to the engagement as children was because Mama wanted it.

"She wanted you two to marry because you're cousins, because you're the daughter of her beloved brother. But Vito is a man now, Sofia continues, her voice lowering. "He's the head of the family, and he'll make his own decisions.

"-he won't just go along with something because it was decided when we were kids. Especially not if he doesn't want to." Sofia looks at Vannie, her expression earnest. "I know my brother, Vannie. He won't marry you if he doesn't truly want to."

Vannie's confident smirk fades slightly, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "You think he won't want me?" she asks, her voice less sure. She takes a sip of her drink, considering Sofia's words. "Do you really believe he'd reject the engagement?"