To Sofia, flying a private jet was an amazing experience. She was filming everything, almost bouncing on in seat from excitement.

However, it was not luxury that was the most exciting part but the window and to be exact - what's behind it. The proximity to the clouds was just something surreal, she loved to see the sky and the landscape below was breathtaking.

Sofia was so happy.

Even though Valentino and Alessio were arguing about something. Currently, she was not listening.

Meanwhile, Francesco was working on his laptop and Sofia could only admire his ability to focus in these conditions.

When they arrived to New York, black car was waiting for them at the airport's parking space. Their chauffeur drove them all the way to Manhattan to the Four Seasons Hotel.

"Two singles and one double" Maureen, the receptionist said and then three keys landed on the reception desk.

"Excuse me did you say one double?" Sofia asked.

"What do you mean? We need four singles" Valentino said, confused as well.

"I'm sorry this is how it was booked, we're full so I can't change the reservation," she said in an apologetic tone.

Sofia doubted that this huge hotel was full. If anything someone paid her for refusing to change their room arrangements.

"You've got to be kidding me" Valentino muttered "Someone did that on purpose"

"I even know who," Alessio said in a monotone voice "Rosario" he was used to his attics, his desire to disrupt and create chaos has made Alessio develop the patience of a saint.

"Well, boys it doesn't really matter who did what. Have fun in your room" Francesco said after taking two keys for the singles "Here" he dropped one into Sofia's hand and then turned towards the elevator.

Sofia wanted to follow her but she was stopped by two heavy hands.

"Give me that key" Alessio whispered ominously.

"No. Give me that, we know each other longer you will do me a favor not him right" Valentino stressed.

"You ignored me for several weeks don't you feel bad? Don't you want to say how sorry you are by giving me that single?" Alessio asked.

Oh, dear. Oh boy. Oh no.

"I'm not giving it to any of you," she said, turned around on her heels, and ran towards the elevator.

Both brothers watched Sofia with distaste. They knew there was no point in chasing her down, they couldn't force her to do anything because the moment Francesco would learn they did they would be in trouble.

"It was your brother's idea so you can sleep in the corridor," Valentino said, his voice full of conviction.

Alessio just slightly raised his eyebrows and mentally rolled up his sleeves. If that asshole wanted a fight he's going to give him one.

***

Sofia's room just like her brothers was situated on the 51st floor.

It was of course an awesome room. With a fluffy bed covered in white sheets, with huge windows that were giving her a panoramic view of the city, and oh there was a mini-bar and she could actually get something to drink from there because that was her life now. She was rich. What a weird feeling. And just to be safe she actually won't touch $10 worth of bottle of water anytime soon.

"How do you like your room?" Francesco asked in a kind voice.

"It's awesome"

"It's good that you didn't let them take your key away, I'm proud of you kid," he said while petting her hair. Sofia pushed his hand away.

"You left me there with them!" She yelled her accusation "They're awful together" Sofia was definitely not sulking. Ok, maybe a little bit.

Francesco chuckled. "I can't be there always for you when they fight. You gotta have to learn to fight your own battles"

"Why can't they just stop fighting?" She muttered with resignation.

"Fighting is actually rather normal among siblings" he pointed out "You should join them instead of get angry at something so natural"

"I- 'm gonna pretend you didn't just say that" Sofia replied, perplexed by her older brother's logic.

"Haha. Okay, I will allow it but you better listen when I tell you what the rules for our stay here are" he said and raised his finger in a warning.

Oh. She's going to have rules on holidays? Lame.

"First, you have online classes arranged with tutors, it's going to be like a normal school day for you, at least from Monday to Friday"

"Yeah, okay" she sighed and looked down. It didn't sound like fun.

"Now, after classes, you're allowed to go sightseeing, enjoy the city. Do whatever you like. Alessandro heard about your issues with a security detail. Now you still have the security of course but he will not be visible to you"

"Oh, okay. Thank you" she said sincerely. That was, actually, really awesome.

"Well, don't thank me yet. It's a double-edged sword. Now that you have more discreet security you need to be more responsible for yourself. No one will be there to remind you how to behave. That being said you need to be in the hotel room at 7 pm unless you get permission to stay for longer. Got it?"

"Seriously? 7 pm? How about 9?"

Francesco raised his eyebrows. "Do you think we are negotiating?"

"No, sorry" her shoulders quickly dropped. Of course, these weren't negotiations what was she thinking?

"It's okay, Fia" he started gently "I know you would like to have more freedom but I'm just trying to look out for you. Okay?"

Sofia nodded. Of course, she knew that.

"Unpack your stuff, it will feel more home-like," Francesco said while getting up.

"Sure, I will" Sofia nodded looking at her unpacked baggage. She could hear the door closing behind her brother.

***

While Valentino and Alessio were doing their own thing Sofia was having her version of fun by buying books, souvenirs, and going on long walks. She also visited museums and art galleries, and the local library. What were her brothers doing? Who knows? Hopefully, they were having fun.

In the first two days, she saw the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Broadway district, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Fifth Avenue.

She was doing the sightseeing exactly in a way that she enjoyed the most - she was walking whenever she could by feet and ignored blisters forming on her feet. She was eating the cheapest street food she could find and locally baked goods. That way she could feel the city she was in and enjoy it.

***

On day six after the online classes, she was at the hotel's restaurant checking the menu. Normally she would look for something cheaper but Francesco wanted them to eat dinner together. He was really busy with work even here so Sofia was glad she had an occasion to spend some time with him.

Sofia realized that Francesco was cool on holidays because he wasn't overbearing and he was giving them space to do as they wanted as long as they were taking care of their own safety. She wondered if Emilio is going to be like this as well.

Valentino showed up out of nowhere coincidently when Francesco decided to go to the bathroom.

"Aren't you bored of spending days all on your own?" He asked, using the most uncaring voice he could muster. Was he still angry that she didn't give up her key to him?

"Why? You want me to beg you to spend time with me?" Sofia challenged. It didn't escape her attention that he was avoiding her.

"That's what little sister should do" he replied, conveniently.

"I'm my own version of little sister and I'm cooler than my older brothers"

"Little shit" he muttered.

"What did you call her?" Where did Francesco come from?! Suddenly he was looming over Valentino who unwisely decided to take his spot.

"But she just! I- Fuck" Valentino cursed under his breath, this time accidentally.

"Dig your grave deeper" there was an ominous threat in Francesco's voice.

Valentino decided it was a good time to evacuate so he quickly stood up from the chair and with a pout on his face, he walked away muttering something, probably curses.

"He's impossible," Sofia said.

"Tell me about it," Francesco said shaking his head in disappointment.

***

"You're following me"

"Nonsense, I'm just walking in the same direction" Alessio pointed out in a phlegmatic voice.

"Why are you following her?" Valentino snarled at Alessio.

Both siblings turned back and they saw Valentino.

Sofia rolled her eyes. Another drama was upcoming.

"Why are you following us?" Alessio replied with a question. We probably meant Sofia and him which only pissed Valentino further.

Valentino ignored him and quickened his pace to reach Sofia who could feel the heavy hand of her brother on her arm.

"So Fia, where are we going?" Valentino asked.

"Well I don't know where are you going I'm going to the library"

"What? Why? We just finished classes" he criticized her choice.

"Well unlike some people I know I have to study after classes as well," Sofia said with irritation.

"Cmon take a break for a day" he pleaded.

Sofia sighed and stopped. "Okay, what do you want to do?" She asked.

"There's an ice rink in a central park" he sent her a devilish grin.

"Let's go then" Sofia shrugged her shoulders. It's not like she was a fan of skating but at least that way Valentino would relax a little. He was like a toddler - too little physical activity made him unbearable.

"Not you" Valentino pointed at Alessio who didn't seem to care much.

"This is a public space you don't get to decide where I can or cannot go" Alessio pointed out with hands in his pockets.

"If you keep fighting I'm not going anywhere," Sofia said firmly.

"You're no fun" Valentino complained.

"I just don't share your idea of fun, that's a different thing" Sofia replied dryly.

***

Both Alessio and Valentino skated like devils and to Sofia's disappointment even without communicating much they had a competition who's faster and it was clear.

In the meantime, Sofia was in the middle of an ice rink, more interested in trying to figure out how to skate backward than in anything else.

There was a guy who looked like an experienced skater whose technique was perfect and Sofia couldn't help but look at him from time to time and try to copy his movements.

"Try to keep your weight over your feet more"

Sofia jumped when she realized he was speaking to her. That guy she tried to mimic. Before she could feel his arm draped around her waist.

"Thank you" she managed to say as she steadied herself. She felt pretty uncomfortable. He was touching her waist, and he seems to didn't notice that she wasn't okay with that.

"Ethan Michaels" he introduced himself shortly.

"S-Sofia," she replied, trying to pull away gently.

"... can I get your number?" He managed to blurt out without letting go of her waist.

"If you won't leave her alone the only number you will have to call is 911," Alessio said, suddenly standing behind him. In the meantime, Valentino pulled Sofia away from the guy.

Ethan apologized quickly he wanted to drive away but of course for Valentino it wasn't enough. He had to outstretch his leg to trip him.

Sofia covered her mouth when she saw the harmless guy falling on the ground.

Okay. Ethan didn't like that.

"You son of the bitch" he growled, and was about to get up to attack when Alessio used his skates to pin him to the ground.

Before he could even get up, he was lying flat on ice again.

"Really dude maybe you should gain your balance before you start cussing people out?" Alessio asked, clearly bored and unimpressed.

Sofia understood that they're in their element, but Sofia wasn't. Sofia was angry and terrified by watching what's happening in front of her eyes. Actually, everyone was watching and the ice rink's employee was already kicking them out.

"Are you guys serious? I can't believe it!" She didn't want to make a scene but she did want to beat them up at the moment. Of course, that was not a realistic dream so she decided to leave the ice rink. She was so angry and embarrassed.

"Sof, wait," Alessio said, clearly worried about her reaction. But she didn't even look back at him.

"Did you guys have to attack him physically?!" She yelled after they had been far away from the place. She spoke to them only after they completely left the park because before she was too embarrassed and furious to speak.

"Oh jeez, wait Sof, it's not our fault. That asshole really provoked us" Valentino pointed out, he sounded tired and annoyed.

"You didn't have to do all that. He was leaving! Violence is not the only way to solve problems you know?" Sofia said, completely annoyed with them.

"How is running away and crying a solution?" He asked, clearly annoyed. "Just stop forgiving people I don't get why is it so easy for you. Be angry at them even if they apologize" Valentino said angrily.

For a moment, no one said anything. They just stared at each other.

Sofia knew he was speaking about Cynthia as well. About her come back because he didn't understood Sofia's decisions to keep her end of the deal.

Sofia after carefully considering her words started speaking first "Just like your way of reacting to violence is returning it, my way of reacting is avoiding it" Sofia replied slowly "I don't want to change who I am because I hate violence and I don't enjoy attacking people. You don't respect of my way of doing things that's fine, I don't respect yours" she said feeling angry at the way he treats her.

"Where are you going?" Alessio finally asked. He didn't seem like a person who's about to apologize.

"Back to the hotel!"

**

It was late evening Francesco decided it would be a good idea to take the kids for a family dinner.

He didn't spend much with Sofia this week so he at least wanted to do something before he comes back to Catania.

It was very easy to find Alessio and Valentino. If they were in the hotel they were at the gym. He was thankful for that, at least they tire themselves enough to not kill each other in that common room of theirs.

He saw Rosario's point. The fighting needed to stop for everyone's sake. Alessandro would take Valentino's side and Rosario would take Alessio's side. That would be an unnecessary burden to already strained family relations. They needed to sort out their differences and they needed to sort it out during their stay in NYC.

The moment he saw their grim faces he knew something is up.

"What's going on?" He asked in a serious voice.

"Sofia is pissed off at us" Valentino admitted while avoiding his gaze.

"Apologize," he said simply.

"You don't even know why!" Valentino yelled and looked at him with betrayal painted on his face. Francesco raised his eyebrows in an unspoken challenge.

"I know you have to apologize. Be ready in half an hour at the lobby. We're going out" he said curtly and left them with this information.

***

Sofia was sitting in the drawing-room, a common hotel space with sofas and armchairs where the hotel guests were working or relaxing. Personally, she found it to be a great reading space.

Francesco, of course, found her quickly.

"Fia, in half an hour were going out on dinner"

"But-"

"I know Valentino and Alessio but I don't know how much time I will have in the following days"

Sofia sighed and closed her laptop.

"Actually, what are you doing?"

"Family business. We have some friends in here to assure that nothing will change after our family merges together" Francesco explained.

Sofia sighed "Okay, I will get ready"

***

15 minutes later everyone gathered in the lobby. Sofia was wearing a red dress and a navy top. Her hair was tied in a ponytail.

"Where are we going," Valentino asked. He was wearing a simple white shirt and black pants and just by looking at his outfit Sofia remained that they were going to some fancy place.

"To Le Bernardin," Francesco said. He was wearing a black suit, a tie, and a light blue shirt. Alessio on the other hand opted for dark brown, almost black outfit.

"And that is?" Sofia asked as she entered the black Bentley that her family rented.

"French restaurant, I hope you will like it," Francesco said.

As they were driving Sofia checked this place on Google reviews her eyes widened. It was the best-rated French seafood restaurant in the city. Of course.

Valentino was driving and of course, managed to snap several times at Alessio calmly pointing out any mistakes or any potential mistakes.

They were fighting like an old married couple.

At some point, Sofia's head started hurting and she welcomed with relief the opportunity to leave the car.

The restaurant - was really beautiful.

"Good evening, unfortunately, we're booked for today. Do you have a reservation?" The waitress asked the moment they entered.

"Yes, check the reservation for Ianniello," Valentino said to the waitress who checked the list and said.

They were led to the table and were handed menus by the waiter.

"I've never had a lobster" Sofia admitted. "Should I try it? What does it taste like?"

"A bit like shrimp, it's great, you can go ahead and order a bunch of food you haven't tried to taste" Francesco replied.

A few minutes later waiter appeared again to take their order. They've got a bunch of stuff some of which Sofia couldn't even pronounce.

"So, how is the name change going?" Valentino asked changing the topic smoothly.

"Patience, it's a long process" Francesco replied calmly and took a sip of his wine. He was very aware of what Valentino is doing.

"What surname change?" Alessio asked.

Valentino and Alessio were arguing often but usually, Alessio gave the impression that he didn't care about anything. This time his response was more cold than usual.

"We're changing her surname to Ianniello since we're - you know - her family" he made a smug face. As if he won something.

Sofia just knew it was not going to end well.

"She's not an Ianniello, she's a Denaro"'

Oh boy. Technically, Sofia was a Sanzaro after her mother and at this moment she preferred for it to stay that way.

"You're mad as hell because she wants to be with us and she's just dealing with you because you forced her to" Valentino said.

"You know, you're saying all that shit but it must be annoying to you that she was not your father's kid therefore she cannot have your surname"' Alessio replied, his tone sounded indifferent. "Who cares if she was living with you longer? It only happened because she happened to find you first"'

That was it for Valentino who looked positively murderous. Thankfully Francesco decided to step up.

"Stop it. Both of you" Francesco said firmly. "We're in public for God's sake, but regardless we need to stop fighting and start finding common ground"

"A common ground?" Valentino scoffed "We're not a family. We're just two separate entities who play house for her"

Sofia knew that he didn't mean to hurt her, that it was just in his nature to be blunt and loud and usually just a funny and warm person but today, today his honesty hit her like a ton of bricks.

She stood up from the chair, making a lot of noise. Everyone noticed it, and they, unfortunately, she turned on her heels and started running towards the door.

"Sofia wait!"

But she didn't wait.

She just ran.