Novels by Jiceryl

SOFIA’s POVI ran my fingers over the contract one last time, the smooth pages cool against my fingertips. Every clause, every word had been shaped to secure my future—my future, not his. This deal was my ticket to the top, and I had spent the past twenty-four hours ensuring every detail was airtight.Yet, a feeling coiled in my stomach, a quiet voice whispering that Rios wasn’t the type to let anyone dictate the terms. Still, I pushed the doubt aside. He was expecting me at dinner—and had even sent this off-shoulder, perfectly tailored black dress along with a pair of sleek stilettos.I could get used to this.I placed the contract back into its leather folder, smoothed the silk of my gown, and forced my spine straight. Whatever Rios had planned, I would make sure I wouldn’t falter.Moments later, I stepped inside the private dining room, my heels barely making a sound against the floor. The scent of aged wine and charred steak lingered in the air. And there, in the middle of the roo

CONFIDENTIAL AGREEMENTThis Agreement ("Contract") is entered into as of January 30, 2025, by and between:Rios Estrada Alcaraz, hereinafter referred to as the "Employer," a private individual requiring professional companionship for public and personal appearances;Sofia Cruz Morales, hereinafter referred to as the "Contractor," an independent individual accepting the role of an exclusive companion and/or lover under the terms outlined below.Both parties agree to the following terms:ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES1.1 The Contractor agrees to act as the public companion of the Employer for social, business, and personal events as required.1.2 The Contractor is to present herself as the Employer’s romantic partner in public settings, including but not limited to:High-profile events, galas, and business gatheringsFamily engagements where a partner's presence is expectedAny other appearances deemed necessary by the Employer1.3 The Contractor shall maintain discretion and comply with the

SOFIA’s POVAfter that weird encounter with that sophisticated—but undeniably mean—woman, I headed straight back to my hotel room. The excitement I’d felt about exploring this place had completely vanished, just like that. One threat from her, and the thrill soured into unease.Who did she think she was, anyway? Hmm…a certain Beatrice Sandoval. The name had indeed a ring to it, like someone who’d graced magazine covers or made headlines in the kind of circles I wasn’t a part of.But I wouldn’t let her scare me. Fame didn’t give her the right to treat people like that.Still… there was something about her face. Something familiar. If only I had my phone, I could’ve searched her up right then and there. Maybe she really was someone important—judging by the way she got angry when I told her I had no idea who she was. But even if she was famous, did that really justify the way she looked down on me? Money and status shouldn’t erase basic human decency.I shook my head and turned toward th

Beatrice Sandoval strode into her suite at the Grand Royal Hotel, her heels clicking against the marble floor with practiced elegance. The scent of imported lavender lingered in the air, mingling with the crisp bite of the air-conditioning, but she barely noticed.Her mind was elsewhere—on that damned girl who had bumped into her in the hallway.“Do you know who I am?”“No. And I am really sorry about—"“Name’s Beatrice Sandoval. Remember it.”“Not sure I want to.”The encounter had been brief, but something about the girl’s presence left Beatrice seething. That angelic and delicate face looked almost untouched by the world's filth. And it stirred an unfamiliar irritation within her. ‘How the hell did that lowly creature not know my name?’ The very thought annoyed her more than the traffic in Metro Manila did! It was irrational, even childish, but the annoyance festered like an itch she couldn't scratch. “Just pray we wouldn’t cross paths again, bitch. Or you will be getting what you

SOFIA’s POVA deep, perfect kind of warmth wrapped around me as I drifted between sleep and waking. For the first time in my 24 years of existence, my body felt light, my mind clear, like I had finally, finally gotten the kind of rest people always raved about.Unfortunately, all the hairs in my body automatically stood up the second I realized I wasn’t on my bed!Panic settled in as my eyes snapped open. At first, I had no idea where I was. Plush white sheets, a thick comforter, an expensive scent in the air—something fresh and floral, but not cheap and artificial. My fingers curled around the silky fabric, my pulse picking up as flashes of last night pieced themselves together.I groaned as I buried my face in my hands. Right. The landlord. His slimy, grabbing hands. The rage that burned through me. My fists connecting with his gut, his ribs, his face.And then, that man, Rios Alcaraz.The memory of him standing over me, unreadable as ever, hit me like a splash of cold water.I sat

The tires screeched as Rios pulled into the parking lot of Black Moon Bar. The neon glow bathed the pavement in eerie light, the bass-heavy music thudding through the walls like a heartbeat.Inside the bar, Rios could see pertinent faces from the showbiz industry. Celebrities, models, and even corrupt politicians indulged in this place, all drowning in expensive liquor and party drugs that his business associates passed around in secret. However, these patrons were blissfully unaware of the storm brewing behind closed doors.Rios exhaled sharply as he stalked past the VIP lounge, pushing through a private door. Inside, Vincent Madrigal paced with a whiskey glass in hand, rage darkening his features.“You better have a good reason for dragging me here,” Rios muttered, his voice low and edged with warning.Vincent spun, eyes burning. “What the hell were you thinking?” He slammed the glass onto the desk. “Changing drop locations without telling me? Cutting my runners out? Now we’ve got h