Behind the billonaire's mask!
Chapter 2 Sophie's POV As I arrived at the hospital, I saw Isabella waiting outside the emergency room. "Sophie!" She exclaimed, tears in her eyes. "How is she?" I asked, my voice shaking. "They are stabilizing her, the doctor will come out soon." I nodded, trying to stay calm. Just then, the doctor emerged, looking expressionless. "How is my mom?" I asked, tears threatening to fall. "Are you her daughter?" He asked. I nodded in affirmation. "Why didn't you bring her in all these days?" the doctor's tone was gentle, but laced with concern. "I...I didn't know it was this serious," I stammered. "Your mother has Stage IV Renal Cell Carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer. It's aggressive and requires immediate attention." My world crumbled. "Doctor, what is to be done?" Isabella asked, her voice cracking "We need to perform a nephrectomy to remove the affected kidney. But it's complex and costly." "Surgery?" I whispered. The doctor nodded. I felt a lump form in my throat. "How much?" I asked, dreading the answer. "I still need to run some tests though, but approximately fifty million dollars, for now" he replied. I gasped. "That's...that's impossible," I stammered. "Where did I want to see it?" "I will advise you to look for the money within three days, if you don't want to lose your mother." He said, and walked away. I staggered, Isabella grasped my hand, offering support. "What am I going to do? Where will I see the money?" Tears flowed freely as I stumbled towards the emergency room, desperate to see Mom. Isabella tried to comfort me, but I shook her off. "I need to see her," I sobbed. Inside, Mom lay motionless, oxygen tubes in her nose, machines beeping around her. My heart shattered. "Mom..." I whispered, grasping her frail hand. She didn't respond. I collapsed beside her bed, tears streaming down my face. How could this be happening? The doctor's words echoed in my mind: "Fifty million dollars...three days..." Impossible. I stayed by Mom's side, holding her hand, praying for a miracle. I know I have to look for a solution, I need to look for a way to raise the money. But how? "Should we go and withdraw all the money I have?" Isabella asked, breaking my thoughts. 'How much can you raise? I think I have up to a million dollars, we will add yours and give it to the doctor to at least start something" She said, handling her ATM cardto me. "A million dollars?" I whispered. "It's all I have," Isabella said, tears welling up I nodded, feeling grateful. "I should have up to a million dollars also." I said, collecting her ATM card. "Let me go and withdraw it," I said. "I'll be right back," "I'll stay with her," Isabella promised, tears in her eyes. I rushed to the ATM, my hands shaking as I inserted the card. The machine whirred, dispensing the cash. I withdraw all the money in my account also. I gathered the money, and it was three million dollars. I rushed back to the hospital, clutching the three million dollars, hoping it will make a difference. Isabella's eyes widened as I handed her the cash. "Three million!" she exclaimed. I nodded, hopefully. "Let's go find the doctor," I said. We asked a nurse for the doctor's whereabouts. "Follow me," she replied, leading us to the doctor's office where there was a man sitting down. "I brought three million dollars, doctor." He glanced at the cash. "Three million dollars?" he scoffed. "It's nothing. A drop in the ocean." The man sitting gaze pierced me. Not saying anything. At that moment, I wished he would help me. But if wishes were horses, beggers would ride. "And you expect us to save her with this paltry sum?" The doctor said, with a stern look. I felt a surge of desperation. "Please, sir. It's all we have." Isabella chipped in. "I will advise you to better go and look for more money." We left the doctor's office, defeated. Outside, darkness had fallen. "Isabella, I think you should go home now." I said. "Are you sure?" She asked. "Yes, I'll stay with Mom tonight, and go to my workplace tomorrow, to see if they can give me my salary." "Ok, I will come and stay with her tomorrow while you go in search of money," Isabella said. "Ok, thank you so much izzy," I replied. Isabella nodded. I watched her leave, feeling alone. The hospital room seemed emptier than before. I sat beside mom, tears streaming down my face. How could this be happening? First, Losing my job, then Alex's betrayal, now Mom's illness. Why was life so cruel? I cursed Alex inwardly. Why did I ever love him? My thoughts turned to Mom. "Please, God, don't take her away from me. She's all I have." I prayed. I prayed through the night. I have to find forty-seven million dollars. My eyes remained opened throughout the night. **** Morning light streamed through the hospital windows. Isabella arrived early, concern etched on her face. I set out to go to my former workplace, around 8a.m while Isabella stayed with mom. I met my manager outside on his way into the office. I explained my mother's condition to him and how i need money. My manager's expression was sympathetic but firm. "Sorry, Sophie. I'm not authorized to release funds." Defeated, I returned to the hospital, and rushed to the restroom, overwhelmed. Tears flowed freely. I cried until exhaustion claimed me. I entered Mom's hospital room, and saw a man sitting beside her bed, Isabella standing beside him. I recognized the piercing gaze, he was the man with the doctor when we brought the money. I wasn't able to see him well back at the doctor's office. But now, I could swear, I drooled just at his sight. He was perfect, with his chiseled features, piercing blue eyes, and brown hair styled impeccably. His sharp jawline and full lips curved into a subtle smile, radiating confidence and charm. His broad shoulders and tailored suit exuded power and sophistication. As he stood up, his tall stature commanded attention. "Oh, you're Sophie, right?" he asked. I felt a flutter in my chest as his smooth voice came through. I nodded, because i don't want my voice to give me away. "I shouldn't be doing this when my mom is lying here fighting for her life." I thought, waving off the unwanted attraction. "I'm Julian," he said. "I've been waiting for you." My mind reeled. What did he want? Why was he here? "Do you want to save your mother?" He asked, looking into my eyes. What type of question is this? Why wouldn't I want to? "Yes." I said, almost in a whisper. "I will pay for all your mother's hospital bills, and any debts you may have," Julian said, his gaze unwavering. What did I just hear? Is my ears playing tricks on me? I looked towards Isabella and I see she was shocked as well. "But there's one condition," Julian added, his voice measured. My heart skipped a beat. "What?" I asked, I was ready to do anything for Mom. "You'll have to sign a contract." He said, handling me an envelope. "What's in the contract?" I asked, my mind racing. I opened it and found a paper inside, I removed it, my mind trembling. I gazed at the paper and froze before raising my head to look at him. I watched as he opened his mouth and say the words I was dreading. "Be my personal plaything!"Behind the billonaire's mask!Chapter 3Sophie's POV "What?" I couldn't believe what I had just heard and saw in the paper."Be my woman and warm my bed" He said with a smirk. I felt like slapping him. What did he take me for? Do I look like a slut? And here I was thinking he looked like a model.Taah!Fuck those my thoughts!"Don't worry, to people you will be my wife, and it's only for eighteen months as stated in the contract," he added. "Do I look that cheap?" I asked, and tore the paper. "How will you even suggest that type of thing to a stranger?" Julian's smirk faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Ah, come now, Sophie. Don't be dramatic. It's just a mutually beneficial arrangement.""Mutually beneficial?" I repeated, incredulous. "You think using me as your sex toy is beneficial to me?"Julian shrugged. "You'll get to live a life of luxury, and your mother will receive the best medical care. What more could you want?""I want respect," I said, my vo
Behind the billonaire's mask!Chapter 4Julian's POV "Hello, Marcus," I said, on the phone with my secretary. "I need you to draft another contract. Sophie seems hesitant, but I'm confident she'll come around."Marcus's voice was smooth on the other end. "Yes, sir. And what about the terms? Should I make any adjustments?""Yes," I replied. "Add that she is to move into my house immediately. And she needs my permission to leave the house."Marcus's pause was almost imperceptible. "Understood, sir.""But do you really have to do this?" My friend, Caleb, said immediately I ended the call. Caleb had been my best friend for many years. We had both met in the organisation as a fellow assassin, I had quit because of an incident a year ago, but Caleb is still in the business. "Yes." I replied curtly."But she's innocent. It's one woman who hurt you. Why are you taking your revenge on the other innocent woman?" he said in a low and urgent voice. I stood, pacing around the room. "You don't u
Behind the Billonaire's Mask!Chapter 5Julian's POV "Missing?" I repeated, my voice low and even. "What do you mean she's missing?"Marcus swallowed hard. "I...I was watching her, sir. I went to the bathroom, before her mother was moved to the operating room and when i came back, she was gone."My eyes narrowed. "What of her mother and her friend?""I haven't seen anyone with her today, and her mom is in the operating room." Marcus said. I nodded and quickly pulled out my phone to dial her number, but she didn't pick up.I turned and walked into the hospital, scanning the area. Where could she be? What's this girl trying to pull with me? "Find her," I ordered, turning to Marcus."Yes, sir," Marcus replied, walking towards the exit.I sat down outside the operating room.As I scrolled through my phone, I heard sobs. I looked up to see Sophie emerging from the operating room, wearing a pair of green scrubs and a surgical mask hanging around her neck. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and te
Behind the Billonaire's MaskChapter 6Julian's POV"Sophie's mother's health has worsened." Marcus said, on our way to my grandfather's house."What do you mean worsened?" I demanded. "The doctor said she's developed complications from the surgery, and they are not sure when she'll wake up."Get the best medical team on it." I ordered. "Already done, sir." We arrived at my grandfather's estate, and I stepped out of the car, my mind preoccupied. Her mother must not die if I don't want her to cancel the contract. Augustine Blackwood, my grandfather, sat behind his desk, his eyes piercing."Julian, I've received disturbing news," he said.This old man is something! No greetings. "Regarding?" I asked, taking my seat."A potential threat to our family's business empire." He said, rubbing his temple. My interest piqued."Explain."My grandfather leaned forward."One of our major investors is considering withdrawal. We need to persuade them otherwise."I nodded."I'll handle it."My g
Chapter 7Victoria's POVI pushed open the door, a smile spreading across my face as I locked eyes with Julian. Evelyn's voice was a mere backdrop."Victoria, what are you doing here?" Evelyn demanded, again, but I ignored her.My eyes never left Julian's as I strode towards him, confidence oozing from every pore. The woman sitting opposite him – probably, the woman i was told moved in with him - looked up, her eyes looking calm She is unaware of what is coming for her - I am back to get Julian!Reaching Julian, I leaned in, my lips crashing against his in a deep, possessive kiss. Julian's eyes fluttered closed, his body relaxing into mine, but he didn't respond to the kiss. His passivity was unusual, but I didn't let it deter me.As our lips touched, I felt Julian's weakness, his resolve crumbling beneath my kiss. I love the way he melted against my kiss. He hasn't changed. He still can't resist me. I laughed inwardly. But before I could savor the moment, Evelyn's hands grasped my
Behind the Billionaire's mask!Chapter 8Sophie's POV I woke up to a gentle knock on my door, disorienting me for a moment. Julian never knocked; he always barged in. I couldn't even remember falling asleep. The last thing I recalled was video-calling Isabella, followed by an intense gaming session that left my fingers tingling.Shaking off the haze, I got out of bed and opened the door to find Evelyn standing in the hallway, her expression soft yet laced with something I couldn't quite place."Evy," I said, smiling as I stepped aside to let her in.Evelyn's presence was always a welcome surprise. Her visits always brightened my day, like a ray of sunshine breaking through a cloudy sky."Evy, aren't you going out again?" I asked, noticing she was now dressed in her casual attire, a vibrant sundress that highlighted her youthful energy.She settled onto my bed, fidgeting with her fingers, the way she always did when she was nervous. "I'm back already. Julian dropped me off while going
Behind the Billionaire's mask!Chapter 9Sophie's POV"Don't stay long, get anything you want to buy, and come back as soon as possible," Julian said, handing me his debit card with an air of nonchalance. I glanced at the shiny card, feeling a mix of disbelief and excitement. "How much are we to spend?" I asked, unsure of the limits."Spend any amount," Julian replied with a smirk. "It's not like you can spend it all unless you plan to buy the world."I raised an eyebrow."What if you want to use your card?"Julian chuckled. "Do I look like someone with only one debit card? The card belongs to you now. That's the benefit of being my wife."What?! Is this asshole being serious about taking care of me? The thought danced in my mind, both thrilling and terrifying. I know he promised to make me live in luxury, but I would have been just grateful if he had just paid my mom's hospital bills.Anyway, not bad! I mused. Evelyn, who was standing nearby, chimed in, "My brother is a billionaire!
Behind the Billionaire's mask!Chapter 10Sophie's POV "Victoria!"Evelyn's eyes narrowed beside me.Victoria's gaze swept over me, her expression a mix of shock and disdain. "Well, well, well. Look at you," Victoria sneered, eyeing my new hairstyle."Quite the transformation. Julian's wife is looking more like a doll."Evelyn stepped forward, her voice firm."Victoria, back off."Victoria smirked."What do you want, Victoria?" I asked, my voice steady.Victoria's smile twisted into a menacing grin. "We need to talk." She said, beckoning me with a curled finger."What do you want to talk to her about?" Evelyn asked. "Wait...were you stalking us? How do you know we were here?""Do you think I have the time to be stalking you?" Victoria spat. "I'm a busy woman."Evelyn looked at her in disgust."What did you want to talk about?" I asked."Let's go to the cafe over there," Victoria said, nodding toward the cosy coffee shop across the street. "Evelyn, you can wait for us in the car."Ev
Chapter 112 Victoria’s POV When I woke again, my head was pounding like a jackhammer. Damn. My eyelids felt heavy, and my body ached like I had been run over by a truck. What the hell happened? I blinked a few times, trying to adjust to the dimly lit room. My stomach twisted as I realized—I was back. Back in this hellhole. I shot up quickly, my breathing ragged, my hands instinctively reaching for my wrists. Thank goodness, I wasn’t tied this time. But that relief was short-lived because the reality of my situation came crashing down again. Caleb. That traitor. I still couldn't wrap my head around it. Caleb was working for Zayn. My stomach churned at the thought. How the hell had they even met? I ran a shaky hand through my hair, trying to gather my thoughts. I had escaped. I had almost tasted freedom. And now? Now, I was trapped again. Shit. Then, I heard it—the faint murmur of voices outside the door. My pulse quickened. I pushed myself off the bed, ignoring the weakness in
Chapter 111 Julian's POV "Any news about Celine?" My voice was sharp with impatience as I paced the office, my fingers running through my hair in frustration. Marcus stood before me. "No, sir. We haven't been able to reach her." Damn. My jaw clenched as I processed his words. Where could she be? Had something happened to her? The thought gnawed at me, filling my chest with unease. "Have you made a report?" I asked, my voice tight. Marcus hesitated. "I wanted to inform you first and then get a go-ahead from you." I exhaled heavily, rubbing my temple. "Yeah, file a missing person report. But make it discreet. Nobody outside this office must know that one of our employees is missing. Make sure the other employees don’t say anything either. Our reputation is at stake." Marcus straightened, nodding. "Understood, sir. I'll handle it immediately." "Good," I muttered. After a beat of silence, I shifted my focus. "Any news about Victoria?" Marcus’s expression darkened, his lips pres
Chapter 110 Victoria's POV I waited for what seemed like an hour, crouched in absolute silence. My body trembled with adrenaline, each second stretching into eternity. Finally, when I was sure the monster had moved far enough, I scrambled to my feet. Every muscle in my body protested as I stood, sore. I grabbed my clothes from the floor, yanking them on with trembling hands. Fear clouded my thoughts, but one thing was crystal clear: I had to get out of here. Now. The window caught my eye. It was my only way out. I ran to it and yanked at the frame with all my strength, but it wouldn’t budge. A pang of desperation shot through me as I tried again and again. Sealed shut. “Come on, come on!” I whispered frantically, my voice barely audible. My gaze darted around the room until it landed on a heavy lamp on the bedside table. Without a second thought, I grabbed it, the weight almost too much for my exhausted arms. My heart thundered as I lifted it over my head. With a deep brea
Chapter 109 Victoria's POV Damn. My head hurts so badly. I tried to move my hand to rub my temple, but my fingers felt numb. Why? Could I have been sleeping for so long? Panic rose within me as I struggled to understand my situation. Why am I unable to move my hands? I opened my eyes, blinking against the harsh light, and my gaze fell on an unfamiliar room. The walls were barren, painted a dull gray, and there was an eerie silence that pressed down on me. Where am I? Am I dreaming? My heart raced as I looked down and realized I was chained to the bed. Chains. Thick, unyielding metal coiled around my wrists and ankles, biting into my skin. A shiver of terror coursed through me. Why? Who dares do this? Memories came flooding back—his face, that ugly smirk as he injected something into my neck. My breathing quickened. Damn. I’ve been kidnapped. I have to escape. I have to! I strained against the chains, my muscles burning with the effort, but it was futile. The cold, unyieldi
Chapter 108Julian's POV"Good morning, sir," my employees greeted as I stepped into my workplace. "Yeah." I replied, nodding in acknowledgement and scanning the room. "Celine is not here again?""Yes, sir," Sandra confirmed."And have you tried reaching her? It's been two days already that she's been AWOL," I pressed."Yes, we have, but her number is switched off," Athena interjected, her brow furrowing slightly."Does any of you know her home address?" I asked."No, she doesn't speak much about herself," Sandra said, glancing at the floor as if it held answers."Okay, okay," I said. I walked into my office, my mind racing with thoughts. Why had Celine been absent for two days? She wasn’t the type to suddenly abandon her job, at least not in the short time I had known her.Could it be that she left because I complained about her clothes? Should I have kept quiet? But this is a workplace. I can’t just ignore inappropriate attire. It looked seductive, even if she didn’t intend it to b
Chapter 107 Victoria's POV "I'll be back in the next ten minutes, I promise." I said, trying to sound convincing. "No, bitch. You'll go when we are done." He tightened his grip on my hands, his fingers digging into my skin. I felt a surge of panic. This idiot won't let me go until I satisfy him, and I have to fight for myself. Julian or Jaxon isn't here to fight for me; I have to stand up for myself. I positioned myself, and aimed to hit him where the sun doesn't shine. But the idiot dodged it, and I nearly fell on my face if not for his grip on my wrist. "I know bitches like you, so I'm ready for you today." He scoffed, an irritating smirk plastered across his face. My blood boiled; I felt the urge to slap that smirk off him. But is it supposed to be this hard? Is it by force? Can't I just say no again? Ah! I can't blame him; that's how ugly asses do—always trying to assert control. Dammit! No way out! I have to satisfy this idiot first! What if Caleb had gone before we
Chapter 106 Sophie’s POV "It's late already. We'll get going now." my mom said, rising from her seat. She handed Jason over to me, his sleepy eyes fluttering open as I cradled him in my arms. Dad followed suit, passing Jane to Julian, who received her with a careful grace, his expression softening as he looked down at her. "Are you leaving because I'm here?" Julian asked. "No, no, no, my son. We've been planning on leaving for a while now, but it just coincides with the time you got back." my dad replied, his hand on Julian's shoulder. "Yesh, we just came to keep your wife company." Isabella said. "Yeah, I noticed you've been missing work these days—flirting around. Is that true?" Julian asked, a teasing tone lacing his words as he raised an eyebrow at Isabella. "Well...I do as i please. No one can tell me what to do." Isabella replied, sticking out her tongue in playful defiance. "Hubby, I have gist for you regarding Izzy," I interjected, eager to stir the pot a
Chapter 105 Victoria's POV I walked into Julian's office, my heels clicking against the tiled floor and turned towards the door to close it; the aim was to make my ass show. I turned back toward Julian, and I noticed he had been focused on his computer. I doubt if he had even noticed my present not to talk of the subtle display of my butty that I had put on. "Good morning, sir." I greeted, trying to sound as sweet as possible. "Good morning, Celine." he replied, his gaze still fixed on his system. "You came early today?" I asked, swaying my hips slightly as I walked toward his desk. "Yes, I had some work to complete, but I guess I am done now." he said, finally lifting his gaze to meet mine. His tone neutral, he hadn't even noticed the display i had put on for him. "What are my schedule for today?" "You have a meeting with Mr. Morgan by 10 a.m., a general meeting with the shareholders by 1 p.m., and a visit to the health centre by 4p.m. That's all, sir." I said. "G
Chapter 104 Sophie’s POV "Sophie, do you have to go and start working in your husband's office?" my dad asked as they settled in on the sofa. My gaze fell on Isabella. That sly fox. "Yeah, I just want to stop being idle at home and at least make a living and not depend on my husband on my husband entirely." I said. "As if he complained." Isabella muttered, and I shot her a death glare. I am going to deal with her later, I can't believe she went to tell my parents. The visit today was supposed to be a normal visit, but now I was going to get lectured for the rest of the day. "No, Bella said you have other reasons; she said you were afraid your husband's female employees would snatch away your husband from you, especially one called...Serene or..." my mom said. "Celine, mom." Isabella completed. That roach. I'm so going to deal with her. Snitch. "Yeah, Celine." my mom said. "It's not like that, mom. I'm just being conscious." I defended. "No, she isn't. She describ