Sophia's POVThe client walked in and sneered as he turned the camera on, its blinking red light a cruel reminder of my situation."You're going to make a great addition to my collection," he said, his voice dripping with malice.I froze as his fingers moved toward my shirt buttons, the small movements were irrigating and fear gripped me. He took his time, smirking, savoring my fear."I've been waiting for this since the first dinner," he said, leaning closer. His breath was warm against my skin, making my stomach crumble. "You were too perfect, sitting there all professional and composed.But now, you're mine."His words cut through me like ice.My mouth was blocked by a piece of tape, muffling my cries. My heart pounded violently, and I pulled at the ropes binding me to the chair, but they wouldn't come off.The conference room felt suffocating. It was well soundproofed I knew that much. Any scream, any desperate plea for help would die within these walls, unheard by anyone outside.
Michael’s POVI slammed the door open, But the sight before me was enough to freeze my blood.Sophia sat slumped in the chair, her arms bound tightly to the armrests, her head hanging low.The blouse she wore was disorganized, her tear streaked face turned slightly toward the camera that stood mocking her.I didn't need more than a second to understand what was happening.My jaw tightened, rage boiling in my chest as I stepped inside. The bastard responsible turned to face me, his annoyance melting into confusion."Who the hell"I didn't let him finish. My fist connected with his jaw, the crack of bone satisfying in a way that nothing else could be at that moment.I untied Sophia and we headed to the hospital I was a jerk. I didn’t deny that about myself. I had used Sophia’s desperation to force her compliance, and I’d made her surrender in ways that should have haunted me. But as I pulled that bastard away from her, watching his bloodied face crumble under my fists, I felt no regr
Sophia’s POVTwo days in the hospital felt like eternity, but stepping back into my life was nothing but comforting. Michael had forced my hand that night forcing me to agree to return to work, but this time not as a translator, but as his Secretary. Personal Secretary. The kind of living with him directly. Tough I had not moved in with him.That night had shattered something between us. The little spark of ambiguity, the possibility that maybe, just maybe, Michael saw me as more than a possession, was gone. He was a businessman, a ruthless one, and I was nothing more than someone he controlled. Even though he rescued me, it wasn’t out of kindness. Michael never did anything without a reason. And as much as I hated to admit it, I had become part of his plans, a tool in his carefully crafted world. Working as Michael’s Secretary was vastly different from my time as a translator. Everyday I try to balance my act, and keep my distance while fulfilling his endless demands. I sta
Sophia’s POVReturning to the company as Mr Mahone’s secretary was far from easy. Everyone in the office had already been gossiping about Mr Mahone and Ms. Berlick’s delayed engagement, and now my presence only fueled their speculation. Some murmured that I had something to do with the delay. Others whispered that I was Mr Mahone’s mistress and the reason for his reluctance. The rumors were relentless, but I had learned to ignore them. My reputation was already tainted by my association with Mr Mahone, and no amount of denial or indifference would stop people from talking. But rumors weren’t what troubled me the most. It was Laura. Laura works in the Secretary office and has been a thorn on my flesh since my return. Laura was the kind of person who demanded attention without even trying. She had just graduated from college the year before, and it showed in her energy and enthusiasm. Everything about her was youthful, her bright, eager eyes, her bubbly personality, and
Sophia’s POV “Do you know about Sophia? ” one of them said, his voice growing clearer as they discussed and my name happened in their conversation did caught my attention. I hesitated, torn between continuing my work and getting up to leave. I wasn’t one to listen to gossip, but something about their tone kept me rooted to the spot. “Yeah,” the second man replied. “The newbee to the secretary office. I heard she was invited by our dear Mr. Cold Face boss . Can you believe it? Mr. Mahone would ask for a woman by himself all those years. ” I gripped the screwdriver tightly, the metal biting into my palm. “What are you talking about?” the first man asked, “But he was going to engage to Cindy Berlick “Everyone knows Mr Mahone canceled that big project with Ms Berlick’s company, right?” the second man said, his voice tinged with drama. “Apparently, Ms. Berlick found out it had something to do with Sophia Scofield. Words is, Mr Mahone did it to protect her!” The first man let ou
Sophia’s POVI stared at Ms Berlick’s message, my mind spinning.The message from her lingered in my mind like an unwanted shade, following me everywhere I went. She had bought my debt. My freedom, as fragile as it had been, now it rested entirely in her hands. Why does she even know about this? I thought, gripping my phone tightly. The fact that Ms Berlick had discovered something so personal and acted on it sent a chill down my spine. I could barely handle Mr Mahone’s overpowering control in my life. Now, I had Ms Berlick too. But there was no denying the reality,Ms Berlick now held the key to my financial freedom. And instead of breaking free from my entanglements with Michael, I had unknowingly stepped into something far worse,a deeper and more dangerous connection with Cindy. I had thought that paying off my debt would be a way out, and a light at the end of the tunnel. But now, it was a prison I couldn’t escape. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that the day I wa
Sophia’s POVWhen I stepped into the bridal shop, Ms Berlick greeted me with her usual gentle smile. Her expression was warm, almost welcoming, but after overhearing my colleagues’ conversation earlier, I knew better than to trust her. That smile, once disarming, now felt like a mask hiding something far more dangerous. Ms Berlick’s kindness wasn’t genuine it was calculated, a tool she wielded to manipulate and control. I couldn’t forget how close I had come to ruin because of her. Whatever she wanted from me now, it certainly wasn’t to befriend me. “Sophia,” Ms Berlick said, her voice soft and inviting. “I’m so glad you could make it.” I forced a polite smile. “You didn’t leave me much of a choice.” Ms Berlick chuckled, brushing off my remark as if it were a joke. She motioned toward the middle-aged woman standing beside her, dressed in a tailored navy dress that exuded wealth. “Allow me to introduce you,” Ms Berlick said. “This is Mrs. Mahone.” The name struck me like
Sophia’s POVI woke up early, with the intention of rounding up the files Mr Mahone had sent me last night.I had just poured myself a cup of coffee to start the day when a loud knock at the door startled me.Putting down the cup of coffee, I walked to the door, my heart was pounding,who could be at my door this early, I wasn’t expecting anyone. Standing on the other side was a courier, a man dressed in a pristine uniform holding a large rectangular package wrapped in brown paper. “Miss Scofield?” he asked. I nodded. “This is for you,” he said, handing me the package. “For me?” I frowned, taking the surprisingly heavy item. “Yes, ma’am. Delivery instructions were prepaid. Have a good day.” Before I could ask further, he was gone. I carried the package to my kitchen table. I was so curious to know what was inside and,Who could have sent me something this big? The brown paper gave way easily under my hands, and the painting beneath it made me freeze. A pearl necklace
Sophia’s POV“Drive faster, please.”My voice was shaky, my breath uneven as I sat curled up in the back seat of the taxi. My entire body trembled, my hands gripping my lap so tightly that my nails dug into my skin.I couldn’t go home.Cindy’s men would find me. They knew where I lived. If I went back to my apartment, I would be walking straight into a trap.So there was only one place I could go.Crystal.She was the only person I trusted. The only person who had been by my side through everything.I gave the taxi driver her address, and the moment he started driving, my emotions crashed down on me like a tidal wave.My chest felt tight, my stomach twisted in knots. I replayed everything that had happened tonight, and with every passing second, my rage grew stronger.Cindy had taken everything from me.She had trapped me in that disgusting club, turned me into a stripper, humiliated me in front of strangers… and then, as if that wasn’t enough, she had tried to sell me off to a monste
Sophia’s POVFor a brief moment, I thought I had won.When I stormed off the stage, refusing to let Cindy humiliate me any further, I believed that was the end of it that they would let me go, that I had broken free from whatever twisted game she was playing.But I was wrong.So wrong.“That was quite the stunt you pulled on stage,” Cindy said, her tone slow and calculated, her sharp eyes watching me like a predator watching its prey.I clenched my fists. “I’m done, Cindy. I’m not doing this anymore.”Her smirk widened. “Oh, sweetheart. You don’t get to decide that.”I glared at her. “You can’t force me to do this.”Her eyes darkened.“I don’t need to force you, Sophia. You already signed the contract. You belong to me now.”“I don’t belong to you!” I snapped, my voice rising.She sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. “I really hate when people make things difficult.”Then, without warning, she turned to the guards and waved a lazy hand. “Take her upstairs. She has a guest to attend
Sophia’s POVAs I stepped onto the stage, my heart pounded so loudly that it drowned out the heavy bass of the music playing in the background.Bright neon lights flashed across the room, casting shades of red and blue over the crowd. The air smelled of alcohol, sweat, and expensive cologne. The atmosphere was thick and suffocating, trapping me in a world I didn’t belong in.I wrapped my trembling fingers around the cold metal pole, my grip unsteady. My legs felt weak beneath me, and my stomach twisted painfully.I could feel hundreds of eyes on me.Watching. Waiting. Expecting.Men filled the front rows, leaning forward, their faces full of excitement. Others lounged in the VIP booths, drinks in hand, their expressions smug and predatory.Then, I saw them.Stacks of dollar bills.Being thrown at my feet. Being waved in the air. Being offered to me like I was a product for sale.A cold shiver ran down my spine.This wasn’t me.This wasn’t who I was supposed to be.I swallowed hard, tr
Sophia’s POVThe blonde-haired woman stood in front of me, arms crossed, her lips curled into a smirk.“Follow me,” she said, turning on her heels.I hesitated for a moment before forcing my legs to move. My entire body was tense, and my stomach twisted painfully as I followed her down a dimly lit hallway. The air smelled of cheap perfume, sweat, and alcohol, making it harder for me to breathe.She led me to a large room, filled with women who were practicing on poles. Some moved with effortless grace, spinning, flipping, and twirling around the metal bars as if they had been born to do this. Othersnewer ones, I assumed struggled, their hands gripping the poles shakily as they tried to mimic the more experienced dancers.The room was covered with bright red lights, casting a soft, seductive glow. A loud, bass-heavy song played in the background, setting the rhythm for the women who swayed their bodies in sync with the beat.I felt completely out of place.I didn’t belong here.This w
Sophia’s POVThe sound of my phone ringing pulled me from my restless sleep. My eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, I forgot where I was. Then reality crashed into me.The debt. Cindy. The legal action.I quickly sat up, my heart pounding as I reached for my phone. My fingers felt clumsy as I swiped to answer.“Hello?” My voice came out hoarse.“Miss Sophia?” The voice on the other end was firm and professional.“Yes?”“This is Mr. Thompson, the legal representative of the debt company. You are required to come to the office immediately to discuss the terms of the action being taken against you.”I swallowed hard. “I… I understand. I’ll be there soon.”The call ended abruptly.I sat on the edge of my bed, gripping my phone tightly. My chest felt tight, and I could feel the familiar wave of anxiety building up. This was it.Cindy wasn’t playing games anymore.I took a deep breath and forced myself to move. I couldn’t afford to waste time.The building looked even colder than before
Sophia’s POVThe sound of my phone ringing pulled me from my restless sleep. My eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, I forgot where I was. Then reality crashed into me.The debt. Cindy. The legal action.I quickly sat up, my heart pounding as I reached for my phone. My fingers felt clumsy as I swiped to answer.“Hello?” My voice came out hoarse.“Miss Sophia?” The voice on the other end was firm and professional.“Yes?”“This is Mr. Thompson, the legal representative of the debt company. You are required to come to the office immediately to discuss the terms of the action being taken against you.”I swallowed hard. “I… I understand. I’ll be there soon.”The call ended abruptly.I sat on the edge of my bed, gripping my phone tightly. My chest felt tight, and I could feel the familiar wave of anxiety building up. This was it.Cindy wasn’t playing games anymore.I took a deep breath and forced myself to move. I couldn’t afford to waste time.The building looked even colder than before
Sophia’s POVThe pain in my stomach wasn’t going away, and I was starting to panic. I didn’t know if it was because of stress, exhaustion, or something more serious. I had ignored my health for too long, and now my body was punishing me for it.I grabbed my phone with shaky hands and dialed Charles’ number. He was the only doctor I trusted. The phone rang for a few seconds before he picked up.“Hello, Sophia?” His voice was calm but concerned.“Charles… are you at the hospital?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.“Yes, I’m here. What’s wrong?”I took a deep breath, pressing my free hand against my stomach. “I’m having really bad stomach pain. I don’t know what’s wrong, but it’s not stopping.”There was a pause before he said, “Come to the hospital now. I’ll check on you.”I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Okay. I’m on my way.”Crystal, who had been watching me the whole time, immediately stood up. “What did he say?”“He told me to come now,” I said, my voice unsteady.
Sophia’s POVMy phone buzzed, and a strange fear gripped my chest.For a moment, I didn’t want to look. I already knew what it was about. My debts. My failures.Slowly, I picked up my phone, my hands trembling. It was from Cindy.“I see you haven’t been meeting up with your debt lately. Legal actions will be taken tomorrow.”A cold shiver ran down my spine. I felt like the air had been knocked out of my lungs.This couldn’t be happening.I had tried my best. I had been paying whatever little I could, just enough to cover the interest, hoping it would buy me more time. But Cindy wasn’t willing to wait any longer.Legal actions.The words made my head spin. What did that even mean? Would they take me to court? Would they freeze my accounts? Would I be arrested?I jumped to my feet, my heart pounding. I needed to go to the debt company. I needed to beg.I rushed to my closet, pulling out the first clothes I could find. My hands were shaking so much that I struggled to put on my jeans. I
Sophia’s POVI gripped the steering wheel tightly, my heart hammering against my ribs as I drove towards Michael’s penthouse. The city lights blurred in the distance, but my mind was sharper than ever.Enough was enough.For weeks, I had endured his mood swings, his cold indifference, and his unexplained anger. But this wasn’t just about him anymore. I had to tell him the truth.I rested my hand against my stomach, barely registering the subtle changes in my body. The nausea, the fatigue all signs of life growing inside me.I needed to know where we stood.Would he accept this child? Would he push me away?Would he finally acknowledge that what we had whatever it was meant something?I shook my head. There was no point in thinking about it now. I just needed to tell him.As I reached his building, I stepped out of the car, my legs trembling slightly beneath me. The elevator ride to the penthouse felt like an eternity. My heart pounded so violently that I thought I might throw up again