Sophia’s POV I paced back and forth in my living room, my thoughts spiraling as waves of panic surged through me. Everything that had happened over the past few days was too much to process, and the incident earlier with Cindy’s associate, Victor Lambert, was the final straw. My chest tightened as I thought about how close I’d come to real danger. Unable to keep it to myself, I grabbed my phone and called Crystal. “Hey, what’s up?” her familiar voice rang out, warm and upbeat as always. “Crystal, I need you to come over,” I said quickly, with my voice trembling slightly. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her tone immediately shifting to concern. “I just... I need someone to talk to,” I admitted. There was a slight pause on her end, and I could hear the faint hum of voices in the background. “Sophia, I’m in the middle of a brand development meeting, but I’ll leave now. Give me twenty minutes.” Relief washed over me. “Thanks. And can you grab some popcorn and pizza on the way?
Cindy’s POV The moment I overheard Michael’s conversation with the HR firm, I knew it was a golden opportunity. He was looking for a qualified male staff member for the marketing planning position. It wasn’t just an ordinary vacancy but it was my chance to push Sophia completely out of his life. I leaned back in my chair, tapping my manicured nails against the desk. Michael wouldn’t fire Sophia easily not directly but with the right push and the right person in place, I could make it happen. She was clinging on by a thread, and I intended to snap it. If Sophia lost her job, she’d have no way to keep up with her debt payments. That would leave her at my mercy. And once she was out of the way, Michael would have no distractions, no excuses. It would just be us, as it should have been all along. I picked up my phone and dialed Annie, my ever-loyal assistant. “Annie,” I said sharply, “I need you to find me a candidate for Michael’s marketing planning position. Someone who looks
Sophia’s POV The morning rush at the office was in full swing when the intercom on my desk buzzed. I picked it up, and Michael’s voice came through. “Sophia, a candidate from the HR firm is here. Escort him to my office and bring his file along.” “Yes, Mr. Mahone,” I replied, setting the receiver down. I quickly gathered the necessary documents and made my way toward the reception area. Michael had been reviewing candidates for the marketing planning position for weeks, rejecting every single one. Each time, I could see the growing frustration on his face. As I entered the reception area, my eyes fell on a tall man sitting confidently, his posture straight yet relaxed. His presence was magnetic, exuding professionalism and charm. “James Wisdom?” I asked, glancing at the file in my hands. He stood up, and I immediately noticed his impressive build. Broad shoulders filled out his tailored navy suit perfectly, and his dark eyes held an air of quiet authority. His jawline was
James’ POV I leaned back in my chair, tapping my pen against the desk. Everything was falling into place perfectly. Sophia was as resilient as she was intelligent, but that didn’t mean she was untouchable. I knew exactly how to dismantle her reputation piece by piece, all while keeping my hands clean. I smirked, pulling out the report I had swiped from Sophia’s desk earlier in the day. It was an important document she’d worked on for weeks, a detailed market analysis that would be presented to Mr Mahone and a group of stakeholders tomorrow. “Let’s make this interesting,” I muttered to myself. I scanned through the report, impressed by its thoroughness. Sophia had clearly put her heart into this. But it wasn’t perfect….at least, not after I made a few “adjustments.” A couple of figures in the financial analysis were swapped, just enough to raise eyebrows without outright ruining the data. The recommendations in the conclusion were rephrased to sound contradictory, creating
James’ POV I leaned back in my chair, watching the controlled chaos of Mahone Enterprises. Michael Mahone, ever the perfectionist, ruled this empire with an iron fist. But even kings had their blind spots, and Sophia was one of them. She walked through the office with her head held high, clearly unaware of how fragile her position truly was. My job wasn’t just to undermine her; it was to make sure Michael began to doubt her completely. That doubt would be the wedge that cracked her professional foundation. I glanced at my watch. It was time for my scheduled one-on-one with Mr Mahone. A smile tugged at my lips. I had been preparing for this conversation all week. MrMichael’s office was immaculate, every detail screaming power and control. He was seated behind his large desk, reviewing a stack of documents when I knocked on the door. “Come in,” he said, his voice as authoritative as ever. “Mr. Mahone,” I greeted, stepping inside and closing the door behind me. “Thank you for
James’ POV The conference room was heating with energy as the team prepared for a high-profile meeting with an international client. Michael had been relentless in ensuring everything was perfect, and Sophia was tasked with translating for the French-speaking client. I sat at the far end of the room, watching her as she organized her notes and reviewed key phrases. Her confidence was undeniable, but I could see an opportunity to shake her foundation. Today, I’d challenge her expertise and plant a seed of doubt not only in Michael’s mind but also in her own. The client arrived a tall, sharply dressed Frenchman named Monsieur Duvall. He greeted everyone warmly, speaking in rapid French that left most of the team smiling awkwardly, save for Sophia. “Bienvenue,” she said, her tone was smooth and professional as she stepped forward to translate. Michael gestured for everyone to take their seats, his commanding presence kept the room focused. Sophia began the translation seamles
Sophia’s POV I sat at my desk, staring blankly at my screen. My mind wasn’t on the spreadsheet in front of me. Instead, it was replaying the countless times James had inserted himself into my work over the past few weeks. His constant interruptions during meetings, his “accidental” oversights in reports, and his overly helpful behavior with the team,it all seemed too good to be true. Something about him didn’t sit right with me, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that James Wisdom was up to no good. I was trying to connect the dots when a shadow fell across my desk. I looked up, and there he was the devil himself, James Wisdom. “Hey, Sophia,” he said, in a smooth and friendly voice, the kind of tone that would disarm most people. “You’ve been working pretty hard today. How about taking a break and grabbing lunch with me? Luxe Café has this incredible pasta special, and I could really use the company.” I blinked, taken aback. “Thanks, but I’m not sure I” “Come on,” he cut me
James’ POVThe last few days had been a whirlwind of tension and failed attempts. Every move I made to undermine Sophia seemed to backfire, and Cindy’s calls had become an unbearable source of stress. So, I decided to ignore them. That wasn’t working out well either. Sitting in my office, I tried to concentrate on the report I was drafting, but the weight of Cindy’s threats hung over me like a dark cloud. The faint sound of heels clicking down the hall jolted me from my thoughts. I glanced at the time on my computer. It was too early for a scheduled meeting. The door creaked open, and it was Cindy, wrapped in an oversized trench coat,In deep green, cinched tightly at the waist with a matching belt, hinting at its luxury a custom-made piece from a high-end designer. The coat had a dramatic flair, its hem brushing just above her knees, hiding what lay beneath and adding an air of intrigue. Underneath, glimpses of her silk blouse in ivory white could be seen at the collar, softly
Michael’s POVI sat in my office, swinging slightly in my chair, feeling the weight of everything crash down on me.The silence was deafening.I reached into my drawer and pulled out the small, velvet box that had been sitting there for weeks.Slowly, I flipped it open, my eyes locking onto the expensive diamond ring inside.It wasn’t just any ring.I had handpicked it for Sophia, making sure it was as unique and breathtaking as she was.The center stone was a rare, flawless blue diamond, cut into a perfect oval shape, glistening under the office lights. Surrounding it were smaller white diamonds, intricately set in a platinum band, crafted with the finest details.It was elegant. Luxurious. Timeless.Just like her.I ran my thumb over the smooth surface of the ring, my chest tightening.This was supposed to be for her.For the woman who had somehow broken through my walls, the woman who made me feel things I never thought I could feel.But I had been too late.She didn’t love me back
Sophia’s POVI woke up to the sound of the city outside my window, the faint hum of traffic, distant honking, and people moving through their morning routines. But none of it mattered.Not today.I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind swirling with thoughts.Should I go to work today?Should I just quit and walk away from everything?Would it even matter?Everything felt so pointless.Cindy’s words from yesterday were still playing in my head.“Guess what? He has agreed to marry me so your debt can go away.”“I knew he never liked you anyway. He just likes what’s in between your legs, slut.”My stomach twisted at the thought.Michael had lied.All those moments of kindness, the quiet intimacy, the way he made me feel safe lthey had all been meaningless.He was choosing Cindy.iHe was done with me.I sighed and rolled onto my side, trying to convince myself that I didn’t care.But I did.More than I wanted to admit.A few hours later, as I was still lying in bed, debating whethe
Sophia’s POVI sat on the couch in Michael’s penthouse, my legs curled beneath me, staring at nothing in particular.For the past few days, I had been trying to find peace, trying to convince myself that things were getting better.Michael had been caring, more than I ever expected him to be. He had even apologized to me for his behavior after Paris.That should have meant something, right?But the moment my phone buzzed, I knew peace was temporary.I reached for my phone and checked the notification.It was a text from Cindy.I frowned and clicked on it.Cindy:I thought Michael loved you. Guess what? He has agreed to marry me so your debt can go away. That is so sweet of him.I knew he never liked you anyway. He just likes what’s in between your legs, slut.I froze.My hands shook as I read the text again.And again.And again.My chest tightened, and a wave of nausea washed over me.Michael… agreed to marry Cindy?Was that what he went to discuss with her?Was that why he came back
Michael’s POVAfter giving Cindy a piece of my mind, I stood up and left the restaurant, my head spinning with frustration.She was completely insane if she thought I would ever agree to her ridiculous demand.Marry her for 25 years?What kind of delusional fantasy was she living in?I clenched my jaw, gripping the steering wheel tightly as I drove toward my penthouse, my mind racing.No matter how much I tried to push it aside, Cindy’s words echoed in my head.“You claim you love her, but you can’t even pay her debt.”I gritted my teeth.She was wrong.It wasn’t about not wanting to help Sophia it was about Cindy making it impossible.She refused a down payment. She refused negotiation.She wanted complete control over me.But I would rather burn in hell than let that happen.When I arrived at the penthouse, I parked the car and walked inside, heading straight to the bar.I needed a drink.As I poured myself a glass of whiskey, I pulled out my phone and called Theo.A few minutes lat
Michael’s POVThe tension in the restaurant was thick, suffocating.Cindy sat across from me, swirling her wine lazily, her perfectly manicured fingers tapping against the glass.I had given her one simple demand cancel Sophia’s debt.But, of course, Cindy was Cindy.She always had to make things difficult.Her eyes glimmered with amusement as she crossed her legs and leaned back into her chair.“You will cancel the debt, Cindy.” My voice was firm, cold, unwavering.She let out a mocking laugh. “I will do no such thing, Michael.”I clenched my jaw as she picked up her glass and took a slow sip, as if this entire situation was nothing more than a game to her.“It has to be paid for, Michael. I don’t care about what you’re talking about.” She set the glass down and gave me a pointed look. “Sophia has to find a way to pay that debt.”I exhaled sharply, keeping my rage in check.“Why don’t you pay it then?” Cindy raised an eyebrow, tilting her head. “Since you want to be her superhero so
Michael’s POVThe moment Sophia left my office with Theo, I pulled out my phone and sent Cindy a text.Meet me in an hour. I’ll send you the location.I didn’t wait for her reply before grabbing my coat and heading out. I had no patience left. Cindy had crossed a line, and I wasn’t about to let her walk away unpunished.This wasn’t about revenge.It was about control.And I needed to remind Cindy who was in charge.The restaurant I chose wasn’t overly fancy, but it was private. A quiet place where no one would interfere.I arrived exactly on time, settled into a booth near the back, and ordered a drink.Then, I waited.And waited.And waited.Thirty minutes passed.Then an hour.And Cindy still wasn’t here.I checked my watch, my patience wearing thin.1 hour and 30 minutes.I gritted my teeth and exhaled sharply.She was playing games.Just as I was about to walk out, the restaurant door swung open.Cindy strutted in, her heels clicking loudly against the floor.She was dressed in a
Michael’s POVRage.It burned through my veins like wildfire, consuming every rational thought I had left.I stood there, fists clenched, my breathing slow and controlled but inside, I was on the verge of exploding.Cindy.That disgusting excuse for a woman.She had trapped Sophia, humiliated her, and tried to break her.And the worst part?I didn’t even know.I had been so caught up in my own bullshit that I never noticed what was happening right under my nose.Sophia had suffered.She had been pushed to the edge, left alone to deal with a storm that she should have never faced alone.And now, standing in front of me, she looked so… tired.So exhausted from all the running, all the hiding.She deserved better.And for the first time in a long time I realized how badly I had failed her.I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair.Then, in a voice quieter than before, I said, “I’m sorry.”Sophia looked up at me, her eyes wide with surprise.I held her gaze. “I’m sorry for what y
Sophia’s POVThe silence in Michael’s office was thick, suffocating.My pulse raced as he stood in front of me, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my stomach twist into knots.I could still hear the echo of his last words ringing in my head.“Where the fuck have you been, Sophia?”I had been too scared to answer.Too overwhelmed to speak.But nowMichael moved.He turned sharply toward his desk, grabbed a remote control, and pressed a button.I frowned, confused, until I heard the soft hum of the projector.I turned my head just in time to see the big screen on the wall flicker to life.And thenMy world crashed.The moment the video started playing, I felt my blood turn to ice.No. No, no, no.On the screen there I was.Standing under the blinding neon lights of Miami Underhills.Dressed in nothing but a bikini and bra.I gripped the pole, my hands visibly shaking, my entire body tense and awkward.The men in the crowd cheered, throwing money at my feet, their faces filled
Sophia’s POVThe warm steam from the shower still clung to my skin as I stepped out of the bathroom, wrapping a towel around myself.I felt exhausted.The events of the past few days had drained me mentally, emotionally, and physically.But for the first time in what felt like forever, I had a moment of peace.Crystal had prepared a simple lunch just some rice and chicken and I could already smell the spices floating through the air.“Hurry up, Sophia!” Crystal called from the kitchen. “Come and eat before it gets cold!”I smiled slightly, grateful for her.She was the only one who had been there for me, the only one who hadn’t judged me or treated me like I was worthless.I quickly dried my skin, slipped into a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, and walked out to join her.Just as I reached for my plateBANG! BANG! BANG!A loud, aggressive knock echoed through the apartment.I froze.Crystal’s eyes met mine across the table, her face instantly tensing.“Who is that?” she asked cautiou