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
Michael’s Pov The day had been long, filled with endless meetings and the type of business negotiations that required more patience than I was willing to give. By the time I arrived at the townhouse Cindy and I sometimes shared for appearances, all I wanted was silence.Instead, I walked into something I hadn't prepared for.Cindy was waiting for me, draped in a silky robe that barely covered anything. She stood near the bar, with a glass of wine in her hand and a cozy smile on her lips."You're home late," she purred, her tone dripping with intention.I didn't respond immediately, shrugging off my suit jacket and hanging it over a chair."There was work to do," I said shortly, already sensing where this was heading.Cindy's smile widened, "You work too hard, baby. You need to relax."Her hand grazed my arm, but I stepped away, heading toward the bedroom to change."I'm fine," I said, my voice cold.Cindy followed, undeterred by my dismissal."You've been so distant lately," she sa
Sophia’s POV I was at my desk, focused on a report, when I noticed Cindy gliding toward me. Her heels clicked sharply against the floor. “Sophia,” she said sweetly, resting her manicured hand on the edge of my desk. Her tone dripped with faux kindness, but her eyes gleamed with malice. “Cindy,” I replied cautiously, setting my pen down. “I was going over the recent transactions for my company,” she began, leaning closer. “And I noticed your last payment,two thousand dollars, wasn’t it?” I froze, the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. Cindy’s smile widened, her voice lowering to a mockingly sympathetic tone. “Out of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, I must say, I’m... unimpressed.” I clenched my fists under the desk, willing myself to stay calm. “I know you’re trying your best,” she continued, her tone sharper now, “but let me remind you of the terms you signed. If you don’t keep up, you know what happens next. And I think we both know you don’t want that.” He
Michael’s POVI had just returned from an early morning sightseeing and was trying to settle down in my office when the door swung open. Without even looking up, I already knew who it was, the heavy steps, the overconfident air,it could only be Fred George because he informed me earlier that he was going to come around.“Michael Mahone,” Fred’s deep voice boomed, his grin widened as he walked in. I set down my pen, leaning back in my chair. “Fred,” I said flatly. “Good to see you again” Fred George was a long-time business partner and one of the most influential men in the state. He was powerful, wealthy, and insufferably nosy. Fred adjusted his tie, settling back into the chair opposite my desk.“So,” Fred began, crossing one leg over the other, “I’ve been working on something big, and I think it’s the perfect opportunity for us to collaborate.” I leaned back in my chair, my fingers steepled. “I’m listening.” Fred smirked. “I’ve been negotiating with Harstone Industries. Th
Sophia’s POV A message from Michael arrived in the Morning, Theo had dropped it off before going to work.I wasn’t surprised by the request for dinner. It was typical for him to call meetings at odd hours, always under the guise of “business.” What was surprising, though, was the accompanying package delivered to my apartment ,an elegant black dress that was both understated and breathtaking. I held it up, marveling at the silky fabric. Was this really necessary for a business dinner? The restaurant was one of the most exclusive in the city, with its dim lighting, soft music, and a quiet hum of refined conversation filling the air. Michael was already seated when I arrived, his usual commanding presence tempered by a weariness that caught me off guard. “You look stunning,” he said simply, standing as I approached. “Thank you,” I replied, sliding into the seat across from him. “Shall we get straight to it? What’s this business discussion about?” But before I could dive in
Sophia’s POVThe sun was mild, casting a soft glow over the sprawling green golf course as Crystal and I walked toward the practice range. The morning air carried a sense of calm, though my mind was anything but calm. Crystal swung her club lightly, her visor tilted just enough to shade her face from the light. She looked like she belonged here among the crowd. “Alright, spill,” Crystal said, adjusting her stance. “You’ve got that look.” “What look?” I asked, pretending innocence. She rolled her eyes. “The look that says something’s been eating at you, and you’re dying to tell me about it. So, go on. What is it this time?” I hesitated, gripping my club tightly. “I stood up to Mr. Mahone,” I said finally, my voice was almost like a whisper. Crystal’s head snapped up, her eyes wide. “You did what? You? Stood up to Michael Mahone? Michael Mahone? Am I hearing this right?” I laughed nervously. “Yes, Crystal. I told him I’m not his toy, and I’m done letting him control me.”
Sophia’s POVI stayed in the office late into the night, triple-checking every detail of the presentation I was preparing for Mr Mahone. The stakes were high, and I couldn’t afford to make a single mistake. By the time I finished, the final file was ready: precise, polished, and flawless. I saved it to the secure server and printed a few hard copies for the meeting the next morning. My body ached from sitting at my desk for hours, but a sense of accomplishment settled over me as I turned off my computer and left the office. The next morning, I arrived early to ensure everything was set up in the boardroom. As I placed the hard copies on the table and opened the file on the shared screen, a sinking feeling hit me. This wasn’t the version I’d prepared. The document on display was an older, outdated draft filled with glaring errors. My heart plummeted as I flipped through the hard copies they were the same. “No, no, no,” I whispered, frantically pulling up the server to locate
Sophia’s POVI set up the resumes of five potential candidates on Mr Mahone’s desk. My resolve was unwavering. I needed to find a replacement for myself so I could finally leave. I had spent the previous night combing through applications and speaking with candidates. These five were among the best. At least, I believed so. Mr Mahone, of course, had agreed to let me search for my replacement, but I wasn’t naïve. I knew him well enough to expect resistance. Still, I was determined to follow through. The first candidate arrived promptly at 9:00 a.m., a tall man in his late thirties. His posture was confident, and his handshake firm. He wore a crisp navy suit that exudes professionalism, and his polished shoes reflected the light streaming through the windows. “Good morning,” the man said, smiling politely. “My name is Andrew Carter.” Michael sat behind his desk, arms folded, and gestured for Andrew to take a seat. Andrew launched into his qualifications. “I have ten years
Michael’s POVSophia’s words replayed in my mind, each one sharper than the last. Her defiance wasn’t just unexpected,it was infuriating. She had never spoken to me like that before, not in such a manner and tone. It wasn’t just what she said, but the way she looked at me, unafraid, as though she had nothing left to lose. “Done being your toy while you go home to your perfect fiancée,” she had said. The accusation burned in my chest. How dare she presume to know anything about my life? About me? And yet... I couldn’t shake the nagging question: where had she found the courage to stand up to me like that? What had pushed her to the edge? Then her words about her debt came back to me. “You’re behind all of it, aren’t you? Cindy buying out the company I owe, the inflated debt!,it’s all part of your plan to keep me under your thumb.” My eyes fell to the debt statement sitting on my desk. The bold numbers stared back at me like a taunt, and a cold realization crept over me.
Sophia’s POV I hadn’t slept. The anxiety of the past few days had settled and aches in my chest, making every breath feel heavier than the last. But staying at home wasn’t an option anymore. Crystal’s words echoed in my mind as I walked into the office. “You can’t keep running, Sophia. Sooner or later, you’ll have to face him.”The tension in the air hit me the moment I stepped into the building. Colleagues exchanged glances as I walked past, their whispers barely contained. The hum of the office felt louder than usual, every noise grating on my already frayed nerves. And then, the inevitable came. “Mr. Mahone wants to see you in his office,” Laura said, her tone laced with satisfaction as she passed by my desk. Of course i said. I took a deep breath and made my way to his office, determined to face whatever storm that awaited me. Mr Mahone was seated at his desk, his piercing eyes locked onto me the moment I entered the room. He gestured for me to close the door, and
Sophia’s POVIt had been two days since I’d gone to work. Two days of ignoring the ringing phone, unanswered emails, and mounting anxiety. I tried to convince myself it wasn’t a big deal. What was the worst that could happen? It wasn’t like the company would collapse without me. But as I lay on Crystal’s couch, the thought that I was avoiding more than just work refused to leave me. The calls from the office were relentless, and when Mr. Mahone’s number flashed on the screen yesterday, I’d silenced it without hesitation. Even now, the phone vibrated again, another incoming call from a department I didn’t care to check. “I’ll deal with it later,” I muttered to myself, turning over and burying my face in the pillow. But when my phone lit up again, this time with Williams’s name, my heart sank. Williams. The one person I didn’t want to deal with right now. Since the night of their last dinner, I haven't spoken to him. It wasn’t because I didn’t care about him or apprecia