Sophia's POV The office was different immediately, I stepped in that morning, it wasn’t the normal activity or the noise of keyboards that caught me off,It was Michael. The energy he carried into a room, he commanded respect without even trying. I looked at his office door as I passed by, half-hoping to catch his eye or receive a slight nod of acknowledgment. Instead, I saw him sitting at his desk, his posture was stiff and his expression very null. He focused on his laptop, and didn’t even look up. Something was wrong. Throughout the morning I tried not to think of the heavy feelings in my chest, I told myself that he was just having a bad day.Maybe his business trip had taken a toll on him, But when I finally gathered the courage to knock on his office door and enter inside, I admitted it was more than just a bad day. “Michael,” I said, in a steady calm voice “can we talk?” He didn’t look up. “If it’s about work, go ahead.” “It’s not just about work,” I said. “I want
Micheal’s pov I was sitting in my office, looking blankly at the city skyline, I was trying to put together the chaos of my life over the past few weeks.Cindy, Sophia, the wedding that wants to be forced on me, and the unexplainable one-night stand were all mixing in my mind. I didn’t regret not attending the wedding because after I didn't show up the wedding was postponed, I trust my mom to always cover things up. but the fallout was draining. And then, there was Sophia. The way she looked at me, the way she affected me it was all consuming. I heard a knock on my door and it jotted me out of my thoughts. Jone, one of my security team members, walked into the office, his expression was urgent. “Sir,” he began as soon as he got in, “there’s someone here to see you.” I raised an eyebrow. “I am not in the mood for surprises, jone. Who is it?” “It is Miriam sir,” he said, carefully watching my reaction. Miriam the girl from the one night stand at the club. The night I had t
Michael's POV I really wanted to meet Sophia. Not meeting with her felt unavoidable. After all the problems Cindy’s caused, Miriam’s lies, and the unending pressure of mom, I knew I owed her an explanation. What I did not expect was the kind of nerves that punched me as I stepped into her office. She looked up from her desk, I couldn't place her expression, but her eyes said everything I needed to know. I knew she was hurting, heartbroken, maybe actually angry.Can I get you lunch?”“Alright.” she said I waited for her by the elevator, catching her slight hesitation as she walked up to me. She wore a fitted blouse and a pencil skirt that hugged her figure, but what stood out most was the cautious look in her eyes.“Are you sure about this?” she asked, almost teasing.I smirked. “Even I need a break sometimes.”As we exited the building, the warmness of the midday sun hit us. The restaurant wasn’t far just a block away but the silence between us felt heavier than the heat.“Do y
Sophia’s POVThe sky was blue as I walked to Crystal’s apartment. My mind was heavy, a whirlwind of emotions were swirling in my chest. I needed to talk to someone, and there was no better person than Crystal. She always had a way of making sense of the chaos in my life.By the time I reached her door, I was already rehearsing what I’d say. She opened it almost immediately after I knocked, her face lighting up with a smile.“Hey, you,” she said, pulling me into a hug. “It’s been a while . Come in.”The familiar scent of her lavender candles hit me as I stepped inside. Crystal’s apartment was as cozy as ever, with throw pillows scattered on her couch and a half-finished painting on an easel near the window. She’d been trying to learn watercolors lately, a hobby she picked up to balance out her intense job.“So, what’s up?” she asked, motioning for me to sit.I plopped onto the couch, letting out a sigh. “Crystal, you’re not going to believe the last few days I’ve had.”Pouring It All O
Sophia's POVThe office was noisy with its usual activity, but my mind was elsewhere. I have been feeling the weight of everything recently, the pregnancy I have not told Micheal about and the constant shadow of Cindy’s threats. It was all becoming too much to bear. As I was lost in thought, Michael walked into my office unexpectedly. He looked calm but focused, a rare expression that usually meant he had something serious to say. “Can we talk for a minute?” he asked, his tone soft but firm. I nodded, putting down the file I’d been pretending to work on. “Are you okay?” he started, his piercing eyes searching for mine. I hesitated. Was I okay? Not really. But I was not about to spill everything to him right now. “I’m fine,” I lied. Michael tilted his head slightly, unconvinced. “You’ve been off lately. You look tired, distracted. If you need a break from work, just say so.” My heart skipped a beat. How does he know? For a brief moment, I panicked, thinking he somehow kn
Sophia’s POVThe air along the Seine was crisp and cool as Michael and I strolled down the cobblestone walkway. The lights from the Eiffel Tower sparkled in the distance, casting a dreamy glow over the city. For a moment, I felt weightless, as though I were in a fairytale.But the shadowy figure lurking behind us snapped me back to reality. My heartbeat quickened, my chest tightening as I grabbed Michael’s arm.“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice calm but laced with concern.“I think someone’s following us,” I whispered. My eyes darted back to the figure moving closer.Michael turned slightly, his jaw tightening as he scanned the area. His hand moved to my lower back, guiding me closer to him. “Stay calm,” he murmured, his tone protective.As the figure stepped into the light, I froze. My breath caught in my throat.But then I looked closer. It wasn’t Cindy.I let out a shaky laugh, my body drooping with relief. “Oh, my God,” I muttered. “It’s just… someone random.”Michael’s brow fur
Sophia’s POVAfter a long day exploring Paris, the personal agency assigned to handle our transport arrived promptly to take us back to the hotel. The driver, a charming older gentleman with a kind smile, exchanged polite conversation with Michael as I sat quietly, gazing out at the city lights that seemed to dance against the night sky. Paris felt magical, but my mind wasn’t fully present.As soon as we got to the hotel, I excused myself and headed to the room. I needed to call Crystal. Her earlier text had been needling at me all day. She didn’t send messages like that unless something was really wrong.I dialed her number, pacing around the spacious suite. The phone barely rang twice before she picked up.“Sophia,” Crystal’s voice sounded shaky, laced with frustration and fear.“Crystal, what’s going on? Your text sounded urgent.”She hesitated for a moment before spilling everything. “I’m having problems with my rent,” she admitted, her voice cracking. “The landlord gave me an ult
Sophia’s POVAs I sat on the edge of the bed in our hotel room, I tried dialing Crystal’s number again. She hadn’t picked up earlier, and I was starting to feel anxious. Her last message about the stalker following her out replayed in my mind, making me feel helpless despite being thousands of miles away.Just as the call failed to connect again, a notification popped up on my phone. My heart sank when I saw the name Williams.The message was blunt: “Sophia, pick up the damn phone. Stop ignoring me. We need to talk.”I stared at the screen, my chest tightening. I didn’t want to deal with Williams right now. Everything about him reminded me of the chaos I’d left behind the misunderstandings with Michael, the complicated web of emotions, and the guilt I carried about the whole situation.I pressed the side button on my phone, making the screen go dark.But no sooner had I done that than the phone buzzed again. This time, it was Williams calling.I declined the call immediately. My hands
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