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
Sophia’s POV I decided to indulge in one of my little pleasures,a fruity cocktail during lunch, non-alcoholic but still vibrant enough to make me feel like I was treating myself. Sitting at my desk, sipping my drink, I let my mind wander for a moment. Then it hit me. The file. My stomach dropped as I realized Michael had asked me to submit an important report earlier that morning. A glance at the clock told me it was already past the deadline. My Heart raced, I quickly grabbed the file from my desk and started going toward his office, my heels clicked against the tiled floor as I moved in a flurry. Halfway down the hallway, I stopped abruptly, my thoughts racing. I had forgotten to include one final document in the report. Gritting my teeth, I turned back toward my office. As I approached the door, I saw something that made me freeze in my tracks. Through the glass panel on the door, James was standing at my desk, his back to me. He was hunched over, his hands moving over som
Sophia’s POV I was finally packing up my things, ready to leave. But then, everything went blurry. A wave of dizziness hit me like a truck. My vision darkened at the edges, and the room spun violently. I barely had time to grip the edge of my desk before my knees buckled. The last thing I heard before everything went black was the sound of Laura’s sharp gasp. When they came, faint murmurs filled the air. My body felt heavy, my head was pounding as if someone were drumming against my skull. "Get everyone in here!" Laura’s panicked voice cut through the haze. I blinked slowly, trying to make sense of my surroundings, but the voices around me blurred together. Water splashed on my face, and I flinched, the cool sensation pulling me slightly back to reality. “Someone call Mr. Mahone!” Laura yelled, her voice trembling. I vaguely heard hurried footsteps, then another voice Michael’s deep and commanding tone. “What happened?” he demanded, his sharp words cutting through
Sophia’s POV It had been two days since Michael insisted I stay in his penthouse, and I was still adjusting to the quiet luxury surrounding me. The mornings were peaceful, but I couldn’t help but notice something unusual. Michael hadn’t gone to work since I arrived. Michael Mahone, the workaholic billionaire who wouldn’t miss a day in the office even if the world were ending, was taking time off. It didn’t sit right with me. This morning, I wore a long shirt that hung loosely around my knees. It was one of Michael’s soft, oversized, and surprisingly comforting. I perched on the wide window frame in the guest room, staring out at the expanse of his compound. His luxury cars,Michael’s garage was nothing short of an automobile lover's paradise, a sprawling underground showroom that reflected his wealth and impeccable taste.As I gazed at the collection, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of disbelief. The garage itself was sleekly designed with polished concrete floors. The walls
Cindy’s POV Michael hadn’t been home for five days, and I was wondering. It wasn’t unusual for him to disappear into his work, but this time it felt personal. He hadn’t answered my calls or texts, and Theo had become annoyingly tight-lipped whenever I tried to pry for information. To make matters worse, James Wisdom had gone completely silent. It had been weeks since I paid him to handle Sophia, and I’d yet to see the results I was promised. The lack of communication from him was infuriating. If Sophia was still working at Mahone Group, I’d be dealing with that failure today. The combination of Michael’s absence and James’s incompetence had me seething. If I wanted answers, I’d have to get them myself. When I walked into Mahone Group’s headquarters, I was met with the usual whispers and stares from the staff. My presence always turned heads. I had dressed for power today, opting for a fitted red blazer over a sleek black dress that clung to my curves just enough to command att
Sophia’s POV The past few weeks had been nothing short of a holiday for me. Michael had kept me away from the office and all the chaos that came with it. I stayed at his luxurious penthouse, a place where stress seemed to melt away. He ensured I was pampered and cared for in ways I’d never experienced. But it wasn’t just the special treatment that left me feeling different,it was Michael himself. The man who had once been cold and detached was now showing glimpses of fervor, even vulnerability. His care wasn’t just transactional anymore; it felt real, and I couldn’t help but fall for him. And then there was that night. For the first time in years, I had a proper, intimate moment with Michael. It wasn’t just about dominance or control,it was different. There was a tenderness to him that made my chest tighten, and the memory of his touch played on a loop in my mind. This morning, I finally resumed work, refreshed and focused. Michael had a big business trip planned and had as
Cindy pov I had been pacing In my bedroom for hours, unable to shake the unease that had settled in my chest. Something had gone terribly wrong. James's phone had been silent for days, and now Sophia had reappeared at the Mahone mansion as if nothing had happened. This wasn't how things were supposed to play out.The sting of failure burned in my chest as I picked up my phone, hesitating only briefly before dialing James's number again.It rang twice before someone answered."This is Officer Daniels, City Police Department," the gruff voice on the other end announced.My heart sank. "Where is James Wisdom?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady."James Wisdom is in custody," the officer replied. "He's been arrested for attempted rape."I ended the call abruptly, my hands trembling as I placed the phone on my vanity.Attempted rape? That idiot. He couldn't even handle one simple task without turning it into a disaster.This was bad. Very bad.James in custody wasn't just a loose end
Michael’s POV The private jet touched down smoothly, and the cabin crew moved efficiently to prepare for disembarkation. I had spent the past week in grueling meetings and negotiations, and all I wanted was the comfort of my home or, at least, the closest thing I could call home. Cindy hadn’t even texted to check on me. Then again, I hadn’t reached out to her either. Our so-called relationship was a transactional nightmare, and the less we spoke, the better. I sent Theo a quick message as the plane taxied to a stop: “Meet me at the airport.”Theo replied immediately: “Okay, sir.”The drive from the airport was uneventful, though Theo did his best to update me on the office happenings during my absence. I only half-listened, my mind drifting to thoughts of Sophia. I hadn't seen her for days, but her absence from the office had been noticeable. For the first time, I realized just how much her presence anchored me. The way she stood up to me, even when she was scared, was som
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