Sophia’s POV After Michael left my apartment, the silence felt heavier than usual. I was still replaying his sharp words in my mind when my phone buzzed. It was a message from Crystal. Crystal: Hey, how are you holding up? By the way, Williams asked about you earlier. He still cares, you know. I stared at the screen, unsure how to respond. Finally, I typed something vague: Me: I’m fine. Tell him thanks. Almost immediately, Crystal replied. Crystal: Fine? That’s all? Sophia, be honest. What’s going on with you two? I sighed, leaning back against the couch. I knew Crystal wouldn’t let it go, so I answered carefully. Me: Nothing. There’s nothing between us. Her reply came faster this time. Crystal: Come on, everyone from college thought you two would end up together. You liked him, and he liked you. You were practically inseparable. I shook my head, smiling faintly at the memory. Crystal wasn’t wrong. Back in college, Williams and I had been close. He was charming, thoug
Sophia’s POV I noticed it as soon as I reached Williams' table. The sleeve of my uniform had turned red, the fabric soaked with blood. My burn wound must have reopened when Joe grabbed my arm earlier. I tried to cover it, but Williams’s sharp eyes immediately caught the stain. “Sophia, your arm,” he said, standing abruptly. His face was full of concern, his usual calm replaced by urgency. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hurt?” “It’s fine,” I said quickly, brushing it off. “I’ll take care of it after my shift.” “No, you won’t,” he said firmly. “Come on. I will take you to the hospital.” Before I could argue, Williams was already guiding me toward the door, his hand gentle yet insistent on my back. At the hospital, the doctor unwrapped the old bandages and cleaned the wound. I winced at the sting, but I didn’t say anything. “You’re lucky this didn’t get infected,” the doctor said, glancing between Williams and me as he worked. “Your girlfriend is really strong. She hasn’
Michael’s POV Snow had just started to fall as the plane touched down. The light flakes drifted lazily, covering the runway in a thin layer of white. I glanced out the window, my thoughts elsewhere. “Is it okay to leave Miss Berlick there?” my assistant, Daniel, asked as we descended the plane’s stairs. “She can return on her own,” I said flatly. Cindy had been a nuisance on this business trip, constantly seeking attention while contributing little of value. I had no patience for her games today, especially not when I had other matters to attend to. Daniel cleared his throat. “The cake you asked me to order has been picked up and placed in the car, sir.” “Good,” I replied, adjusting my coat as the cold air nipped at my face. “Drive the car to Sophia’s apartment.” Daniel didn’t question me, though I could feel his curiosity. I rarely made personal stops, and he must have wondered why I’d ended the trip early. But I wasn’t in the mood to explain. Today was Sophia’s birthda
Sophia's POV Michael's words hung heavy in the air. "Take off your clothes." I froze, his command piercing through the quiet confines of the car. For a moment, I considered defying him, throwing the door open, and running into the snow-covered street. But then reality came crashing down. I couldn't leave,Michael is the most powerful businessman in this city, and I can't afford to offend him. Michael was both my salvation and my obstacle. He was the only reason I wasn't drowning in debt, yet he was also the cage keeping me trapped. Even when I tried to free myself by resigning, I had no better alternative. There was no escaping from him. I smiled bitterly to myself, the gesture hollow and self-deprecating. What a pathetic existence. Michael noticed my silence, his sharp gaze unwavering. "If you refuse, I'll make things simple for you," he said, his voice cold and deliberate. "I can buy out your debt. It wouldn't take much effort." The weight of his words crushed me. My eyes fill
Sophia’s POV Michael’s gaze was all on me, dark as always. His sharp eyes lingering on the bandage wrapped around my arm. I expected his usual cold attitude or some rude remark, but instead, he sighed softly. That surprised me. The sign was quiet, almost weary, as though he carried a burden I couldn’t see. Without a word, he stood up and picked a shirt from his closet and dropped it to me to wear.“Come with me,” he said, in a calm but firm voice. I followed him downstairs to the dining room of his huge house, where the soft glare of candlelight radiated a table covered with the most exquisite dinner I’d ever seen. The rich aroma of freshly cooked steak, roasted vegetables, and decadent desserts filled the air. “What?” I felt my mouth shockingly open. What and why was he doing this? Only to make me be with him in this toxic relationship?“For your birthday,” Michael said simply, gesturing to the table. I stared at him, unsure of what to say. My birthday wasn’t that day, an
Sophia’s POV When I woke up the next morning, the memory of last night was clear.When we were about to get into the last step, I pushed Michael away for a moment of sober mind and ran back to my place.. I stared at the ceiling, I didn’t remember falling asleep.But Michael's cold eyes linger in my mind.I turned my head toward the nightstand, where my phone rested. As I reached for it, a sharp pain shot through my arm. The burn wound was still healing, a reminder of the chaos that seemed to follow me everywhere. Unlocking the phone, I noticed a new message from a colleague his name is Lincoln barrows : Linc : Sophia, Ms. Berlick’s client has been asking for you specifically. They’re unhappy with your replacement and are insisting you return to finish the project.I blinked at the screen, my heart sinking. Ms Berlick had replaced me with another interpreter after I left, but clearly, the arrangement hadn’t gone well. Linc: They’re furious. The meeting is in an hour. Please, c
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 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