Michael’s POV The sharp sound of my office door opening pulled my attention from the report I was reviewing. My mother, Mrs Mahone, swept in without waiting for an invitation, her heels clicked against the marble floor with purpose. “Michael,” she said crisply, her voice tinged with that familiar mix of impatience and authority. “We need to talk.” I suppressed a sigh, leaning back in my chair. My mother rarely came by unannounced unless there was something weighing on her mind,something I was sure I wouldn’t want to hear. “Mother,” I said, keeping my tone neutral. “This is unexpected.” She crossed the room and sat in the chair opposite me, her posture was regal as ever. “It’s about the wedding,” she began, her sharp gaze locking onto mine. Ah. Of course. “You’ve been stalling,” she said, in an accusatory tone. “The engagement has been public for months, Michael. Yet here we are, with no date set, no plans made, and no progress whatsoever. What exactly are you waiting for
Michael’s POV I arrived home later than usual after my moms confrontation, as I stepped into the house, the faint sound of hushed voices and the shuffle of movement caught my attention. In the hallway near the kitchen, I saw Martha, my chef of over seven years, clutching a box of her belongings. Her face was pale, her expression weary as she handed a small envelope to a member of the household staff. “Martha?” I called out, my voice sharper than I intended. She froze and turned to face me, with her hands trembling. “Mr. Mahone,” she said softly, lowering her eyes. “What’s going on?” I asked, gesturing to the box in her hands. “I’m leaving, sir,” she replied, her voice laced with sadness. “Leaving?” I repeated, incredulous. “Why? I didn’t approve of this.” Martha hesitated, glancing around as if unsure whether to answer. Finally, she sighed. “Ms Berlick fired me, sir.” A wave of irritation surged through me. “Cindy fired you? For what reason?” Her gaze dropped to the
Sophia’s POVI walked into the building where I’d been depositing payments on my debt for months. I had just withdrawn $2,000 to make another payment, and while it wasn’t much. The balance on my last statement was $98,000 manageable, considering how far I’d come since the beginning. But something was off. The usual office space was dimly lit, a few construction workers hammering away at the walls. Signs reading “Under Renovation Services Temporarily Relocated” hung erratically on the doors. “Excuse me,” I asked one of the workers. “Where’s the payment office now?” He barely looked at me before pointing toward a map on the wall. “Temporary warehouse, a block down,” he said. The unease that had settled in my chest earlier grew heavier. A warehouse? Why would a debt company relocate to a warehouse? The warehouse was an unremarkable gray building, its exterior faded and covered in graffiti. Inside, the air was stuffy and smelled faintly of dust and sweat. A single clerk sat b
Michael’s POVTwo days. That’s how long it had been since Sophia last showed up for work. Her phone was unreachable, and the only thing filling the void of her absence was my growing irritation. My patience had worn thin by the second day. Sophia knew better than to neglect her responsibilities,especially after everything we had been through. By the time I arrived at her apartment that evening, my irritation had turned into quiet fury. But when I knocked on the door, there was no answer. I waited, my frustration increasing with each passing second. I called her phone again, only to be met with the same hollow voicemail message I’d heard all day. My thoughts turned to Williams. Could it be that Sophia neglected work to go and spend time with Williams? I ask questions with no one to answer them.So this is what she had chosen to do. Abandon work to wallow in the attention of someone who didn’t deserve her. I clenched my fists, my jaw tightened as I turned and walked back t
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
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
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 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
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