Chapter Two

Sophia’s POV

Since Linda, our department manager, was on a business trip, the weekly report of the translation department fell on me.

Standing in front of Michael's door, I took a deep breath and opened it.

But I didn't expect to see Cindy Berlick in Michael's office when I walked in. They seemed to be discussing something before I came in. Michael was sitting behind his desk, still expressionless. Cindy still had a gentle smile on her lips.

The picture of them sitting together was like a wealthy couple from a financial magazine, a perfect match.

“Mr. Mahone,” I greeted, standing instinctively “Here are the documents you requested,” I said, keeping my tone professional. I set the folder down on his desk and took a step back, determined not to linger.

“Sophia,” But Cindy called me, at this time, “Would you mind giving me a minute?”

Under the gazes of the magazine couple, I could only stopped and turned around.. “Of course, Ms. Berlick.”

“Cindy,” she corrected with a grin, “Michael, I invited Sophia to be the translator for the business dinner.”

Michael leaned back in his chair and spoke in a magnetic voice, "This dinner is very important. I can hire a better one for you."

"I think Sophia is great," Cindy said in a gentle and sweet voice. "I believe she can do well, right, Sophia?"

“"As long as you want." Michael's voice still has no emotion.

“I know you are the best.” After Cindy finished speaking, I saw her hand holding Michael's.

I suddenly felt ridiculous and pathetic. For the first time, I felt that a poor person like me was just a plaything of the rich.

The husband buys my nights, the wife buys my days. And I had no better options.

As I was returning to my desk, my phone buzzed with a message from Crystal,

“Guess who I just met? Williams Caleb! He's back to the city!”

My heart skipped a beat as I stared at the screen. Williams Caleb, the one I’d lied to Michael about.

It had been years since I’d last seen him, but the memories came flooding back in an instant. We had some great memories, before my mother left me with a huge debt. At that time, my father was still alive, my family was not bankrupt, and I was the most popular girl in school. Williams was there for me, my best friend, until my life fell apart over one night.. Unlike Michael, who only ever made me feel like a pawn in his carefully constructed game.

I should have been excited, but instead, I felt an unexpected pang of guilt. My life was such a mess now. How could I face someone like him when I was so entangled with Michael?

The night of the dinner arrived faster than I expected. I met Cindy in the lobby of the luxurious hotel where the event was being held. She looked stunning in a floor-length gown, her elegance effortless.

“You look lovely,” she said, smiling warmly.

I managed a quiet thank-you, adjusting the modest dress I’d chosen for the evening.

The investors arrived soon after, and I slipped into my role as interpreter, translating seamlessly between the parties. Cindy handled herself with grace, her charm winning over the guests.

But then Michael appeared.

He walked into the room with his usual commanding presence, his tailored suit a perfect fit for his broad shoulders. The air seemed to shift around him, his energy impossible to ignore.

My heart sank as his eyes found mine across the room. He said nothing, didn’t even nod in acknowledgment, but the intensity of his gaze left me breathless.

I focused on my work, determined not to let him affect me. But as the evening went on, the guests began to direct their attention to me, commenting on my fluency and my appearance.

“She’s not only talented but also beautiful,” one of the investors said, his words midst with admiration.

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks, but I kept my composure, responding with a polite smile. “Thank you,” I said smoothly, translating the rest of his comment for Cindy.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Michael watching me. His expression was unreadable, but there was a sharpness in his gaze that made my pulse quicken.

Did he understand what they were saying?

I couldn’t be sure. But the way his jaw tightened, the way his eyes lingered on me it felt like he did.

By the end of the evening, my job was done. The investors were pleased, Cindy was glowing with satisfaction, and I was ready to leave.

But fate had other plans.

As Cindy excused herself to freshen up, I found myself alone at the table with Michael.

He leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed as I saw so many times after our sex, but now in a totally different situation, his eyes never left me.

“I give you a chance to take back what you said last night.” he said, his tone deceptively casual.

“What?” I froze, “ That is not what we dealt with."

Although I accepted his invitation five years ago, it was only on the premise that he was single. He is now engaged, and I don't want to be the bad woman who interferes with someone else's marriage.

“You’re good at pretending, aren’t you, Sophia?” He smirked, the expression cold and knowing, “But unfortunately, I know you, very well.”

The words stung more than I cared to admit.

I rose from my seat, desperate to put distance between us. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

But before I could step away, he reached out, his fingers brushing against my wrist. The contact sent a jolt through me, and I froze.

“Do you think you can just walk away from me?” he asked rudely, his voice low and dangerous.

I pulled my hand free, my heart pounding. “I don’t belong to you, Michael,” I whispered, the words more for myself than for him.