Sophia’s POV
“There are only two rules Sophia,” Micheal said with his eyes fixed on mine “one, don't fall in love with me, two don't get pregnant !” This words were on replay in my head each time I was with Mr Michael Mahone. When I heard the news that he would be engaged to an heiress the following week, he was in my bed, buried deep inside me. The television in my room had been murmuring in the background all evening, though I hadn’t paid much attention to it. But the words “Mahone Group,” spoken in the sharp voice of the anchor, caught my ear. I tilted my head toward the screen, my breathing still erratic from the exertion of our coupling. “Michael Mahone, CEO of Mahone Group, is set to announce his engagement to heiress Cindy Berlick next week. This marks the merger of two major business empires, one of the most anticipated unions in the industry.” After we finished, he sat at the edge of my bed, his shirt still unbuttoned, tie draped around his neck, only his belt was casually placed on the ground. The way he always looked after sex dressed, controlled, indifferent, he always looked like he just finished a pleasant conference. I stared at the TV, my body tensed,my pulse quicken. I would be lying if I said I wasn't upset when I heard the news, but I knew full well that to Michael Mahone I was just a toy that could be discarded at any time. He fixed his cufflinks as if the announcement were no more important than the weather. He has grey eyes, a high nose bridge, and clear facial features. If I didn't know that he was the owner of Mahone Group, I would have thought he had just walked out of a luxury brand fashion show. “I’ll be busy next week,” he said, his low voice as cold as ever. Of course I understand the words "busy next week". The announcement continued, but the words blurred together in my ears. He was here, with me. And yet, in a matter of days, he would belong to someone else. Michael glanced down at me, noticing my distraction. His steel gray eyes, cold and impenetrable, I knew why. I’d pieced it together from whispers in the office, from the expensive suits he wore more frequently, from the distant way he’d been behaving. I pulled the sheets tighter around me. “I see,” I said quietly. “Don’t sulk, Sophia,” he said, “I was about to notify you but it won’t affect us.” he said in a cold voice, “So I suppose there was no need for you to know.” I forced a smile, hating the way I cowered under his gaze. Our relationship was unspeakable, secret, and could not be public. I was a toy in the corner of Michael Mahone’s life. This was my last choice, even though there were countless girls out there who wanted to replace me. He reached out, tracing a finger along my jawline. His touch was possessive, as always, a reminder that I belonged to him at least for now. The truth was, I’d been tangled in this arrangement with Michael for 5 years now. It started with desperation. My mother abandoned me in the shackles of her debt after squandering all the money she loaned from different people, and I’d been drowning under the weight of the debt collectors. When Michael approached me with his offer 5 years ago, I was about to be bought by my creditors into an underground casino and become a prostitute. Once thought he was my savior, but after so many years of companionship, I have long understood that he only cares about business, not love. Five years have passed, and the "bonus" Michael gives me every month can only allow me to repay the interest on my mother's huge debt on time. but I'm still in this mess, and perhaps I've gotten myself into a worse one because I let Michael get involved. I looked straight into his deep eyes, I straightened my back as I forced the words out. “I want to stop this, Mr. Mahone.” I said, in a steady voice, only I knew I lied. “Reason?” His said pinching my chin which hurt a little, but it also made it impossible for me to avoid his gaze. ““You know I had a boyfriend… in my college. He is back in the city.” It's really hard to lie under his gaze. The words tasted bitter on my tongue, but I needed an excuse for me to leave with a little bit of dignity. Michael didn’t respond right away. He simply studied me. Then, with a faint smirk, he leaned back against the pillows. “Is that so?” he murmured, in an unreadable tone. I nodded, avoiding his eyes. I knew he didn’t believe me. Michael had a way of seeing through people, of dismantling their defenses with a single glance. But he didn’t press the matter. He rarely did. He headed for the door. “I was planning to give you another 200 thousand dollars per month, but now it seems that you don't need it anymore.,” he said without looking back on his way to the door. I stood there for a long moment after he left, clutching the sheet to my chest. When I returned to the bathroom to dress, I caught my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks were flushed, my hair a mess, and my lips still swollen from his kisses. I “actually” hated the way I looked like a woman who’d been used. I arrived at the office early the next morning, hoping to throw myself into work and avoid the heated small talks on Michael's engagement news from colleagues. My desk was tucked away in a corner of the translation department, far from Michael’s expansive office on the top floor. It was a relief to be so removed from him during the day. But no amount of physical distance could erase the knot of tension in my chest. I powered on my computer, scrolling through the documents I needed to translate for the week. My mothers debt payment day was fast approaching again, and I couldn’t afford to slack off. This job no matter how suffocating it felt at times was my lifeline. I had barely made a dent in my to-do list when I heard a familiar voice behind me. “Sophia?” I turned, my heart sinking as I came face-to-face with Cindy Berlick, fiancee of the man who slept with me for 5 years. She was even more stunning in person than in the photographs plastered across business magazines, she was tall and graceful, with perfect blonde curls and a warm smile that made her look almost approachable. “You must be Sophia,” she said, her voice melodic and friendly. “Yes, Ms. Berlick,” I said, standing quickly, reaching out my right hand. She raised her hands, and I noticed that she was holding something in both of them, so I put my hands back with some embarrassment. “Please, call me Cindy. Michael speaks very highly of you.” The words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I forced myself to smile politely. “That’s kind of him to say.” “Yes,” she said, oblivious to my sudden tension. “I heard that you are in charge of important projects in the company's translation department and have made good achievements. I am really happy for Michael”. Her words struck me like a punch to the gut. She had no idea, did she? No idea that the man she was about to marry had spent countless nights in my bed. Cindy settled into the chair across from my desk, her gaze earnest. “I actually wanted to ask for a favor. I’ve heard you’re fluent in multiple languages, and I could really use your help.” I frowned, caught off guard. “What kind of help?” “There’s a business dinner next week with some foreign investors. I don’t speak their language, and I’d feel much more confident with a translator by my side. Would you mind?” My instinct was to refuse. Spending an evening in her company knowing what I knew felt unbearable. But practicality won out. I needed the money, especially if I was serious about leaving this company and putting Michael behind me. “I’d be happy to help,” I said finally. Cindy beamed, her gratitude sincere. “Thank you, Sophia. I’ll make sure you’re compensated for your time.” The irony of her kindness wasn’t lost on me. Here she was, offering me money to do a job, while I was desperately trying to distance myself from the man she loved. As she left my office table, I leaned back in my chair, exhaling shakily. Michael had chosen her, and I couldn’t blame him. She was everything I wasn’t beautiful, poised, and wealthy beyond measure. She was so kind, so genuine, and I hated myself for being part of this mess. But that didn’t mean it hurt any less. The day passed in a blur of meetings and paperwork, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Cindy's request. When the office emptied out that evening, I lingered at my desk, staring at the city lights through the window. I thought about the life I “wanted”, a life free from my mother's debt and Michael’s shadow, free from the complications of this toxic relationship, free from my guilt and shame. I would leave soon. I had to.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, “
Sophia’s POV Before I could leave, he stepped closer, with his hands around my waist, he unzipped the side of my dress and reached inside. “Mr Mahone? I think Ms. Cindy will not enjoy the rest of the evening seeing this.” I stiffened as his hands reached to my bra, he put his hands on my breast.“Your fiancee is out there! Mr Mahone?” “Sit,” he interrupted, and brought me into his arms.. I hesitated, glancing toward the hallway where Cindy had disappeared. The last thing I needed was for her to return and see this. I spun to face him, glaring. “Your fiancée will be back any minute,” I hissed, panic rising in my chest. “Did I hurt you that night?” he asked, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. The question made my stomach flip. Memories of the night we had been together flooded back his rough hands, the way he’d pushed me to my limits and made me come, and the dizzying mix of pain and pleasure that had left me breathless. “No,” I said quickly, my voice barely audible.
Michael’s POV The engagement was a week away. I sat in my office, staring at the sleek ring box on the desk in front of me. The diamond inside was flawless much like Cindy Berlick herself. A perfect match for the life my family had carefully planned for me. I didn’t want it. I leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. My mother’s voice still rang in my ears from our conversation earlier that morning. “Michael, this engagement is important for all of us,” she had said, her tone as crisp and calculated as ever. “The Berlick family’s influence will strengthen our position, and Cindy is exactly the kind of partner you need.” Partner. From the moment I was born, my marriage was destined to be a business. I never thought there was anything wrong with marrying a woman I didn't love to help the family business, as my father, my grandfather, they all did the same way. This is the way our family continues, the reason that our family business can keep expanding. “I
Sophia’s POV The notification of my day off came as a surprise. Michael rarely let me out of his grasp, even for a moment. I tried not to read too much into it, but the thought of a free day made my shoulders relax for the first time in weeks. I wasn’t used to unexpected kindness at work or anywhere, really but when Michael’s assistant informed me I had the day to myself, I didn’t question it. Instead, I texted Crystal June, my closest friend, asking if I could drop by. “Of course, come over! I’ve got snacks,” she replied almost instantly, followed by a heart emoji. Crystal and I had been friends since high school. She had always been the sunny, outgoing one, the kind of person who could make anyone feel better just by being around her. Even now, as adults, she managed to find the silver lining in everything. When I arrived at her apartment, she greeted me with a hug and a wide grin. “You look like you could use a break,” she said, ushering me inside. “You have no idea,” I m
Sophia’s POV “Sophia,” he said, his voice low and earnest. “There’s something I need to tell you.” But before he could say the words, my phone buzzed. I hesitated, glancing at the screen. Mr Mahone:Come to my apartment. Now. The words were simple, but the message was anything but. My stomach sank. Of course, it had to be now. Michael had a way of making everything feel urgent, as if his whims were the only thing that mattered. “Is everything okay?” Williams asked, concern flickering in his eyes. I swallowed hard, forcing a smile. “It’s work. I have to go.” He looked disappointed but didn’t argue. “Can I walk you home?” I shook my head quickly. “It’s fine, really. I’ll call you later.” He hesitated, then nodded, his smile tinged with sadness. “Alright. Be careful, okay?” I nodded, my chest tightening as I stood. “I will.” As I walked away, I couldn’t shake the guilt that clung to me like a second skin. Williams deserved better than this better than me. Mr Mahon
Sophia’s POV The notification buzzed on my phone early in the morning, the sound cutting through the stillness of my apartment. I rolled over in bed, dreading what I already knew I’d see. Debt Reminder:Amount overdue: 100,000$. Failure to pay may result in further action. I closed my eyes, the words searing themselves into my mind. My stomach churned, and I let out a shaky breath. This wasn’t new these reminders were constant. The creditors didn’t care about my circumstances, my struggles, or how hard I was working to stay afloat. All they cared about was the money. After a few minutes of staring at the ceiling, I forced myself out of bed. There was no point in delaying. I needed to face Lincoln Burrows, the man behind the loan company that held most of my debt. The bank was quiet that morning, the hum of machinery and hushed conversations creating a tense, sterile atmosphere. I withdrew what little I could spare from my account, my fingers trembling slightly as I stuffed th
Sophia’s POV The resignation letter felt like both a liberation and a concession. I stared at it for a long moment before finally gathering the courage to walk it over to my manager’s office. My hand was steady as I knocked on the door, though my chest felt tight with every breath. “Come in,” my manager called, her voice calm and composed. I stepped inside, the letter clutched tightly in my hand. “I’d like to submit my resignation,” I said, placing the envelope on her desk. Her brows lifted in surprise. “Sophia, are you sure about this? You’ve been an asset to the team.” I nodded, keeping my tone polite but firm. “Yes, I’ve decided it’s time for me to move on.” She sighed, glancing down at the letter before nodding. “Very well. You’ll need to complete the one-week notice period and hand over your work to your replacement.” “Of course,” I replied, offering a small smile. As I left her office, a strange sense of relief washed over me. One more week. That was all I had to
Sophia’s POV By the time I finished my shift, my arm throbbed relentlessly despite the makeshift bandage I’d applied at the restaurant. My exhaustion weighed heavily on me, both physical and emotional. As I trudged home, my phone buzzed with a call from Crystal. “Sophia,” her voice was immediately concerned. “I heard about what happened. Are you okay?” I sighed, clutching the phone tightly. “I’m fine, Crystal. It’s just a burn. I’ll take care of it.” “No, you won’t,” she replied firmly. “You’re going to the hospital. I’m picking you up in five minutes. Don’t argue with me.” True to her word, Crystal arrived in a flurry of determination, ushering me into her car and driving me to the nearest hospital. The hospital visit was quick. The doctor cleaned the burn, applied a soothing ointment, and wrapped my arm in a fresh bandage. “It’s a second-degree burn, but it should heal well if you take care of it,” the doctor explained. Crystal hovered by my side, her protective energy a
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