CHAPTER 36EMMA I stepped away from Leo. “He kidnapped me!” I screamed again in a shaky voice. “We are divorced; we are no longer married. He is an abusive freak—please don't let him take me back there.”The officers exchanged furtive glances at each other, as if they believed me, but the next moment, they just walked off, allowing Leo to come closer to me.“Come on, baby, come on,” he said in a low and sweet voice, urging me to go with him. But I instinctively stepped away slowly, my heart racing and my hands trembling. This was it; if the policeman couldn't save me, then I was done for. I couldn't even run away from here. If I did, that would only cement his claims that I was mentally ill, and they would all try to bundle me back into his car. Leo smiled as he walked up to me. Once he reached me, he held my hand carefully. He whispered, “Bitch! You think you could outsmart me on this one? Jokes on you, Sophie.” I swallowed hard, a cold chill running down my spine as my life flashe
CHAPTER 37SOPHIELater that day, Jason took me to his house after he had arrested Leo. Though a part of me was still skeptical about Leo's arrest. He had been threatening Jason all the way to the police van, promising him that he would regret it. Leo's family is one of the wealthiest in the city, and I know how much influence they hold in society. A part of me is quite scared that he might try to sabotage Jason's job or role in the police force.Sitting in Jason's car, my gaze was fixed outside; I couldn't bring myself to look at his face. I avoided eye contact with him, even inside the car. I wondered how he felt after witnessing the scene between me and Leo, especially after I had flaunted that stupid wedding ring.Looking down at my fingers, I quickly took off the ring and threw it out the window.From the corners of my eyes, I could see that Jason was a little terrified by the way I forcefully removed the ring and tossed it away.Even inside Jason's car, the only thoughts on my m
CHAPTER 38 SOPHIEThe next morning, I woke up earlier than Jason. The first thing I did was move to the kitchen; the guest room he offered me was close to the kitchen, so I just strolled in to make something for myself for breakfast. When I got to the kitchen, I was surprised by how modern and sleek everything looked. All the appliances were top-notch, and the countertops were made of gleaming granite. But despite the impressive setup, it was crystal clear that Jason didn't cook much.All the utensils were sparkling new, barely used, and the pots and pans? I could swear they hadn't been used in a long time. Meanwhile, the fridge was stacked with takeout containers. I chuckled to myself as I opened the cabinets to see what ingredients I could find. It was clear that Jason relied heavily on delivery and takeout rather than cooking for himself. Well, I didn't blame him because of his job.Just when I was about to give up finding anything after searching for a long time, I spotted a loaf
CHAPTER 39SOPHIE“I'm fine, Mum.” I breathe in, wiping my tears away. “Trust me, I'm fine, Mummy.”The next moment, a car drove into the driveway, and when I looked, I saw Scott stepping out of it.“I have to leave right now, Mum,” I said before ending the call, wiping my face, and smoothing my dress so he wouldn't know what just happened.Once he got closer to me, he greeted me. “Hello, Miss Sophie?”I forced a smile. “Hi, Scott. I was looking for you earlier but couldn't find you.” I lied, now walking side by side with him. “My card isn't working. Do you know what might be the issue?”Scott paused and turned to me. “Have you tried it just now, and it didn't work?”I shook my head. “Yes, I just did, and it didn't work. I think it might be a glitch or something. Can you help me look into it?”I took out my card and handed it over to Scott, trying to play innocent and putting on one of the fakest smiles ever. He gently took the card, observed it for a while, then moved forward to chec
CHAPTER 40.SOPHIEAs I arrived at Jenny's apartment, I stood outside for a while, taking time to calm myself down. I didn't want to be violent. All the time I was in the car, I thought it over, and there was no other person who could have done that. It was Jenny!She was the only one I told about Vincenzo's story, and all of a sudden, it’s in the news the same day she thinks that I betrayed her. Is this her way of revenge? So Vincenzo will think I'm a betrayer and untrustworthy?I guess that was her aim; she was trying to pay me back. At first, I didn't want to believe that she could do something like that and reach out to my worst nightmare, Leo. But I can't keep shaking it away; it's just not working anymore. The signs are crystal clear. Leo appears out of nowhere and picks me up from in front of Jenny's house. He also knows that the news has been released even before me, and he knows that Vincenzo wants to kill me? Make it make sense…?It was Jenny who pulled the strings behind th
CHAPTER 41 VINCENZO Inside Vincenzo Estate. I sat on the wooden mahogany chair in the garden, a wine glass in one hand and a cigar in the other.Drawing a puff, my eyes narrowed at the gates as I saw my gateman open them for an array of cars. I flicked my wrist to check the time; it had been over thirty minutes since I arranged a private meeting for my gang members who were loyal to me.Taking another drag, I slowly closed my eyes, reeling in the moment. I was trying everything possible to push Sophie from my mind. I just couldn't help it. Even in this moment, when I was supposed to hate her so much, I still found a way to like her. I could only imagine myself with her; I needed her gawking at me right now, giving me the satisfaction that I craved. That was the only thing I knew might cool me down.A lot was happening; I was still pissed that the head of the new cops was hell-bent on filing a criminal case against me. Now I had to deal with another rival gang burning down our club
CHAPTER 41 SOPHIE “It’s a total of two hundred and twenty-five dollars, ma’am,” the saleslady at the mall said with a warm smile. I flashed her a smile before dipping my hand into my pocket.I dragged out three hundred dollars and quickly handed it over to her. She then gave me my chocolate molds. My face lit up as I collected them and walked out of the mall. I needed something to chew on, and most of the time my mom says that if I’m having a bad day, some chocolate cakes or molds would ease it.I don’t really know if that’s true, but right now I’m having the shittiest day of my entire life.I just pray that I get a job at one of those places where I dropped off my applications.A notification chimed on my phone, and when I checked, it was from Jason.“Where are you? Jenny said you’re not at her house??”I let out a deep sigh. If only they could let me be. I just want to be alone for now; I really don’t want to talk to anyone. With that, I turned off my phone and slid it back into m
CHAPTER 43. VINCENZO “It’s good that you listen to me, Sophie!” I grabbed her neck and pushed it over the bed as I continued to thrust into her from behind. “Running away from me is pointless, because, momma—” “You can’t run from Vincenzo. I will always come back for you!” I know my words sound like a command, and it must be infuriating that I accused her wrongly and still didn’t offer an apology. Maybe I should bring some stupid roses and red wine to top it all off with a few silly notes? “Vin?” she managed to choke out, unable to continue. “What do you want to say, huh?” My hands found their way to her breasts, and I squeezed them. “Have you lost your voice?” I stopped and untied her from the bed. Her breath was fast and labored. I chuckled, tapping her breast as I crawled down from the bed. I stretched out my hand, offering her help to climb down. “What are you trying to do?” she asked, clearly furious. I kept my gaze fixed on her, refusing to look away. I hate
CHAPTER 77SOPHIE I walked out with my heart pounding in my chest. I took the stairs, walking very fast as if scared she might be trailing me. I barely even knew her or her name to explain what she had just told me. For now, I couldn't stop to think about what she said. All I could think of was getting the hell out of this party. I didn't feel like staying anymore; I just wanted to leave. It seemed like the majority of the guests were psychos. I took the hallway leading to the elevator, and after a few minutes, it beeped. I pressed the button, waiting patiently for it to slide open. Once it did, I made my way out. On reaching downstairs, where the main party was happening, I met Vincenzo. He quickly approached me with a concerned look. “What happened, Sophie? I’ve been looking for you all over the place. Did you get lost coming down here?”I shook my head and forced a smile. “No, I didn’t. I just stopped to use the restroom; that was all that to
CHAPTER 76SOPHIE I forced a smile, turning to Vincenzo, and he nodded, giving me the go-ahead to follow his mother. My heart skipped a beat as I followed her. She held tightly to my hand as she navigated through the crowd of guests, and finally, we were in the hallway. She let me go and heaved a deep sigh of relief."Have you met Foxy?" she asked, and I nodded."Yes, ma'am. I met her a few minutes ago, and we exchanged pleasantries."She nodded and flashed me a smile before we continued. I couldn't really tell where she was taking me. It felt like I was now part of the family with the way they were welcoming me in. For the next couple of minutes, we walked down a large, straight hallway, and then we finally arrived at the large lounge on the right. Once we got there, she pushed the door open, and a deep wave of nervousness washed over me when I saw the crowd inside.It looked like there was another party happening in there. I couldn't quite figure out what was going on. The next min
CHAPTER 75.SOPHIE The world seemed to pause. The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by gasps. Vincenzo wasn’t lying; everyone was holding their breath as they stared at me. I froze for a moment, his eyes piercing into mine—both shocked and amused.“Oh my goodness!” The MC’s voice snapped everyone back to the stage. “That was spectacular! Is there anyone who can do better than this?”He looked around before continuing, “Okay then, it’s sold to the damsel sitting over there.”The room erupted into applause, and I felt a thrilling twist of excitement in my stomach. It felt exhilarating to have so many eyes on me, and bargaining at the auction was thrilling.But Vincenzo's face twisted into a frown as he leaned closer. “You’re making a lot of people aware of who you are. Right now, I feel like punishing you!”I smiled and rolled my eyes. “Go ahead and do it. I want to be punished for acting like a child.”He scoffed and looked away for a moment before grabbing my arm. “Let’s go
CHAPTER 74 SOPHIE This place exudes wealth and luxury. I feel so nervous that I can barely breathe. Just looking at the cars parked in the driveway tells me how many dignitaries are inside. The driveway is lined with sleek, high-end vehicles that gleam in the soft light of the setting sun. I spotted a Bentley, a Rolls-Royce, and even a Lamborghini, each perfectly polished.As I stepped out right after Vincenzo, the mansion itself was a sight to behold. Its exterior is flawless, made of honey-colored stone.Vin turned to me, squeezing my hands reassuringly. “Don’t worry, you’re safe with me. We own this place; there’s no need to be nervous, okay?”I nodded and managed a smile, trying to hide the fact that my heart was pounding in my chest.As we approached the entrance, the men at the door bowed their heads respectfully and greeted him, while others shook hands with Scott and Niko, who were trailing behind us.Everywhere I looked, there was clear evidence of the Bianchi family's incr
CHAPTER 73.SOPHIE.Since we came back from the salon, he hasn't replied to my text message. At first, I was pissed that he hadn't seen it, but now I'm relieved that he hasn't. I already deleted it. I have to calm down; it seems like something is fishy. The last time I asked, he said he didn't know who she was, but now I saw them talking and smiling. She even patted his back. I try so hard to act like nothing happened and that I didn't see them, but I just can't help it. I have a feeling that, deep down, something is wrong.The only question that lingers in my mind is: Who is she to Vincenzo?He didn't want me to know he knew her, so I'll find out my own way without telling him.But for now, I choose to pretend I didn't see them and enjoy the groove of attending his parents' ball party. That is all that really matters right now.The next minute, Vincenzo wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my neck. “I'm ready….”I turned around, forcing a smile as I looked at him. I was met wi
CHAPTER 73 VINCENZO When I checked the time, I quickly hurried back to the salon. I was sure Sophie must be done. I had been at the bunker with Niko earlier. One of my deadbeat debtors was brought in, and I had to quickly teach him a lesson. I had given that bastard loans during one of his darkest times, and since then, he had avoided me and refused to pay me back. Well, now he had lost a few fingers as a warning. If after seventy-two hours he still hadn’t come back to pay his debts, I would have all ten of his fingers removed, along with his feet.After that, I hurried back; I didn’t want to keep her waiting. She was too beautiful for that, so I raced my best and quickly parked in the garage of the salon. But as I stepped out of my car, I heard the screech of a bike, which grabbed my attention. When I looked sideways, I saw Kitty on her bike.“Hey, Vin!” she smiled, turning over her bike once she saw me. “How’s your health? You need to call me back for another treatment, or are you
CHAPTER 72SOPHIE My body tensed up, and my jaw dropped as I took in the details of her face and body. The scar on her upper brow, the patch over her eye, and the little tattoo down her jawline? That was her! The same one who had been stalking me just days ago in Vincenzo's penthouse!I snapped away from her grip and clutched my hands tightly to the arms of my chair as I stared at her, my eyes trailing down her body. It was well-covered today, so I couldn't see all those tattoos I remembered.The lady washing my hair continued; she didn’t notice anything, but my heart was pounding in my chest at the sight of the woman who wanted to kill me in my dream a few nights ago. I mean, what are the odds that she doesn’t also want to kill me in real life?"I'm sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you, pretty," she said softly, her warm smile sending cold shivers down my spine. "I was just trying to greet you, dear."I stared blankly at her, my mouth dry, and nodded slowly, not bothering to speak. I
CHAPTER 71SOPHIE Two days have passed since that terrifying night.Well, not just two days, but out of those two days, I'm only very excited today because I will be attending Vincenzo's family ball dinner banquet. I can’t wait to meet his family, and most importantly, his mother again. Last time she came by the penthouse, she was all jovial and nice; her aura is quite contagious, even if I hate to admit it.She doesn’t really look like what the media says about her. It’s nice o’clock this morning, and the first thing on our schedule is going to the salon to get my hair done. Vincenzo requested that she bring me home, but I declined. Staying here in this penthouse is just so frustrating and boring. I want to go out more with him so a lot of people can see us together. I don’t know how to explain it, but it feels important that people back off if they have any motive of shooting their shot at him.He isn't always here with me, and I can’t monitor everywhere he goes, but most of the ti
CHAPTER 70SOPHIE The door creaked open, and a middle-aged woman walked in.Clad in a simple but shiny jumpsuit, with gold jewelry adorning her wrists and neck, she carried her Hermès bag with so much class. Her tattoos could be seen shining from a mile away.I froze in my steps as I watched her confidently walk inside the house. It was locked up with fingerprints and passwords, which meant she had either of them. We both stood, watching her walk up to the table; she dropped her bag and heaved a deep sigh of relief. Raising her gaze, only then did our eyes meet.“Oh my God?” She seemed a little surprised to see us. She chuckled. “I didn't know you were here.”Vincenzo sighed, approaching her. “Mum, what are you doing here?” he asked, and I almost gasped.That was his mother? Holy fuck!I didn’t know that; he had never shown me any of his family, so I wasn’t supposed to know, and they weren’t in the news either.“What do you mean by that?” she hissed, pushing past him. “Am I not suppo