CHAPTER 22.SOPHIE I sat down inside Niko's office after the interview to pick the institutions I would love to interview their CEOs as well. In less than twenty-four hours, I have a lot on my plate, and I'm now trending across different social media platforms. I didn't expect it to be this way, but either way, my hands are now full with different jobs, and I'm forced to pick the best ones since I can't attend to each and every one.Niko helped me pick the best ones that he believes might bring traction to my name. According to him, some of the CEOs were insufferable, and some were controversial, so they would always be at the top of the trending list. That day, I left home very late, quite tired and also famished, but I was extremely happy. All of this is happening so fast, and I'm grateful for it.I squealed, "I can't wait to get home and give Jenny the full details of everything that just happened."I'm sure she won't believe that I interviewed her Vincenzo and would be doing the
CHAPTER 23 SOPHIE I sat next to Jenny, hugging her warmly, not caring that I was running late for work. It's usually hard when you have expectations, and then they get shattered at the last minute. I closed my eyes, gently patting her shoulders, trying to calm her down while she poured tears all over my dress. I didn’t try to tell her, but sometimes crying is the best option to alleviate pain and disappointment. Since I stepped foot in her house, she had always talked about how she was going to be the face of Jerald magazine this season, side by side with Vincenzo. Now, she said her source just called and informed her that she could only feature as a minor face for the magazine and not the major one she had always dreamed of. It was quite heartbreaking for her to hear that Vincenzo chose someone else to star on the magazine cover with him. I wished I could help her in this situation and maybe talk to Vincenzo, but that would mean overstepping and giving him a clue that I had told
CHAPTER 23.VINCENZO.It's quite diabolical that Sophie seems to be angry at me for putting her in deals that would push her career to new heights. I wonder why she is upset that I chose her over some random, desperate model that she doesn't even know or has ever seen before.I rolled my eyes and let out a deep sigh. Each day I get to know her more, she becomes increasingly complicated to deal with. She seems to be the troublesome type, but every time she flares up and gets angry, it makes my heart race. I love seeing her face scrunched up, giving me attitude. Well, it wasn't entirely my fault that the former model, who was supposed to grace the cover with me, wasn't what we wanted.She might be a top model, but she has less aura and charisma than my Sophie.I went back to the old covers and discovered how good she was there. Her beauty, swag, charisma, aura, and elegance? She was born to be a top model, and I will make sure that I help her achieve that. Last night, after reviewing he
CHAPTER 24.SOPHIEI woke up the next morning to missed calls from Vincenzo. I wasn't awake when he called, but I'm glad I wasn't there to pick it up. I didn't want to talk to him yet; I was still preoccupied with thoughts of how Jenny would react to this news. My heart raced with different thoughts, and I couldn't help but hope that she'd understand what really happened. It was beyond me; I couldn't do anything to reverse the tides.My heart kept beating nonstop each time I dialed her number and she didn't pick up. Each call went unanswered, and I clenched my fists in frustration. I made my way to the kitchen and quickly made some scrambled eggs and sausages. I ate breakfast before preparing for work. I made sure to store Jenny's portion in the microwave; I'm pretty sure she's at a club drinking herself into a stupor. I hope she gets a better deal and a brighter future in the face of a bigger and better opportunity.A few minutes later, I pulled up to Jerald Magazine and parked my ca
CHAPTER 25 VINCENZO My lips pursed, and a wide grin spread across my face, my eyes sparkling with joy as I watched her quickly leave my office.A cute little kitten. I could see the fear in her eyes about anyone catching us here and then seeing me spanking her. It sounded quite funny.I walked to the mirror, adjusted my clothes, and then headed down to where the shoot was happening. I pumped my fists as I walked, thrilled with excitement about the shoot.This isn't normal. In fact, everything isn't normal; she is changing me in such a short time. Coming to work every day? I don't usually do that. I just sit in my club all day, visit my debtors, and then come back at night to count the money the girls made on the pole.Being excited about a shoot? I don't usually do that either. I smack the faces of those cameramen whenever the flash goes off in my face. I shoved the thoughts out of my mind and quickly hastened my steps to the hall. When I got there, Sophie was already there; the
CHAPTER 26.SOPHIE.The chirping of birds and sunlight streaming through the window woke me from my slumber.Sitting up in bed, I tugged at my eyes, trying to ward off the remaining sleepiness.I needed to get to work quickly when I suddenly paused, noticing my surroundings.It looked really familiar, but I couldn't quite remember where I was. How did I get here? The last thing I remembered was resting in Vincenzo's office.My eyes narrowed as I glanced at the table, the interior decor, and the clothes hanging in the wardrobe.Those clothes belonged to him. He must have brought me back here.I let out a deep sigh. I must have been too tired to even notice that I had been moved.That shoot was quite stressful. It was my first major job for a big cover, and even though I knew it was worth it, I also knew it was the most stressful thing I had ever done in my life—except for marrying that asshole Leo.The changing of outfits, makeups, wigs, and shoes? I heaved a deep sigh.I fell back ont
CHAPTER 26 SOPHIE I exhaled sharply, a gasp escaping my lips. “Why are you picking on me?” I asked, my hands on my cheeks.“What?” She stared coldly at me. “I'm only trying to discipline you for Master. You need to learn manners, and that is my job here.”I raised an eyebrow, still in disbelief while my cheeks burned in pain.But then again, where are you rushing to? Has Master gotten bored of you so quickly that he sent you away?” They both burst out laughing.I swallowed hard, refusing to fall into their bait. This isn't the fucking time, Sophie, I reminded myself. Making a scene with these crazy psychos will only alert Vincenzo that I was leaving his estate without telling him.I ignored her and tried to walk out again, but the other woman rushed to the front, blocking my way.“And where do you think you're going, huh?” she snarled. “Didn't she tell you that you can't walk away from her?”I scoffed, looking away, my fists clenched at my sides as I tried to control my emotions.Th
CHAPTER 27.SOPHIE “Jenny!” My eyes went wide with disbelief. I tucked my wet hair behind my back. “What happened?”“Get the fuck out of my house, you ingrate!” she accused, her voice laced with rage. “I don't ever want to see you near my home. If I see you near my house, I will call the police!”My jaw almost dropped to the floor at her choice of words and sudden change of character. I stood there, a wave of shock washing over me as I watched my friend of two decades hurl insults at me.I stood frozen in front of the door, her words cutting deep into my heart.I couldn't quite wrap my head around what must have triggered such an outburst from her. I couldn't believe what I was hearing—my confidante and best friend, the keeper of my deepest secrets, was now standing in front of me, her eyes blazing with anger and hatred."You're an ungrateful, selfish, and manipulative bitch!" Jenny spat, her voice venomous. "You think you're so perfect, don't you? You think you're so much better tha
CHAPTER 79 SOPHIE “Hello, are you missing Sophie?” One of the airport workers walked up to me and asked as I alighted from the jet.I stopped scrolling through my phone to find an Uber and turned to him. “Yes, I'm Sophie. Any problems?”Before he spoke, I refocused on my phone, searching for the closest Uber from the airport to my workplace. I just knew Emma wouldn't spare me if I dared to show up late today. She hadn't seen me for seven consecutive days, and I'm sure her patience was wearing thin.That clueless bitch!“Ma'am, your car is parked that way,” the young man said, pointing to the garage. My eyes followed his gesture, and I saw a covered car. I gulped before turning back to him.“I’m sorry I could have come out earlier, but I was a little busy and didn’t notice when you dropped off. Mr. Vincenzo said you have the keys; I’m going to open it up for you now.”For a moment, it felt like I was in a fairy tale. My face lit up with excitement as I approached the car, and the man
CHAPTER 78VINCENZOI know something is wrong, but she isn’t willing to speak to me about it. After she went upstairs, her attitude and everything changed. When we came into the party, she was very much excited. What changed?I tried to talk to her in the car, but she wasn't even listening. Her mind was elsewhere. It hurt to see my kitten this way. Just when I thought I had gotten her back, now there’s a last-minute misunderstanding. She keeps saying it’s about work, but I know that it isn’t. Sophie is a resilient woman, and everything that happens at work would never affect her daily life or ruin her mood.It was at the party. I'm sure of it. I’m a hundred percent certain that something went down at the party, and I can't wait to call my mother and ask her if she knows any of the people who met Sophie and what they said to her that made her feel this way. But for now, I wanted to make sure I gave her the new car keys. After our misunder
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