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 45 SOPHIE I can't believe that I just let him do that to me. I know I wasn't supposed to. I promised myself to walk away from him, but I wish it were that easy. I wish I could just stop thinking of him, and my body wouldn't react to his touch again. But all of this is in my head, and I can't control myself physically. Each time he comes close to me, it's like a magnetic force pulling me closer and closer to that asshole.A day ago, he accused me of leaking his family information to the media, and now he is in my hotel room, fucking me like we were friends. I really don't know how he got my room number and appeared here before I came back. I guess there's really no running away from him. Either way, I need to find a way out—a way to stay away from him.My eyes narrowed at his face, and I swear I can't tell if I hate him or like him.That face is enough to make me wet; it's more than enough to make my thighs throb just by staring at it. But there’s something I also know: it’s
CHAPTER 46 VINCENZO[HAVEN'T SEEN YA IN A WHILE, MOOMA? 18 HOURS NOW, AND YOU DIDN'T SHOW UP AT WORK.][I'D BE DISAPPOINTED IF THE REASON HAS TO DO WITH YOUR BODY. ARE YOU STILL IN PAIN? I CAN COME OVER; ANOTHER FUCK CAN CURE THAT, YOU KNOW, RIGHT?][HEY SOPHIE… BEEN TWO DAYS NOW. NIKO SAID YOU HAVEN'T COME TO WORK. WHY?!! I'M OUT OF THE STATES NOW, BUT I WILL BE BACK SOON.][WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU NOT PICKING UP YOUR CALLS? YOU DON'T LIKE THE JOB ANYMORE? PICK ANOTHER ONE, AND YOU HAVE IT… I WILL BE BACK SOON.][SOPHIE? IT'S BEEN FIVE DAYS, AND NIKO SAID YOU HAVEN'T SHOWN UP. YOU AREN'T AT YOUR FRIEND'S PLACE OR YOUR HOTEL ROOM. TALK TO ME, KITTEN. WHAT'S UP?!][OKAY, I'M TRYING TO CHANGE MY RULES A LITTLE FOR YOU. WHAT IF WE GO TO DINNER ONCE I DROP BACK IN THE STATES, HUH?][PICK UP! I'M ON MY WAY!]Another call, and it still went to voicemail. I sighed silently, my hands clenching into fists. These airport attendants were wasting my time. I needed to get back home and see what was
CHAPTER 47SOPHIE It's been days since I buried myself in work at the new company where I just got a job.The name of the publishing company is Moonstone Publishing Co.I got the job there the morning after Vincenzo left my room. It's located in New Jersey, quite far from Jerald Magazine and everything that comes with it.After I got the job, I quickly moved to New Jersey since it came with accommodation in the company's lounge.It's been four hectic days working as the personal assistant to my new boss, Jack Lyon.I have immersed myself in work as his assistant and have also helped the commissioning editor, Miss Emma Brown.The job hasn't really been everything I wanted or prayed for, but at least it's something to hold onto for the moment and to stay far away from the devil.I flicked my wrist and saw that it was already two o'clock in the afternoon. It was time for me to leave and go visit my family.In the last couple of days, a lot has happened, and the most important one is tha
CHAPTER 48.SOPHIE I stood still, my eyes wide with shock once she said that. It was clear that someone had told her, and it was Zayn. I never told him that Leo was hitting me; I only mentioned that my marriage had crashed. I never gave him the reason or the impression as to why I was leaving my marriage permanently.But now, hearing my mum speak about it made me confused and stunned all at once.Was that the reason why she told me to come over for some tea?I couldn't help but wonder how she knew about my marriage crisis.But then again, I heaved a deep sigh of relief. Now one huge load had been pulled off my back, and I could breathe well rather than keep hiding so I wouldn’t have to tell my family about what really happened.“You could have spoken to us. We are your family,” she continued to sob.I stood there frozen in shock as her words tumbled out of her mouth and hung in the air because I couldn't reply. My voice was caught in my throat.I felt the weight of her gaze on me, fi
CHAPTER 83 SOPHIE. My body tensed up, and my muscles turned rigid with fear. When his hands ran around my shoulders again, I shivered. I wondered who the hell he was. He wasn't just a mere Robert. Something wasn't adding up. How did he know Vincenzo so well, or was he just trying to guess, perhaps just a coincidence? “What do you think, dear?” He finally let me go and proceeded to sit back in front of me. I felt a deep wave of relief wash over me. I took the opportunity to drag my seat back and pushed myself forward, forcing my feet to stand even if my legs were now shaky. I felt a chill run down my spine, raising the hairs on the back of my neck. “With all due respect, sir, like I said earlier, I'm not interested,” I reminded him. Letting out a sigh, I moved to walk out. “If you'll excuse me, I would love to leave.” “Not so quickly, Sophie.” He jerked up from his chair and quickly made his way to me. “Come on, why are you suddenly acting tough, huh? Vincenzo can hit, and I can't
CHAPTER 82 SOPHIE I still can't believe that Robert tried to come all up on me. For a second, I thought he was a responsible guy with the way he stood up for me against Emma. Asshole! Did he really ask me to come bounce on his dick? Ewww! It was time to go home, and I packed up my things, ready to cruise in my new car. I was no longer staying in the company's lounge; I would be living in a short-let apartment down the street until I was able to scout for a house. Staying in the company lounge had always been a hassle with the crowd of coworkers who had just moved in. I love my space, and staying there only made my space public. Once I was done, I picked up my car keys and made my way to the garage to get my car and drive back home. From afar, I could hear the sound of a car engine. When I looked, it was Robert. He revved his car before driving out of the lane and taking a U-turn to head toward the gate. Unlike every other day when he was done with work, he stopped at my desk to giv
CHAPTER 81 SOPHIE The tension in the room was palpable. I could feel the atmosphere shift from what it was a few minutes ago, and right now I couldn't tell why I didn't feel very comfortable drinking with Robert. Aside from the fact that I knew Emma would go around spreading different stupid rumors, I just felt like Robert wasn't really genuine. I love to come to my job and do what I have to do. Once I'm done, I leave and don't get into a personal relationship with my boss or even my colleagues.I stayed still, sipping my wine silently. The only sound that could be heard was that of the wine pouring down Robert’s throat. He flashed me a smile and dropped his cup on the table. “I didn't know you were going to smash it so easily. How is it with Vincenzo? I have heard a lot of tales about him, and I'm surprised he had such a good sense of humor when you were interviewing him. Is there anything you think I should know?”I raised my brows. “I don't get you, sir?”He chuckled. “Come on, S
CHAPTER 80SOPHIE Someone like Emma calling me a whore is quite diabolical.I mean, that is her profession. She does that for a living. I see what she wears to get Robert’s attention, just like she was screwing our former boss, and now she stands in front of me accusing me of whoring myself out to get a BMW?Such a clumsy bitch. I just rolled my eyes and chose not to engage with her. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing me riled up. I'm just a new car owner. I will let broke bitches holler. That is the best they can do. Barking dogs don’t bite.“What?” she scoffed. “You can’t speak anymore? Cat got your tongue now, huh?”“Go on, bitch! Speak! I see you have no evidence to refute my claims,” she snarled, and I just rolled my eyes.Soon, the door creaked open, and it was Robert. Every staff member quickly returned to their tasks, scurrying back to their respective seats now that the CEO was here. Emma, on the other hand, forced a smile and leaned in close to my desk like she
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