His Hired Lover

His Hired Lover

last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-29
Oleh:  JicerylBaru saja diperbarui
Bahasa: English
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Sofia Morales is a struggling actress, juggling endless auditions while working as an escort to wealthy clients. Though her dream of stardom feels increasingly out of reach, she refuses to give up. But here comes Rios Alcaraz, a ruthless and enigmatic Mafia boss with no interest in marriage. But when his father pressures him to marry Beatrice Sandoval, the heiress of a powerful family, Rios devises a bold plan: hire someone to play the perfect girlfriend and keep the wedding bells at bay. Sofia, with her beauty, charm, and talent for pretending, becomes his first and only choice. But what starts as a business arrangement quickly spirals into a dangerous game of deception. As Sofia steps into Rios's treacherous world of power, secrets, and lies, she realizes that the line between acting and reality is dangerously thin—and playing the Mafia boss’s girlfriend might cost her more than just her heart.

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Bab 1

01. He Was Trouble

SOFIA’s POV

Since the restaurant opened this morning, I hadn’t had a second to breathe. I moved like an acrobat—pacing the room with both hands and balancing trays, my mind constantly reminding my feet to avoid slipping on the tiled floor.

By the time the clock crept toward a quarter to twelve, the place had erupted into a war zone. Orders flew in, and customers endlessly waved for attention. Their hunger was seemingly commanding their brains to be impatient. My skin itched just by looking at their sulky lips and bored faces. Normally, every staff in Lorenzo’s Restaurant would be happy to receive so many costumers, but when you’re waiting tables to rude patrons, it would only make you wish for your shift to end already.

The kitchen’s aromas had found their way onto my uniform. I scrunched my face upon realizing that. I spent an hour doing my hair, only to expose it to the greasy scent of garlic butter and grilled meat.

But a 24-year-old woman like me, with no prospects, had to endure this kind of lowly life so I could provide for my family in the province. And while Manila was considered a city of opportunity, no one could deny that living here would mean you need determination and bravery to avoid getting swallowed by the intensity of the lifestyle.

I was dropping off an order when a sharp shriek cut through the restaurant. People turned toward the sound, but no one moved to check. My gaze flicked to the counter, hoping my coworker Danilo would go see what was happening. But he only shrugged, silently dumping the responsibility onto me.

Despite the restaurant drawing in plenty of customers, the management hadn’t bothered to increase staff. Working with me today were Danilo, the cashier and overall runner, and Mike, who was in the back grilling meat. My name’s Sofia, the curvy waitress. Not a nickname I gave myself—our customers did.

I shot Danilo a glare before heading toward the commotion near the entrance. A little girl in an elementary school uniform was struggling to pull away from a towering, six-foot-tall, foreign-looking man. He was wearing a polo shirt and ragged jeans. I couldn’t picture his face well because I was nearsighted. But he wasn’t saying anything, and the little girl seemed determined to break free. Before I could think, I was already moving.

“Sweetheart!” I called, forcing a bright, familiar smile. “There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

The girl stared up at me, her doe eyes wide with confusion. I silently urged her to play along. Finally, she caught on and launched herself at me, clinging to my torso like a tiny monkey.

“Is this man bothering you?” I asked, turning to face him.

A beat passed, and I almost choked on my saliva upon seeing his face up close.

Holy… shit… The man was beautiful—the kind of beautiful that should be illegal. His mixed foreign and Filipino features were striking. That sharp jawline. Those high cheekbones. Those bluish eyes seemed to see straight through me. His gaze flicked between me and the little girl, his head tilting slightly.

“W-what are you doing to my niece?” I stammered, trying to ignore both his allure and the expensive cologne that now surrounded me. I planted a hand on my hip as if I were a Filipina mother scolding an unruly son. “What are you thinking? Kidnapping a kid in broad daylight? And of all places, in a restaurant?”

My confidence grew as I leaned into the lie, determined to save this girl from whatever revulsion this ridiculously handsome man was planning. To my absolute horror, he only smirked!

But that smirk should come with a warning sign. It only sent the butterflies in my stomach into a whirlpool of emotions.

“Do you really believe I’m kidnapping that child?”

Dear God, even his voice was soft and low. The kind you hear in steamy audio recordings that make you imagine things. I forced myself to stay composed despite the erratic beating of my heart. “You’re holding a child against her will! What else am I supposed to think?”

As if on cue, the little girl tugged at my uniform, signaling for me to bend down. “What is it?” I asked gently.

“He wants me to go to the arcade several blocks from here,” she whispered, the fabric conditioner in her clothes lightly brushing my nose. “But I want to eat spaghetti first.”

I clenched my jaw. Are you kidding me?

“See?” Turning to the man and feeling the heat on my cheeks. “You’re forcing a little girl to do things! I say, get out of this restaurant before I call security.”

But instead of looking rattled, he laughed. Laughed! Like this was all some joke to him.

“Is there something funny about what I said?” I asked loudly, trying to drown the twisting motion happening in my gut as I heard that laugh.

I’d been around wealthy men because of my other job as an escort, and I could always tell their status by the way they laughed at people. This man—with his expensive air, controlled amusement, and dangerously rich chuckle—was indeed trouble.

His eyes glinted. “Sofia.”

I sucked in a breath. I could never deny how his gaze affected my sense of self. I felt myself drowning as I tried to mask my emotions. Also, how the hell did he know my name?

“Don’t you know who I am?” He asked as if that information was too important.

“Do I need to?” I huffed.

He nodded toward the girl. “Why don’t you ask her?” And with his smirk that hinted arrogance, coupled with that irritating, expensive chuckle of his, he added. “I am the uncle.”

Frowning, I gently cupped the child’s cheeks, smoothing down her baby bangs. “Do you actually know this man?”

The girl sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes like I was the dumbest person alive. “Yes, I know him. But he’s sooo annoying.”

Oh. Oh, no…

I could feel myself sinking into utter humiliation as I stared at the kid, her wide-eyed gaze reflecting mine. I had just accused this ridiculously handsome man of kidnapping a child when, in fact, he was actually her uncle!

I slowly stood up and then turned back to him. His gaze remained steady as I swallowed my pride and tried to salvage my dignity. “I… I see,” I stammered.

One dark eyebrow lifted. “I think it’s time for you to apologize, Miss Sofia.”

My brows furrowed. Apologize? If anyone was to blame, it was his niece for not clarifying things sooner!

Well, you looked suspicious. I just did what I had to do to help a struggling child.”

His smirk widened. “Did you?”

“Yes! Besides, you were just… standing there.” I gestured vaguely at him. “All serious and intimidating… gripping the child and …”

Making me say stupid things.

“Can we eat now, Uncle? I still want spaghetti. I don’t want to go to another restaurant. I want to eat here at Lorenzo’s.

The man sighed. “All right. When you do that, you sound exactly like your mother.”

I took their uncle-niece conversation as my cue to escape. “Very well,” I said, plastering a forced smile. “I—I’ll leave you to it… s-sir,” I added, turning on my heel. My knees wobbled as I swallowed my embarrassment.

“Wait.”

His voice stopped me cold. I turned back slowly, meeting his eyes once more.

“I’ll be seeing you again, Miss Sofia.”

Hearing that, a slow, creeping shiver ran down my spine. The question that had been haunting me instantly leaped from my mouth. “H-how did you know my name?”

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he lifted an eyebrow, looking amused—like I was missing something obvious. Then I saw it. My nameplate. Right! Way to go. I was getting stupider by the second.

But the way he said my name sent a prickling unease within me. It didn’t feel like a simple statement. It was more like a promise to see each other again.

I forced myself to turn away, walking stiffly and pretending I wasn’t rattled—even though I was. Because deep down, I felt that this man, whoever the hell he was, was going to be the cause of my distress.

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Joyce
Nice book dear author. I love the comic relief in between
2025-03-20 05:15:34
0
61 Bab
01. He Was Trouble
SOFIA’s POVSince the restaurant opened this morning, I hadn’t had a second to breathe. I moved like an acrobat—pacing the room with both hands and balancing trays, my mind constantly reminding my feet to avoid slipping on the tiled floor.By the time the clock crept toward a quarter to twelve, the place had erupted into a war zone. Orders flew in, and customers endlessly waved for attention. Their hunger was seemingly commanding their brains to be impatient. My skin itched just by looking at their sulky lips and bored faces. Normally, every staff in Lorenzo’s Restaurant would be happy to receive so many costumers, but when you’re waiting tables to rude patrons, it would only make you wish for your shift to end already.The kitchen’s aromas had found their way onto my uniform. I scrunched my face upon realizing that. I spent an hour doing my hair, only to expose it to the greasy scent of garlic butter and grilled meat.But a 24-year-old woman like me, with no prospects, had to endure t
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-28
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02. An Envelope, A Dingy Apartment, and An Email
SOFIA’s POVEver since I started working for Mr. Lee as his escort, he had always made sure to book me as his favorite girl. The job was simple; he’d dress me up, pay me cash, then I would provide him company at social events and give his ego a little boost whenever I clung to his arm like some kind of trophy wife.Tonight, the company event we attended turned out to be one of the many splendid parties so far. And as we pulled up near my apartment, the gentle hum of Mr. Lee’s luxurious SUV faded into the background, his kind eyes lingered on me as we sat comfortably in the buttery-soft leather seats in the back of his car.“You… very beautiful tonight, Miss Sofia,” he said in his broken English, his Chinese accent curling around the words. He reached for my hand, planting a soft kiss on it before flashing his signature toothy smile.This 71-year-old Chinese man may have been short in stature, but his gentlemanly charm reached the rooftops.“Good company. I feel good… good…” he added, n
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-02
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03. Marriage Is Out of the Picture
Running an empire that straddled both the legal and illegal required precision, accountability, and a solid foundation to play the dangerous game. But Rios Estrada Alcaraz was a man of duality.To the public, he was a refined businessman. With his thriving media network called Star Channel Studios, he had been named the ultimate Kingpin of his generation. A media mogul whose name graced charity events, luxury hotels, and high-stakes investment portfolios. He moved in elite circles while shaking hands with politicians and rubbing shoulders with CEOs and dignitaries, all while keeping his true empire hidden beneath the surface.Behind closed doors, he was a chess master. His only goal was to win the long game of deception. He laundered his wealth through legitimate businesses, making it nearly impossible for authorities to pin anything on him. His hands, which were always impeccably clean in the eyes of the law, were stained with the blood of those who had dared to cross him. His reach e
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-03
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04. A Restaurant, A Maserati, but No Sofia
Rios checked his watch for the third time in a minute, but the sleek silver wrapped around his wrist only mocked him. Only five minutes had passed, yet it already felt like an hour. Exhaling slowly, he adjusted the cuff of his tailored blazer, the muscle in his neck constricting against the fabric.The luxurious restaurant hummed with quiet conversations. He had specifically told Sasha to make a reservation at this high-end place to impress Sofia Morales. Not that he wanted to prove anything to that woman. He was heir to both the empire of the Estrada and Alcaraz families. If he wanted to, he had all the resources to make her obey him. And yet, Rios wouldn’t do that to her. She seemed like a challenge. Nowadays, he felt he needed Sofia to stay that way.However, first impressions still mattered. If Sofia showed up, she should see him as a man in control. But this agonizing waiting left him with a little anxiety. He attempted to divert his attention by listening to the clinking of plate
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-16
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05. A Stranger, A Perv, and A Knight at the Bottom of the Stairs
SOFIA’s POVThe bell at the restaurant door jingled again. I barely looked up as I fumbled through my notepad, thinking it was just another hungry customer. Sliding my pencil behind my ear, I grabbed a menu and forced an excited smile. But as I approached the table, hesitation crept in. Something about him set me on edge.The new customer sat unnaturally still, fingers laced together on the table like he was waiting for someone. His all-black outfit, which consisted of a black shirt, black leather jacket, and black gloves, looked intriguing enough. Despite my unease, I relaxed and acted professionally.“Hi! What can I get you?”His lips curved slightly, but the smile never reached his eyes. “No need for the menu, Miss Morales.”I stiffened. My name tag only showed my first name. How the hell did he know my surname?“Have we met?” I asked, my fingers fumbling with the pencil still tucked behind my ear. He tilted his head but didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled out a phone, tapped a few ti
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-16
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06. Blood and Bargains
SOFIA’s POV“Hey! I-I know you. What are you doing in this poorer side of the city?”I could hear the quiver in my landlord’s voice as he watched Rios walking toward us.“I’m afraid you don’t look familiar,” Rios said coolly, one hand tucked in his pocket jeans, the other slinging a tailored coat over his shoulder.Even now, as his dead eyes stabbed like daggers at the already shaken Donato, the butterflies in my stomach refused to settle. Why on earth would he come here looking like a hot character from a steamy novel? In a snap, my curiosity about him only grew.“Ah, I know now!” my pervy landlord exclaimed as if trying to hold himself together and regain the upper hand. “You’re here for this slut!” he added, grabbing my arm roughly.“Fuck you!” I spat, yanking myself away from him. Instead, Donato pulled me closer, my backside pressing against the huge bulge under his jeans. Honestly, that size might’ve been impressive if only he understood basic hygiene.Rios stopped walking. “I sp
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-18
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07. Off to A Hotel
SOFIA’S POVWe drove around the city in silence as the low hum of the car’s engine filled the space between us.My hands still shook. The worn-off adrenaline left a dull throb in my fingers, and the strains in my legs made it hard to appreciate the car’s soft leather seat.Every so often, I could feel his piercing eyes checking on me. He was probably thinking I was a psychotic bitch. A violent little stray he picked up off the street. Good. Let him think that. After all, that was the least of my concerns right now.I had just beaten up my landlord. The weight of that realization pressed against my chest, but before I could even begin to process it, Rios’s voice cut through the silence.“I don’t mind you getting your hands dirty, but next time, let me handle it.”That only intensified my annoyance. “You saw me there, Rios. I don’t need a savior.”“You bet,” he said, smirking. “You almost killed him.”I rolled my eyes at him. I did not like how he inserted himself into my already chaotic
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-19
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08. Bruised and Bound
The tires screeched as Rios pulled into the parking lot of Black Moon Bar. The neon glow bathed the pavement in eerie light, the bass-heavy music thudding through the walls like a heartbeat.Inside the bar, Rios could see pertinent faces from the showbiz industry. Celebrities, models, and even corrupt politicians indulged in this place, all drowning in expensive liquor and party drugs that his business associates passed around in secret. However, these patrons were blissfully unaware of the storm brewing behind closed doors.Rios exhaled sharply as he stalked past the VIP lounge, then pushed through a private door. Inside, Vincent Madrigal paced the room, holding a whiskey glass in hand. Rage darkened his features.“You better have a good reason for dragging me here,” Rios muttered, his voice low and edged with warning.Vincent spun, slamming the glass onto the desk. “What the hell were you thinking? Changing drop locations without telling me? Cutting my runners out? Now we’ve got heat
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-25
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09. A Breakfast, A Bath, and Another Problem
SOFIA’s POVA deep, perfect kind of warmth wrapped around me as I drifted between sleep and waking. For the first time in my 24 years of existence, my body felt light, my mind clear, like I had finally, finally gotten the kind of rest people always raved about.Unfortunately, all the hairs on my body automatically stood up the second I realized I wasn’t on my bed!Panic settled in as my eyes snapped open. At first, I had no idea where I was. Plush white sheets, a thick comforter, and a floral scent in the air. My fingers curled around the silky fabric, my pulse picking up as flashes of last night pieced themselves together. I groaned as I buried my face in my hands. Right. The landlord. His slimy, grabbing hands. The rage that burned through me. My fists connected with his gut, his ribs, his face.And then, that man, Rios Alcaraz.The memory of him standing over me hit me like a splash of cold water. I sat up, the sheets pooling at my waist, and glanced around. Still, there was no sign
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-01
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10. An Heiress’s Obsession
Beatrice Sandoval strode into her suite at the Grand Royal Hotel, her heels clicking against the marble floor with practiced elegance. The scent of imported lavender lingered in the air, mingling with the crisp bite of the air-conditioning, but she barely noticed.Her mind was elsewhere. She couldn’t believe that a lowly creature wouldn’t recognize her when she was famous both in the Philippines and abroad. That damned girl. Had she been living in a cave?The encounter had been brief, but something about the girl’s presence left Beatrice seething. That angelic and delicate face looked almost untouched by the world's filth. And it stirred an unfamiliar irritation within her. The very thought annoyed her more than the traffic in Metro Manila did! It was irrational, even childish, but the annoyance festered like an itch she couldn't scratch.“Just pray we wouldn’t cross paths again, bitch. Or you will be getting what you deserve,” she murmured to herself angrily.Heaving a sigh, she threw
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-02
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