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12. A Contract and A Condition
Last Updated:
2025-03-03 12:49:00
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His Hired Lover   13. Negotiations
SOFIAâs POVI ran my fingers over the contract one last time, the smooth pages cool against my fingertips. Every clause, every word had been shaped to secure my futureâmy future, not his.This deal was my ticket to the top, and I had spent the past twenty-four hours ensuring every detail was airtight. Yet, a feeling coiled in my stomach, a quiet voice whispering that Rios wasnât the type to let anyone dictate the terms. Still, I pushed the doubt aside. He was expecting me at dinner and had even sent this off-shoulder, perfectly tailored black dress, along with a pair of sleek stilettos. I could really get used to this.I placed the contract back into its leather folder, smoothed the silk of my gown, and forced my spine straight. Whatever Rios had planned, I would make sure I wouldnât falter.Moments later, I stepped inside the private dining room, my heels barely making a sound against the floor. The scent of aged wine and charred steak lingered in the air. And there, in the middle of
Last Updated : 2025-03-03His Hired Lover   14. His Future Wife
SOFIAâS POVThe candlelight at the center of the table continued to flicker between us as it reflected in Riosâs solemn face. His gaze held mine, steady and still and a little wily, as if he already knew my answer before I could even process his new proposition."Two days,â he said smoothly. âIâll give you two days to decide, Sofia. But for tonight, letâs just enjoy this dinner."Right. Thatâs very easy to say, Rios.I forced a breath through my nose and reached for the glass of wine in front of me. The rim was cool against my lips as I took a slow sip, letting the rich red liquid coat my tongue before swallowing. But no matter how fine the wine was and how exquisite the meal, I couldnât shake the unease curling in my stomach.My fingers toyed with the silverware as I let the silence drag my thoughts. I wanted to ignore the tension sitting between us like a third guest at the table, but the words burned at the back of my throat."I believe thereâs a deeper reason for this arrangement,"
Last Updated : 2025-03-04His Hired Lover   15. In For A Bitchy War
Beatrice Sandovalâs fingers curled into the velvet of her clutch, her teeth grinding as she swallowed the fury clawing up her throat. The people around her were alive with cheers, clinking glasses, and hushed murmurs of admiration, all aimed at the couple in the center of it all.Rios and her. That woman. She could remember nowâshe was the one who had bumped into her in the hallway earlier that day.Beatriceâs jaw tightened as she watched Rios kiss her with a hunger that made her stomach churn. His hand cradled the back of her head, fingers tangled in her dark waves, pulling her into him like she belonged there. And that bitch was giving in.She could see the way she melted against him, her hands gripping the collars of his suit and her body pressed against him possessively. Beatrice wanted to scream. But she wouldnât give them that satisfaction. Feeling the loss of control, she forced a smile and turned away.Without another word, she strode out of the private dining hall, heels click
Last Updated : 2025-03-04His Hired Lover   16. Hot and Heavy
SOFIAâS POVRiosâs hot and demanding mouth crashed against mine with no hesitation. After that reckless declaration that I made to embarrass that arrogant Beatrice, Rios seemed determined to leave no space between us.We had laughed earlier, picturing the fury simmering beneath Beatriceâs calm exit. The evening had turned unexpectedly playful, flirtatious even, and Rios had seemed to enjoy the façade we put on. But now, as we left the dinner and continued that sensual kissâwhich, by the way, was witnessed by everyone at the restaurantâhis desperation sent shivers down my spine and stole the breath from my lungs. He tasted of something dark and forbidden. I shouldnât crave him, but I did anyway.With our lips never parting, he led me upstairs and expertly unlocked my hotel room door. Our bodies had been tangled since the elevator ride, and now, even before my brain could process anything else, my back hit the wall. The cool surface did nothing to temper the fire spreading through me. Hi
Last Updated : 2025-03-05His Hired Lover   17. Madam Carrie
Rios hadnât realized he was coming here until the colorful glow of the familiar place flickered against the hood of his car. A huge sign loomed above: Madam Carrieâs House of Pleasure.It stood on the edge of the city, not too far from the luxurious, bustling lifestyle, yet distant enough to ensure the utmost privacy for its patrons in their moments of carnal indulgence. This was a place where men lost themselves, whether in silk sheets or cheap whiskey. Rios knew he didnât belong here anymore. And yet, here he was again.Several times, he told himself he had outgrown this place, and he wanted to believe he had control over it, but every time the world spun too fast, he found himself crawling back to this place. Coming here was like an addiction that just wouldnât die.He killed the engine, gripping the wheel so tightly that his knuckles ached. His mind still burned with Sofiaâher scent, the way she had pulled away just when he was about to claim her, the way she had stopped him, and w
Last Updated : 2025-03-06His Hired Lover   18. Packing Up
SOFIAâs POVI climbed the stairs of the run-down building that had been my home for almost four years. The dim hallway smelled of damp concrete and leftover cigarette smoke, the kind that clung to the walls no matter how many times the rain washed over the roof.I was only twenty when my mother died of lung cancer. Her death had me running to the city, chasing the impossible dream of being a star. I kept telling myself I wanted to live her dream for me, but the truth was, I just wanted to get away. Losing her felt like someone had driven a stake straight into my chest. The sharp and unbearable pain pushed me into the arms of my Uncle Randy, thinking that since we were family, weâd understand each other. But I was wrong. I was always wrong about people.What happened in this apartment two nights ago dragged out memories I had fought to bury. Now, as I climbed these stairs, I found myself wondering what had happened to my landlord. Despite his vile intentions, I didnât wish for his death
Last Updated : 2025-03-07His Hired Lover   19. Underground Dealings
Rios stepped out of the elevator and into his underground office. The artificial cold from the massive air conditioners in every corner of the building, combined with the scent of leather and polished metal, greeted his senses. Unlike the chaotic, sweat-drenched backrooms of lesser crime syndicates, his empire operated with ruthless efficiency.The floors gleamed beneath the stark white lights. High-tech monitors lined the walls. Its screens flashed streams of numbers, surveillance footage, and millions of encrypted messages from operations across the globe. Imported state-of-the-art machines whirred softly in the background. They were silent witnesses to crimes so cleanly executed that even government agencies struggled to trace them. These systems that were imported from the U.S. were funded by the larger Mafia families operating in Italy and California. These powerful backers ensured their empire remained untouchable.Employees in tailored black suits moved without a hint of uncerta
Last Updated : 2025-03-08His Hired Lover   20. The Orphanage
For the third time that night, Amandaâs eyes blinked open.She stared at the ceiling, listening to the quiet. The only sounds were the soft creaks of the old house and the chirping of crickets outside. A strip of yellow light from the hallway glowed under the door. Nanay Tess had specifically left the door half open in case one of the six children sleeping in this room called for her in the middle of the night.Her stomach felt weird again. Not hurting, justâĶ uncomfortable. And she knew what that meant. With a sigh, she pushed off her blanket and climbed out of bed. Her bare feet made soft pats against the wooden floor as she tiptoed across the room. The orphanage was silent. Everyone was asleep.She slipped into the bathroom, shivering when her feet touched the cold tiles. How many times had she gone tonight? Four? Five? It was getting annoying. It had to be the blue pill. Nanay Tess always made sure everyone took one with their meals. âThese are the doctorâs orders,â she said. âThere
Last Updated : 2025-03-09
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His Hired Lover   47. An Anonymous Sender
SOFIAâs POVRios had me rest for a week before I was allowed back into training with my acting coach. During those days, the wound in my arm began to heal gradually. My ribs still ached, but I could breathe again without flinching.Rios stayed busy. He would visit my house, but we wouldnât really talk. He would only instruct Valeria and Kyle about some important tasks about me and also converse with the house helper he hired for me. We would catch him having meetings at odd hours, with his men coming and going. Then, one night, heâd explain things over dinner. He told me how the family built their empire, the layers behind their so-called businesses, the money, and, of course, the risks. It took me three days to say a full sentence to him. Even now, it felt like too much. So, I focused on training. It was Valeria who pitched the idea. âA Mafia wife must know how to defend herself,â she said. I figured she was right. We couldnât take any chances anymore. I kept my head down and worke
His Hired Lover   46. Control and Punishment
(TRIGGER WARNING: torture)It took them a minute to speak after the father-and-daughter tandem exited the house. Now that the problem had been laid out, the cunning Rodulf Sandoval made it clear that Rios had to give up his marriage with Sofia and tie the knot with Beatrice instead.But Rios stood firm. It hadnât been his plan to get serious with the aspiring actress, but sheâd already cast her spell on him, pulling him in deeply. Now, he was stuck at the precipice, staring into a future that made sense only if she was in it. A few months ago, he wouldnât have pegged himself as the hopeless romantic type. But here he was. Still, no matter how badly he wanted to escape this life, reality always came to push him to the edge of the cliff. He looked at his beloved family, the word beloved rolling through his head like a bitter joke. Their faces looked grim and defeated. But who could blame them? Twenty percent was twenty percent. And he was sure those greedy and manipulative Sandovals wo
His Hired Lover   45. Debts and Consequences
With Sofia in the hospital, Rios hadnât planned on coming home so soon. But his last phone call with Sasha informed him that an emergency family meeting was happening at his grandfatherâs mansion. He figured it was also the right time to break the news about marrying another woman.He exhaled sharply, then killed the engine and stepped onto the familiar gravel drive of the estate. The cloudy mid-afternoon sky hung low, mirroring the chaos spiraling through his head and his life in general. The doors creaked open as he entered. His mother stood stiff in the foyer, arms folded, and lips drawn into a tight line. He leaned in to kiss her cheek, but she didnât move. He then turned to his father, lowering his head out of habit to kiss the manâs hand, but Demitreâs fist cracked across his jaw before he could touch it.âWho the fuck do you think you are?â his father roared.âDemitre, calm yourself, boy! This is a family meeting,â the old man growled from his place in the hallway.Rios pushed
His Hired Lover   44. Waking Up in a Hospital Â
SOFIAâs POVMy memory of being sick or having a brutal fever always brings back the feel of my motherâs gentle hands brushing my burning forehead, only to be replaced by a cold compress or a cloth soaked in water and vinegar. She would then gather wild leaves and plants only she knew the names of and boil them into a lukewarm natural medicine for me to drink. They always tasted bland, sometimes bitter, but my young heart never dared to complain. My mother had always been so good to me and lived her life wanting what was best for me.Today, instead of waking up to the warmth of her hands, my fluttering, hazy eyes caught two bodyguards, who were sitting in each corner of a room that smelled like rubbing alcohol and was painted white from floor to ceiling. I felt my head resting on a soft pillow while my back sunk into a firm cushion.Kyle was slouched in a chair, dozing with a hanky over his face and arms crossed over his chest. Valeria sat to my left, flipping through a pamphlet that r
His Hired Lover   43. Search and Rescue
The remnants of what had happened where Sofia and Valeria were last seen by Rios painted a grim picture: somehow, they could confirm both women had fallen into the darkness below.âWe canât go in there now, Boss Rios,â Jestone said, holding his phone above his head. Its small light cut through the dark landscape, but they could barely see anything. âWe might need a chopper, butâââShut up! Shut up, Iâm thinking!â Rios snapped, punching in a number on his phone. Jestone and Kyle traded glances at their usually composed bossâs attitude, his calm peeling away into a frantic frenzy.âSasha,â he barked when the line connected. âWhat the hell is happening? I thought thereâd be reinforcements? No one came! My wife and her bodyguard just fell off a fucking cliff!âHis grip tightened around the phone as Sashaâs voice chattered on. He could feel himself trembling and falling into the pit of monstrosity. He realized all those trips he had taken for expensive therapy abroad werenât helping.âI al
His Hired Lover   42. Deep Conversations
SOFIAâs POVI donât know what to make of this unfortunate situation. What Rios and I shared in this city felt truly magical and unforgettable for a honeymoon. But now, I sat sobbing and desperately trying to ease the cold biting my skin and the wound in my arm.I was just crying the whole time we were huddled in this small cave. Valeria wasnât saying anything, but her presence somehow proved comforting for my wretched soul. I wish I could take back what I said about not needing a bodyguard. Right now, this lady felt like heaven sent to me.I stifled a sob before heaving a deep sigh. Indeed, Valeria was right. We were in a misfortune, and I needed to get my shit together.âIâm sorry,â my words spilled, mingling with the sound of cackling from the small bonfire.âFor what, Miss Sofia?â she replied. Her voice sounded gruff and already tired.âFor dragging you into this mess. And for saying I didnât need a bodyguard. Now, here we are.âA faint smile tugged at her lips. âNo worries, Miss S
His Hired Lover   41. Losing Sofia
Without hesitation, Valeria fired at the man who was blindly spraying bullets their way.âValeria! Get Sofia to safety now!â Rios shouted, crouched behind a crumbling wall with Sofia. Theyâd lost their tail after fleeing the packed market and ended up in a quiet part of Baguio. The road ahead was bare, lined with looming balete trees, but the silence was broken by fresh bursts of gunfire. The ex-marine realized more of those goons who were after them were coming.âGot it, Boss,â Valeria said, sprinting over. âCome on, Miss Sofia.â She said as she grabbed the womanâs wrist.âIâm not leaving you here, Rios!âValeria didnât wait, raising her gun and firing again while the other two argued behind her.âWhat the fuck is happening?â Sofiaâs voice cracked.Valeria could see the panic settling in. The always-composed woman was gone, replaced by someone frantic and dragging them down with her endless questions. It was starting to piss her off. Prison taught her that every second counts, especia
His Hired Lover   40. A Busy Market and A Wounded Arm
Rios watched the steam rise from Sofiaâs coffee cup, the morning light catching the curve of her cheekbone. She sat cross-legged on their hotel bed, one of his shirts draped over her. She looked so ethereal that he just couldnât stop smiling no matter how much he tried to stop himself.âWhat are you smiling about?â Sofia asked.âNothing,â he said, sending a peck on her lips. âCome here.âThey cuddled on top of the bed. The city outside was barely stirring. Inside, it was quiet, just the sound of cutlery clinking and the occasional laugh from her teasing comments. She looked undone and peaceful.âI know youâre excited to stroll around Baguio.ââI am,â she chirped, setting the cup on the small table beside their breakfast in bed. She straddled him, his lips brushing hers. Those simple movements once again awakened the junior between his legs. The intense physical pull toward his wife clouded his mind all over again. He pressed his lips to hers, and before he knew it, they had made love
His Hired Lover   39. Drunken Frenzy
SOFIAâs POVBefore I could get another gulp of my wine, Riosâs warm hand stopped me from my idiotic decision.âThat bottle is already half full. You might want to slow down a bit.âI playfully slapped his right cheek before smilingly pouring another into my glass. âDonât worry about me,â I said, with a slight slur in my words. âI can handle my poison.ââGiven how red your cheeks are now, I doubt you know what youâre talking about.âMy brows furrowed as I heard him say that. âH-how dare you, Rios,â I said with a pout, jabbing my finger at his chest. âAre you saying Iâm already drunk? Heck! This is just wine! It only has about 12 to 14 percent of alcohol, so how could I get drunk with thisâĶ starry bright and fruity Feliââ I squinted at the label, the letters shimmering like little fish swimming on the bottle.âFelicette RosÃĐ,â he corrected.âYeah, that one.ââWell, let me tell youâĶ you already have a slurred speech, youâve been giggling, your milky skin looks flushed, and youâre more tal
