CHAPTER 16 SOFIA'S POV I stood there, completely stunned by Mark's question. His words cut deep, making me feel like I was the one who'd done something wrong. Again. My eyes sting, but I refuse to let those tears fall. How could he not see the embarrassment and hurt still radiating from me? Didn't he care that I had been humiliated in front of everyone? "Whose jacket is this?" Mark repeated, his voice firm. I stammered, taken aback by his indifference. "A-a man...he gave it to me. He saw me standing outside, alone and cold. He was nice enough to offer it." My voice trembled slightly, betraying my emotions. I couldn't believe Mark's priorities. I looked up at Mark, searching for empathy, but his expression remained unreadable. Mark rolled his eyes, and his gaze snapped back to mine, the intensity making me shift uncomfortably. "Can you describe what he looked like?" he asked, his tone firm but laced with a hint of frustration. I hesitated, trying to recall the stranger's featu
CHAPTER 17 MARK'S POV Sofia expression morphs into a cheerful one, her eyes sparkling with delight as she heard the kids insist on sleeping in her room; I couldn't help but watch her. The way her face lit up, the gentle curve of her smile, it was infectious. But I reined in my thoughts, reminding myself to maintain my reserve. "Don't get too carried away," I cautioned, my voice softer than I intended. "It's just the kids being kids." Sofia's response was barely above a whisper, but her words struck a chord within me. "I'm just happy they want to be close to me." I didn't respond. Instead, I stood up, my movements abrupt, and walked into my room. The door closed behind me with a soft click, a deliberate separation from the warmth Sofia's words had ignited. For a moment, I forgot I was mad at her from the party. I stepped into my room, shutting the door behind me. I began to undress, shedding my clothes as I made my way to the shower. As the warm water travelled down my body, I co
CHAPTER 18 SOFIA'S POV I woke up to a beautiful, bright, sunny morning, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. After a gentle stretch, I got out of bed and began my daily routine. First things first, bath time for the kids! I spent some quality time getting them cleaned up and dressed for the day. They chattered excitedly as we made our way downstairs to have breakfast. As we settled in for breakfast, the kids climbed into their chairs, eager for their morning meal. As I poured cereal into the Luis' bowl, Mark's sudden entrance caught my attention. His expression was tense, and his eyes seemed to hold a mix of urgency and frustration. "Hey," Mark greeted, his voice low and serious. "Good morning," I greeted, faking a smile. Mark ignored my greeting and hesitated before finally speaking. "There's a press briefing scheduled for today, and I need you to represent me." My spoon hovered over the cereal box, "Me? Why?" My mind raced with confusion and alarm as Mark's words
CHAPTER 19 SOFIA'S POV As I stood in front of the mirror, I adjusted the fitted blazer, smoothing out any wrinkles. The tailored pants hugged my curves perfectly, exuding confidence and poise. My heels, a matching neutral shade, added a touch of sophistication to the overall look. I had aimed for a "boss lady" vibe, and I was convinced I had nailed it. I glanced at my watch, It was 9:45 AM. The driver should be arriving any minute now. Mark had instructed him to pick me up on time, to ensure we arrived at the briefing with plenty of time to spare. As I waited, I took a few deep breaths, mentally preparing myself for the charade ahead. I rehearsed my lines, visualized the smile I would wear, and steeled myself for the cameras and questions. A knock at the door broke the silence. "Ma'am, your car is ready," Maria the maid announced. I grabbed my clutch and took one last look in the mirror. The woman staring back at me was unrecognizable – polished, poised, and ready to face the wor
CHAPTER 20 MARK'S POV I pulled out of the warehouse parking lot, feeling a mix of exhaustion and relief. The issues were finally under control, and I could focus on other things for now. Like tackling the bad press about my family and me. Instead of heading back to the office, I decided to go straight home. The day had been long enough already, and I needed some time to myself. As I drove, my mind drifted to Sofia's press conference. I hope it has gone smoothly and she is handling the pressure just okay. I quickened my pace, eager to see her and hear all about it. Pulling into our driveway, I noticed Sofia's car wasn't there. Why isn't she back yet? As I walked into the living room, the kids' excited chatter and laughter greeted me. I smiled, grateful for the warm welcome. After a long morning sorting out issues at the warehouse, coming home to my kids was just what I needed. "Daddy's home!" Luis squealed, racing into my arms. I scooped him up, twirling him around while Joey c
CHAPTER 21 SOFIA'S POV Mark's eyes widened as Luis babbled excitedly, He frantically tried to signal to Louis to stop talking, hoping the baby wouldn't reveal more. But Luis, oblivious to Mark's distress, continued to chatter, waving his chubby little hands. Mark tried pulling Louis away from me to stop him from spilling but he was too caught up in his own excitement, he clung to my legs struggling with his father while refusing to let me go. Mark's face turned bright red as he mouthed "stop" and "shush" to Louis, who simply giggled and repeated, "Daddy watched you on TV." I grinned mischievously, savouring the moment, then turned to Mark, whose face turned red as he shifted uncomfortably. I teased, "Come on, don't be shy. Admit it, I did great on the interview." Mark's eyes darted around the room, avoiding mine. "I just started watching it," he muttered. I chuckled, "Oh, don't bother denying it. Your secret's out" I winked at him. "It's okay to compliment me, you know. I won't l
CHAPTER 22 MARK'S POV As Sofia recounted her lunch experience with Damien and the driver, my unease grew. A knot formed in my stomach, tightening like a vice. My face must have betrayed me because Sofia's expression changed from carefree to concerned. Why was I angry? I couldn't explain it. Logically, there was nothing wrong with Sofia having lunch with colleagues. But logic didn't apply here. A possessive instinct stirred within me, refusing to be silenced. I felt a surge of discomfort like my emotions were betraying me. Why did the thought of Sofia laughing with another man, sharing stories, make my skin crawl? Was it jealousy? Ownership? "What do you mean by saying I'm your property?" Sophia asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I evaded Sophia's piercing gaze, focusing on my plate instead. The question hung in the air, heavy with expectation. "What do you mean when you say I'm your property?" I couldn't meet her eyes, unsure of how to articulate the complex emotions swirlin
CHAPTER 23 MARK'S POV I shook my head, dismissing the idea. "No, Damien. I don't think Sofia would be a good fit." Damien's expression turned quizzical. "Why not, Boss? She's qualified, and—" "I said no, Damien." My tone was firm, cutting off further discussion. The truth was, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Damian's suggestion was motivated by ulterior reasons. Their lunch together still lingered in my mind. Was Damien using this job offer as an excuse to spend more time with Sofia? The thought sent a pang of unease through me. I knew I had something to protect but was it my ego or my relationship with Sofia? Damien is good-looking and his charm and charisma made him a magnet for attention, and I couldn't help but wonder if Sofia was immune to it. "Find someone else, Damien," I said, my voice firm. "Sofia is not the right person for this role." Damian's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. "Understood, Boss." As the day wore on, my mind wandered back to the conversa
EPILOGUE AUTHOR'S POVSofia was dressed in a white flowing gown and held the bouquet in her hand tightly as she waited with her friends outside the door. "Do you think it's pretty?" She turned to the girls who smiled at her. "You look perfect honey, breathtaking. Mark will want to speed up the process and take you home if he sees you" Petra divulged and she beamed when the others nodded in agreement"Thank you" She mumbled, just then the door opened and a melodious tone was played as she walked down the aisle. They had wanted to renew their vows and have a proper wedding unlike the one they had before, this time it was just friends and family. Her father was in the front row dressed in a decent suit along with her little brother who she winked at, she saw her husband waiting for her at the altar in his ridiculous outfit. Mark felt as if the world stopped as she walked toward him, he stood at the altar waiting for his wife. 'His stunning wife' He thought. She got to him and he
Sofia's Pov My head ached and my vision was still a bit blurry, I recollected how I got here, the familiar antiseptic smell was all I needed to know I was at the hospital. I had cut the rope and ran to Mark. I fainted after that, I was exhausted and weirdly hungry to the extent I couldn't think of anything else. Even now I was starving. It's stupid that I had been kidnapped and I survived only to be thinking about food, the nurse setting the IV drip smiled at me before leaving. I wanted to ask if my husband was outside but I didn't get the chance to speak before he barged in with the doctor following from behind. He rushed to my side and threw his arms around me, I chuckled and hugged him back. I understand why he was like this, he had lost Emily before so this must be hard for him. I felt so ashamed for being the reason this whole thing happened. "I'm sorry, I should have listened to you. I should have believed you" I sobbed and he pulled away cupping my chin he looked into
Mark's Pov My blood boiled as Marcel confessed about everything, they were responsible for the death of Emily. They were the reason my kids were motherless, why Joey had to start drinking milk and eating food when she was supposed to have a mother to feed her. She claimed it was supposed to be a scare but Damon made a mistake, the thugs he sent overdid it and that was why she died. I almost killed her if not for Enzo holding me back, now they have Sofia. I couldn't imagine what she was going through now, "Tell me all your hideouts" I ordered and Enzo had to turn on the chainsaw putting it close to her throat before she started spitting out the information we needed. First, we went to an abandoned warehouse but they weren't there so she said to try the underground, and if they aren't there then we will try each of their houses. I let her talk and stayed quiet because I was trying so hard not to snap her neck, "Boss, we got a lead, they are car tracks. I think they are here" Dami
Sofia's Pov "This isn't what we said we were doing to do" Harry blocked the way with his body and I blinked my eyes opened.What is he doing? "Didn't you hear? They caught her, imagine what she is going through right now, we can't just hand her over without doing something to her too" Damon countered fiercely and I noticed Judy had stopped typing and was watching them. "You can't just assume that-""Are you still in character? Should I call you Bruce? Do you feel sorry for her?" Damon asked with a wolfish grin. "What the fuck are you talking about? You were the one who insisted I played that part, don't try to act like you don't feel shut for her too. I know you and Marcel aren't that serious" Harry fired back and Damon scowled. "That's enough guys, Damon get your shit together! And Harry let him do whatever he wants" Judy said. "No. He shouldn't touch her, he told me he wasn't going to do anything to her" Harry insisted. "Are you kidding? Fine. Then if you want to do the honor
Sofia's Pov I'm tired physically and emotionally exhausted. I felt like I would pass out if I didn't lean on something, but there was nothing to lean on, no one to lean on. I didn't let it bother me as I was pushed and dragged down the stairs, I should stop thinking anyone was coming to save me when it was just wishful thinking. "Hold her, she didn't eat anything this morning she might pass out," Damon said and the female chuckled. "And who's fault is that?" She asked her voice laced with amusement. It was amusing to her, that I was like this. I guess I look like a clown with just one shoe on and sweaty dirty clothes. "I knew she heard me last night when Harry called, didn't want her to run away so I gave her the coffee first. Besides it's none of my business if she faints" He replied. "Exactly what I was going to say, I think Judy has gone soft because it's a girl," Bruce said from behind me and I gulped. It. That was what he called me. We got to a different place I could
Sofia's Pov My head ached like I had been run over by a truck or a train, the pain all over my body was almost unbearable and my vision was blurry. No. I couldn't see because there was something covering my eyes, a bag perhaps or something else. After all, it was dark and I could feel a weight on my shoulder. My stomach grumbled and felt too heavy for me I started regretting not eating before drinking the damn coffee, there were all drugged but at least I could have eaten instead of taking caffeine. I don't even drink coffee but I was too scared to reject it. I'm so stupid, so dumb!Now that I think of it I was so foolish to have thought Damon had good intentions towards me, he dated me for a while and when we finally had sex it didn't take him a week to disappear before he left the country. I had thought my ex was remorseful and wanted to help me only to be disappointed again, I'm always the one who gets shamed and cheated on. It's pathetic and I wish I had just let that taxi
Mark pov "She didn't fall for him like we thought she would, she defended you whenever Damon tried to make her see that you weren't good for her. I had to retrace my steps and started acting like a decent secretary, and then you left the company in my hands I just knew that I had found my way in, your mother also made things easy for me since she hated her daughter-in-law so much, Bruce also helped us pull Damon closer and when he left, she had to rely on Damon after she found out you were cheating. She was watched almost every time and that day I selected the cafe close to the company, I knew she was at the restaurant opposite us. That was why I pretended to trip and you caught me, I made sure she saw that and that was the beginning of her doubt, Damon thought maybe after getting her drunk he could get more information from her but her guards disrupted. That was why we sent our sniper after them" She enunciated. "How many people are in your team?" I asked. "Just four, Damon is the
Mark's Pov I felt exhausted, soaked with sweat and blood dripping down my hands. Marcel refused to break, I was furious and frustrated I had to tell Enzo to join Yumi. She still refused to bulge so I joined them, it was against everything I stand for but I needed to know where my wife was and who she was with. Her friends had told me she didn't come to them and I had my men searching for her, I called Reid to help me hack into the street's cameras and we still hadn't found out where she was going after she entered a taxi. My wife looked broken and I almost killed Damian for missing her because he came searching just after she left, I knew better than to blame him when I was the cause of this whole thing. I wanted her right in front of me so I could ask her to forgive me even if it meant going down on my knees, I won't hesitate to do that if it means she will forgive me. I don't want us to divorce, hell, I never even thought of that but I pretended to go with it. I keep acting l
Sofia's Pov I walked not minding the cold I just needed to leave and not come back, the tears flowed freely down my chin as I recalled how he replied to me with that dismissive tone he used for his men. Like I was just sprouting nonsense and nothing I said mattered, I spotted a taxi and flagged it over but he didn't drive towards me instead going to the other direction. I don't know why I feel this way, he doesn't deserve my tears and I shouldn't be crying when he is probably having a good time with Marcel. Damon offered to come get me but I didn't want him to stress himself over me, I told him to send me his location and he sent me his address. Now dressed in a light-free knee-length gown with thin straps, I felt vulnerable wondering if walking at night like this was a good idea. I might still be in his territory but I can't be too sure that I'm safe, the glimmers of light from the street lamps were my only source of light as my shadow darkened behind me while the light bright