Chapter 4
Sophia woke up like a zombie and started doing her morning routine like a machine. By the time she got ready, the breakfast was already arranged on the dining table.
“Good morning ma'am, I'm maid Fiona. I cook and clean the house.”
“Good morning! I'm late to work. So I will grab something during lunch. Sorry Fiona.” Sophia told in a hurry looking at the time on her watch and almost ran to the door.
“I apologize for interrupting ma'am. But sir told you to finish breakfast and then only come to the office. You're going to have a long day.” The maid said politely.
“How is the mood of your boss?” Sophia couldn't help but ask her though she knew it was not an appropriate question to a servant working in their home.
“I think it's not friendly.” The maid’s information was precise but it was enough to bring crazy goosebumps on the skin of Sophia.
Half an hour later she was in the premises of Waratah vineyards head office. “Good morning! The CEO asked me to meet him today.” Sophia showed the receptionist the card which Saul threw on her face the previous night. She didn't want to let anyone know that she was his wife until he really wanted it.
The receptionist nodded, checked a register and informed her, “please go straight and turn left. You will have an employee elevator where you need to press the 12th floor.
The buzzing neon lights on the top before her only raised her anxiety. She wiped the droplets of sweat covering her forehead as she was extremely tense. No sooner had she stepped inside the designated floor, she heard strange sounds.
The place was eerily quiet and with each step she took forward, her heart started beating ten times faster. When she reached a certain door she began to hear soft moans of a woman followed by heavy grunts of a man. Something ignited in her and Sophia twisted the door knob.
At first it did not open. But then?
The world crumbled before her.
****
“Who told you to enter inside without permission?” There he was without any shame standing before her and zipping his pants.
Sophia was beyond fury. He did not have the least repentance to cheat on his wife and on the contrary he was blaming her on why she entered his office without permission.
“You should have locked the door when you do shameless things like this in the office.” She pointed to the naked woman who had a lipstick smudge all over her face and hair like a bird’s nest.
“It's none of your business. Don’t dare to reprimand answers from me when you are the one primarily on fault. Who comes to the office first? Is it the boss or his employees?” He roared at her like a wolf.
“I'm only a little late to the office. It is only a mistake. But you? You're doing a blunder.” She eyed the woman beside him in disgust.
“I can't have a boyfriend, can't date and sex…” Sophia huffed out looking somewhere beyond him. “But you can kiss and fuck another woman. What sort of equity is there in your contract?”
“Psst, you are missing it all. Isn't it? After living twenty four years of life with a new man every day to warm your bed, your current position might have been really awful. I can understand it.” Saul showed mock pity at her.
“Shut up! Stop blaming me for being a whore that I have never been. I have been a virgin until you.” Sophia was about to add more but before that the personal assistant stuttered inside.
“What were you doing all this while? Were you baking cookies? Shouldn't you know when you allow visitors inside my room?” Saul was bombarding his questions on the assistant.
“I have gone to the washroom for a nature’s call.” The woman meekly spoke not even able to meet his gaze.
“Fuck the nature's call. Are you a baby who can't hold it till lunch?” Saul was extremely narcissistic, insensitive and brutal towards his employees. There is an unsaid slogan which goes on in the company, if not for the heavy pockets that he fills, nobody would work for him. But did Saul Campbell care about anything?
The lady engaged with him till then, gave him a peck on his lips and walked out after getting dressed. “Bye darling, call me when you want to see me again.” She sweetly said waving her fingers and was gone.
Anger was a very small word to describe the emotion on the features of Sophia at that moment.
“This is not your father’s company where you can walk-in and walk-out whenever you want. You should be here on time. Otherwise I will not allow you to work and withdraw my shares from your company. Come on, now get me a warm cup of coffee. I feel worn out.” Saul spoke while leaving to the washroom.
“Lara would make it. Isn’t she your assistant?” Sophia pointed to the door from where the employee left after apologizing to Saul.
“I'm not here to bring you coffee. I'm here to learn about work. All though I think I'm competent enough to put my firm back on track.” Sophia said confidently.
“Oh is it? Why are you here then? Bring your firm back on track before the court’s next hearing. There is nobody forcing you to work here. I have got many better employees to do that.” Saul spoke while taking his seat to look at the files placed on his work desk.
Sophia had a defeated look at Saul. She stomped to exit grabbing the cup on the table without speaking anymore.
Saul had an egotistical grin on his features. He was having his vengeance on her in full length. “Put off the elevator for the next ten minutes.” He informed one of the company’s maintenance staff as soon as Sophia left.
Chapter 5Sophia had to reach the 29th floor where the coffee machine was situated using the stairs because the elevator wasn't working. By the time she reached the floor, there was a huge line at the coffee machine. She waited and made black coffee for Saul just as Lara instructed her. “People with black heart always prefer black coffee.” She thought to herself and dragged her feet in high heels back on the staircase.“Why are you so late? Does making a simple coffee take twenty minutes? Or you were on your way impressing another man over there who could clear your company’s dues?” Saul asked while taking the cup of coffee from the tray.Sophia tightened her lips in indignation. “The elevator broke. I had to take the stairs to bring coffee for you. Even near the coffee machine there was a huge line. I had to wait in the list.”“Are you Queen Victoria that people will give space for you leaving their turn?” He asked, sipped his coffee and put on a face like he was about to puke. Saul
Chapter 6“But today, I wish to have a latte.” Saul said, leaning back and relaxing on his super soft leather chair while staring at her in a dare.She raised a finger to him in a warning. “Look, I don't have all the time to serve you coffee. I'm here to learn about work.”Saul raised a single brow and gave a lopsided grin. “My office, my rules. If you don’t want to do it, you can…” “Stop.” Sophia already knew what was coming out of him. “I will go and bring a latte for you.”Thankfully the elevator was working today. The devil had finally decided to relax her torture. She knew the lift was working for everyone in the office the previous day but for her. It was all a part of his plan to make her suffer.She had made the latte and brought it to him within five minutes. “Hmm, it tastes good. So tell me what is my schedule today.”“Schedule? Isn’t Lara going to make it?”Saul looked at her boredly. “I don't have a money minting machine here with which I can feed two assistants. Since yo
Chapter 7“Don't sleep like a log because I announced Christmas vacation for the staff. The vacation is for my employees. It's not for famous personalities like you whom I love dearly and always want to keep by my side. So tomorrow we are going to Los Santos by early morning flight.” Saul informed Sophia while passing through her room to reach his.Sophia resisted the urge to roll her eyes. He was acting as if he had been so considerate towards her. It has been fifteen days since she joined Saul’s company and there has been no weekend and no holiday for her. Every day she gets up at 4:30 in the morning, rushes with her routine and is seen before the Waratah Vineyards head office by six in the morning. “I thought I was your employee because I did not get any extra benefits of being your favorite person.”
Chapter 8“The flight has been waiting for us for half an hour but you wouldn't open your eyes. Are you on drugs?” He shouted at her with unlimited indignation.Sophia looked around her, feeling disoriented because of sleep. But when her eyes finally landed on Saul, she felt more like he was acting his anger upon her rather than really having it. That dream…was it really her dream with her in Saul’s arms or it was reality?Ten minutes later the flight was in the air and the air hostess was openly flirting with him flashing her goods. “Good morning sir! What can I get you for breakfast? We have chicken noodles and fried eggs with toast.”Sophia’s lips tightened in anger but
Chapter 9“Hey Liam, how are you?” Sophia's voice turned cheerful no sooner she saw the number flashing on her phone’s screen.Saul wouldn’t let her learn anything. He is just keeping her with him in his company and home for revenge. But what he doesn't know is Sophia had never been a subservient woman. She has her plans to say goodbye to him permanently.Last month she met one of her business friends, Liam Colon who offered to help her with the money needed for restructuring her business. If everything goes well, she will purchase Saul’s share from her company and ask him out of her life and business. It is not easy but she will do her best to win this battle for her firm.&ldquo
Chapter 10Saul was watching her retreating form from the window. The girl was a spitfire who made his hackles at the drop of the hat. Yet, she had something in her that often drew him towards her.****By the time Sophia reached the venue, Liam was already waiting for her at one of the tables. There were various stalls each hosting their specialty in wine along with some food stalls too. Apple cider was served as complimentary.A bright smile featured on him as soon as he saw Sophia. “Hello Sophia, I'm so glad you could finally make up to come here.” He bent a little and kissed her cheek giving a side hug.“How can I say no to
Chapter 11“When a girl says no, it's a no. You have to accept it and get out of her life.” Saul raised up his finger to Liam in a warning.Liam wet his lips with the tip of his tongue and menace ruling his eyes. “So you're the temporary husband of Sophia. Her dad told me about your contract marriage with her ”Saul chuckled loudly looking down at the pathetic state of Liam with his hands resting on his waist. “When I can make the contracts, I can destroy them too. So don’t call me temporary. Sophia stays mine as long as I want her to be. If I see you next time roaming around her, you will not see the next day’s sunrise.” Saul said in a browbeat to Liam and picked up Sophia.
Chapter 12“Fuck” Saul groaned, wiping the juice that she threw on his face with his hand and pulled her to him holding her upper arm.Their chests collided with each other and he gave a perilous lopsided grin holding her eyes under his wicked gaze. “That's unforgivable. You have crossed all your limits. Now you will be punished for it.”Before she could realize, he was kissing her ferally sucking away the breath off her lungs. Sophia tried to push him away but he is a monster who wouldn't even budge though she used all her strength.His tongue rolled into her mouth and his hands went around her waist sweeping away her legs from the ground.
Chapter 47Sophia giggled and pulled his face to her lips before she kissed him. “I have forgiven you long ago. You are such an attractive man that anger doesn't last for long.”Saul got energized by her words like fuel into the machine. His fingers worked with spontaneity bringing them in and out of her. “I want more, I want you in me.” Sophia cried, going zealous.Saul gave a teasing snigger. “What happened to the shy, stereotyped girl with respect and manners? You seem to be so advanced.”“Walking on your footsteps, my dear husband, why should a girl feel shy before her man? Anyways I learnt the best enjoyment in sex happens when you push all your reservations to th
Chapter 45Saul was about to leave the bedroom like always without replying but Sophia’s words stopped him. “Running away from the past doesn't classify you as a strong person. I thought you would challenge your problems rather than run away from them. You promised me Saul that you will give me replies to everything tonight.”Saul scoffed, turning back and looked at her tiredly. “Stop asking questions like a donkey in shrek. Okay I agree I'm not as strong as I project myself. Every person has his/her drawbacks. This is mine. I can't go on living my past for you because there is nothing interesting or memorable in it.”“Like a donkey in the shrek?” Her eyes dilated with his statement. Sophia was more than hurt. “I thought I cros
Chapter 44“Have you ever experienced miracles in your life? What happens if Greg was all this while alive and stands before you one day in future?” Anticipation was evident in his eyes.Sophia stared at him like he had grown two heads on his neck and then all of a sudden burst out into huge chuckles. “I don't believe in miracles. They only happen in fairy tales.”“Maybe not.” Saul couldn't dare to look into her eyes.“Sometimes what you talk about is very cliche Mr Campbell. Don’t worry, you are the only man in my life.” Sophia took his thoughts lightly but Saul was serious. He pondered, even if he tells her he is Greg, she probably will not believe him.
Chapter 43“Hmm, why do you think I do not know you? I know you more than you can imagine. It would be surprising but I fell in love with you and married you.” Saul came forward and held her face in his hands. “I don't do business with my family and I don't combine family and business. According to me every businessman should know where to draw that line. Otherwise you never know when the sword strikes and your head is in your hands.” His voice was in a tender susurrus which was surprising to Sophia’s ears. She had never heard Saul so caring and loving towards her.Saul wanted to take one step at a time to disclose the truth about him to her. In that way her mind will be prepared for everything. Secondly, after these three months of living with her under the same roof, one thing is clear to him. He
Chapter 42He observed the blood pressure of Sophia slowly rising and promptly changed the topic forcing a smile. “I confessed the truth that we are made for each other and I love you. Now that I totally know about your past, I will wait for the day you accept me in your life.”“I am sorry. I couldn’t lock it in my mind because of the palpitation.” Sophia was happy with Saul’s decision to give their marriage a second chance. Maybe their wedding was not as bad as she thought.On the contrary everything in Saul’s mind was in chaos. A couple of hours later when the doctor came to check upon Sophia he told him about her memory loss. “Like you assumed Mr Campbell, the last few minutes of her memory before the attack are erased from
Chapter 41Saul felt Sophia’s body unmoving. He couldn't feel the beat of her heart and his pulse escalated. Immediately he pressed the bell and the nurse arrived. “My wife…she is not breathing.” He stammered getting panicky.The nurse checked the eyes of Sophia and ran out to call the doctor. The whole medical team arrived in a matter of seconds to Sophia’s room. “Sir, you please need to wait outside. We got to examine her.” One of the junior doctors told him.“But, she is my wife. I can stay with her, right?” Saul was out of his senses. He was insisting like a child.“Yes, we understand your worry. We will take care of her.” The physician understoo
Chapter 40“Why don't you tell her that you love her?” Dori asked Saul curiously.Dori was on the verge of recognizing him. And in case such a day arrives in his life he wanted to tell Sophia everything about him on his own instead of giving that chance to someone else. Word of truth should always be direct. He needs to tell something very convincing to Dori to keep her questions about him faded. “You can express your feelings to someone who has the capacity to understand you. Unfortunately my wife is an idiot whose brain stopped developing after she turned five.” Saul smacked his lips.Dori couldn’t control her chuckles for Saul’s description about Sophia. In the meantime the rescue team arrived. They put unconscious Sophia on a stretcher
Chapter 39A big laughter erupted out of Saul with a hidden grief in his words. Women can cry and release their grief. But what about a man? He can neither cry nor stay emotionless because he is also born as a human. “I was just wondering at what juncture you will show your true colors. Frankly speaking, did you ever love me at any point during our last few months of marriage?”“There is no use of behaving with you civilly because you are my wife. That sort of love should be from both sides. But since the beginning of our marriage it has been only one sided.” Saul scoffed.“Ha ha, you must try to be a stand-up comedian because you joke like nobody can. Love was one sided between us? Actually you must say love is non-existent between us. A man wh
Chapter 38For a few seconds Sophia did not understand what happened except Saul staring down at her angrily. Her mind felt blank and heart thudded loudly against her chest. Feet were rooted to the ground as she peered back at him in shock. Did he just slap her? No words were spoken between them and neither were they required. Everything was over between them.Sophia could recollect this was the second time he slapped her in the two months of wedding that they had. His hand works faster than his mind. She wasn’t his toy that he can play the way he wants. Sophia entered his life for a reason. If he can’t keep his promise of at least seeing her like a human, there is no point in her staying with him. Because before anything she is a woman with a lot of self esteem.