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 SOPHIEโฆ 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 ITโฆ 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 wouldnโt have to tell my family about what really happened.โYou could have spoken to us. We are your family,โ 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 49SOPHIE My eyes widened, and my pulse quickened once I saw that face.My mum's brow raised in surprise when he introduced himself.Her surprise faded into excitement. โOh my God, Mr. Vincenzo, it feels so nice to finally meet you!โ she said with a warm smile, and I could tell she liked him already.Not sure if she really knew who he was, she didn't act like she recognized that name. Anyone who knows how deadly that name is wouldn't be smiling so clumsily in front of him like my mum was doing right now.โSeems like someone has been talking about me to your mum lately,โ he chuckled, moving closer to take a seat next to me, but I snapped.โWhat are you doing here, Vincenzo?โHis lips curled into a smile. โOf course, I'm here to see you. What else would I be here for?โThe whole atmosphere changed immediately, and my mum stood up, putting on a calm smile.โYou know what?โ she said, walking away from her seat. โI will go get some fresh air outside.โI wanted to tell her not to l
CHAPTER 50VINCENZO โIโm tired of all of this,โ she said, and my heart broke. I haven't felt this way in a really long time. I haven't felt this pain of being rejected in a really, really long time. It feels so heavy seeing her drift away from me slowly and deliberately. If only she knew she belongs to me; once I set my foot on anything, I don't let it go until I get it. And as for Sophie Hills, I want her, and I will get her. I don't mind giving her time or space if that is all she needs.She wants to change me into some boy toy, mamaโs boy whoโs lovestruck with romance, who sends her roses every morning, then comes to pick her up for dinner every night, and opens the car door for her. She says she wants me to change, but in just a short time, she has changed a lot without even realizing it. Now I'm right here asking her to go on a date with me. I have never done that, not even with my late fiancรฉe.I have sex with any woman Iโm in love with until her breath is shaky, her legs start
CHAPTER 51SOPHIEโDo you doubt me?โ he asked, and I nodded confidently. Of course I do doubt him; he has never spoken to my mom before. He only introduced himself, so what stupid consent is he talking about?โLet's go ask her then,โ he said, standing up. He called the waiter and quickly paid the bill, even though I had asked him not to.I'm not sure what he is trying to do, but if getting me to go back with him is his agenda, then itโs a lost cause even before arrival.I won't be going back with him; Iโve been more at peace with my soul than I have been with him.The only part of me that misses him is my body.Once my mom saw us approaching, she quickly hurried to meet us.โOh myโฆโ she smiled, and anger surged within me. โAre you leaving already, Vincenzo?โHe smiled. โYes, ma'am. Iโll officially come some other time. But right now, I need to leave with my girlfriend. We have to go now, or we will be late for the hot air balloon experience.โI raised my brows, surprised, but before I
CHAPTER 52SOPHIEVin let go of every hesitation and pressed his lips against mine immediately. He kissed me deeply inside the car before finally releasing me, and we both stepped out. Even after we did, he grabbed my wrist, and once I turned, he lifted me and carried me, continuing to kiss me without caring that we were still in his driveway. I'm not sure if Vin has any neighbors in his neighborhood; last time I asked, the next two houses on the right and the next three on the left were all his. He bought them up after some of his neighbors started to stalk him just to see him, claiming he didn't like the way the other two were living. He said they were a little too noisy, so I guess no one would see us for now.I kissed him, my hands wrapped around his neck and my legs around his waist.He pushed the door open quickly after he managed to spot his card. We kissed each other with so much intensity and vigor, as if this were our last moment together, like we would never die and this wa
CHAPTER 53VINCENZO Seeing her giggle, struggle, and squirm gave me such a satisfying feeling.I continued. The feather tickler danced down Sophie's thighs, its soft touch seemingly sending shivers down her spine again.I watched her gasp, her body arching against the bed as I brought the tickler closer to her core.She couldn't stop giggling.I knew she could take anything I gave her. I wouldn't give her anything she couldn't handle.But then again, I didn't want to go too far. She was trying to change me into what she thought was normal, so pushing too hard after getting her back today would only strain our relationship even more.I wanted her by my side, and I was willing to do whatever it took, even if it meant going softly on her. After the call I had just received a few minutes ago, I would love to not just fuck her hard tonight; I also wanted to whip her and hear her shake and whimper under my orders.But I would let it pass for today and be soft with my kitten. Anything to p
CHAPTER 84 SOPHIEโYou don't sound fine, dear. Your voice sounds like you're tired or like youโve been crying.โ He pressed on, and I sniffed.โVin, it's just a runny nose. I already called my doctor for a prescription. Iโll get the meds when I get home from work.โโOkay then. Have a nice day. Take care of yourself, sweet girl.โ He said, finally ending the call. I heaved a deep sigh of relief once he did and let the phone slip from my hand; it fell onto the bed. I yanked my head backward and leaned back against the pillow. I just wanted to sleep, drink, or even try to smoke. I needed something to take my mind off what had just happened. I couldn't think straight about how they decided to suspend me.What do I do during my days of suspension?I can't let Vincenzo know that Iโve been suspended from work.If he finds out, heโll want to know what led to my suspension. Once he knows, deep down, I know what itโs going to look like. I know what he's going to do to Robert. I can save him if V
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? โWhat do you think, dear?โ 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. โWith all due respect, sir, like I said earlier, I'm not interested,โ I reminded him. Letting out a sigh, I moved to walk out. โIf you'll excuse me, I would love to leave.โ โNot so quickly, Sophie.โ He jerked up from his chair and quickly made his way to me. โCome 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 Robertโs throat. He flashed me a smile and dropped his cup on the table. โI 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?โI raised my brows. โI don't get you, sir?โHe chuckled. โCome 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 Robertโs 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 donโt bite.โWhat?โ she scoffed. โYou canโt speak anymore? Cat got your tongue now, huh?โโGo on, bitch! Speak! I see you have no evidence to refute my claims,โ 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 โHello, are you missing Sophie?โ 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. โYes, I'm Sophie. Any problems?โBefore 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!โMa'am, your car is parked that way,โ 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.โIโm sorry I could have come out earlier, but I was a little busy and didnโt notice when you dropped off. Mr. Vincenzo said you have the keys; Iโm going to open it up for you now.โFor 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 isnโt 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 thereโs a last-minute misunderstanding. She keeps saying itโs about work, but I know that it isnโt. 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. Iโm 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. โWhat happened, Sophie? Iโve been looking for you all over the place. Did you get lost coming down here?โI shook my head and forced a smile. โNo, I didnโt. 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