Lured by the double salary, she decided to become the director's assistant for six months. On her first day as an assistant, Sophia lectured an arrogant man in front of everyone. But when she realizes the man is her billionaire boss Lennox Ray, she faces the risk of being fired. "I don't need an assistant, but if you insist, then here.." he flung the papers at her. "Those are the rules, read and abide by them. If you break any, you're out." Rule number one: Do not go through my emails. Do not make loud noises. No heels allowed.Do not... Do not... Do not... It was never-ending. "Such an asshole... You've got yourself a challenge, Lennox Ray. I'm going to do my very best to please you, that when it's time for me to leave, you'll be begging me to stay with a triple increase in my fucking salary".
"Hey! fucking Son of a mother-effing biscuit eater" ... Sophia yelled and swore as a car raced past her, splashing rainwater on her car in the process.
"Did you just cuss at me young lady" her mother shocked voice gasped through the receiver making Sophia wince. She'd forgotten that she had answered her mother's call and that they'd been talking before the rude driver's incident. She exhaled, softening her voice to explain.
"That wasn't meant for you Mom, it was some...".
Her mother cut her off. "I don't care what you have to say, Sophia, I didn't raise you to spit such words out of your mouth, if you had a man in your life, you'd have learned to filter your words and tone down that nasty temper of yours..."
Sophia couldn't believe it, she hadn't even used any horrible words, yet she was being reprimanded, and how was getting a man in her life even related to her having a filthy mouth. The sound of the rain splattering on the car drowned out Sophia's mother's voice on the phone, giving her some respite. She sighed, as she listened to her cutting words. They felt like nails driving into her coffin.
"You're not getting any younger Sophia, you need a guy in your life, even if he turns out to be younger than you. You go around with those single friends of yours and that's why you can't get any guy to notice you. You glare at anyone that approaches you, but you spend money on those little brats you call your workmates like there's no tomorrow, you don't even care about me, you don't care about your mother's feeling, are you trying to send me to an early grave with worry huh, is that it".
Sophia flexed her wrist on the steering, as she tried to sound like she was concerned about her mother's worry, but she knew she failed miserably.
"Mom, I do care about you, I'm always trying to please you, why are you doing this to me on a Monday morning?. What is it you want from me, I bought you that mink fur that cost a fortune right, also that Audi A5 you always wanted to add to your car collection so you could show off to your friends. I've been trying my best mom, can you just cut me some slack" she got out tiredly, trying to focus on the road ahead of her, she felt a migraine beaconing.
"That's just it Sophia if you were married or had a man in your life, or even little kids to give your attention to, you wouldn't be spending like that".
Sophia took another deep breath, counting to five before she answered.
"I'm driving right now, can we talk later, I'm going to get into an accident if we keep this up".
Her mother's voice got intense. "You're always running from having this conversation with me... Sophia, this is honestly serious, all my friend's daughters are either married or getting married... "
Sophia reached for a piece of nylon, she placed it on the mouthpiece of her phone, creasing it over to make a static sound.
"Hello... Hello...Mom...mom... I think I'm losing connection, let's talk later ok... Bye"
She ended the call, glaring at her phone before exhaling tiredly. "Darn it! I'm so tired of this. Can't she give me a break for at least today, I thought we were making progress when she'd stopped disturbing my sleep at night... How wrong I was. It's like she doesn't have anything to do other than bother me. Should I just get a new phone?" she mumbled to herself, as she drove towards the RSVP parking lot, she maneuvered to her usual parking spot only to notice a black Ferrari SF90 Stradale occupying her space. She drove around it, till she found a free spot. She parked, got her stuff, and came out of the car. She trudged towards the sleek-looking car, examining it.
It was breathtakingly awesome. Her eyes darted around the environment, checking for the installed security cameras. Finding no one that was pointed in her direction, She hit the car with her heels, leaving a dent.
"Serves you right for being in my space just because you're an expensive car. My auto is way much better" she huffed, then walked around the car, spitting at the mirror for good measures. She smiled, satisfied at taking out her frustration. Sophia sauntered into the company in high spirit. Next time, the owner would find somewhere else to park. She grinned at the thought. Sophia's Mom made her depressed with her constant reminders that she didn't have anyone to call her own. Her mother wanted her in a relationship and had given her an ultimatum just the week before. Sophia had thought that with the ultimatum in place, her Mom would stop bothering with calls, she was very wrong on those counts.
Her mother had threatened her to get a guy before the year ran out, or else she'd take matters into her own hands. Sophia's friends had also been hired by her mom for that very purpose, so they were always trying to hook her up at the slightest chance. Her mother had been right about her spending, she could agree with that, but she only did it because she wanted her to have a good life. She also wanted her friends to enjoy any benefits she brought to the table. She was already rich, It was not like she could spend all her earnings on herself. She had everything she needed, except a man as her mother told her every other day.
Once she got into the company, she was met with friendly faces, saying their hellos and hi. They all liked her, mostly because she spent a lot at team dinners. She entered the elevator, punching the number to her department.
She adjusted her orange top, smoothing her black pencil skirt. She would have preferred sneakers, but heels gave a more cooperative feel. The elevator pinged open, and she stepped out to meet the familiar faces of her team. She was their leader and had been leading them for five years successfully. They designed pieces of jewelry, clothes, shoes, and accessories. She was in charge of making sure that everything was of quality, saving the higher-ups the trouble. She was a boss in her little corner. She had worked for nine years, painstakingly building up her profile, until the company felt almost helpless without her. Maybe a little bit of an exaggeration, but she felt it was that way. She approached her desk, surprised to see that it had been cleared. She paused, looking around at the curious faces of her team of ten designers.
"What's with my table. Are we renovating or something?" She looked around for an explanation until her eye landed on Leroy who was just stepping in.
"Miss Sophia, Mr. Sanchez is asking for you in his office. He says it's an urgent matter"
"Urgent matter?" She repeated, before smiling. He had been hinting at a promotion for a weak. She guessed that was what he was referring to as an urgent matter. It was about time she got one tho.
"I think he's going to promote you" Lyka chirped, her bob haircut bouncing at her enthusiasm.
Sophia's heart fluttered, but she played off Lyka's comment."Don't I wish". Sophia couldn't stop her smile from getting wider at the confirmation of her thoughts from another individual. "Wish me, luck guys".
Leroy smirked. "Not like you'll be needing it. You're the best worker LC has".
Sophia didn't want to appear too proud. "Oh please, it's not like am indispensable"
Lyka got up from her seat, all fired up."If he fires you, we'll go on a year strike, organize a huge protest for them to take you back" Lyka promised, all eager. Sophia chuckled.
"That's the spirit guys. I'll go now, fingers crossed. Get back to work. Time is money".
They all took their seats, watching as she got into the elevator. Once it closed, they scampered out of their seats, rushing towards Leroy's desk.
Mary was the first to break the silence. "Spill Leroy, is she getting promoted or fired".
Leroy shrugged. "I don't know. Mr. Sanchez didn't give a lot away, he just asked for her".
Lyka's lips pouted in a frown. "Mr. Sanchez better not fire her. I don't want to work under a new boss. Sophia is the best".
Ivan nodded in agreement, looking skeptical. "But it's not up to Mr. Sanchez. He's not the director, he's just the manager. He doesn't have a say if the orders are from the higher-ups".
Lyka crossed her arms, looking thoughtful.
"You're right Ivan. And there's nothing we can do to stop Mr. Sanchez, even the protest idea. I don't want to lose my job" she confessed. The others nodded in agreement.
"Well, no one would. Miss Sophia is competent, a great teacher, she makes everyone wants to be their best. It's their loss If they let her go"
"Yeah. Her family is rich so she won't feel it" Leroy added to lift the heavy atmosphere.
"Ugh! I hate Mr. Sanchez. Sophia's such a beautiful pure soul" Ivan got out dreamily, earning an eye roll from Lyka.
"You like her don't you?" She asked staring at him. It was so sudden that he fidgeted in his spot, losing his ability at forming a reply. Lyka pressed on, ignoring his panicked reaction.
"Sorry to burst whatever bubble you're in but she'll never be interested in you, so stop dreaming. Let's get back to work. Miss Sophia hates slacking off" she muttered, walking back to her desk. The others followed suit. Ivan dragged his heavy legs back to his desk, doing his best to avoid the gazes of everyone. He had always crushed on Sophia, but he hadn't expected Lyka to tattle on him like that. It made color rush up his face, he got speechless, unable to take a decent breath. Love was a choked-up feeling for him.
Sophia pushed the door walking back inside making everyone act more serious than they had been.
"Ivan, I want your report on my desk once I get back... I've given you lots of grace, today is your last day ok," she told. Ivan nodded quickly.
Sophia chuckled at the blush spreading across his cheeks. He was younger than her, but Mom doesn't care about their age right, should I just go with this guy since he clearly had a crush on me, Sophia thought... No way, mom was probably just playing, she'd have a heart attack if I brought this guy home. Sophia sighed, stepping out of the office. She hoped she got the promotion, at least then she'd have something to celebrate.
Celine Herrera has always had to fight her stepsister, Delia, for everything she'd ever wanted from a young age. So, she isn't surprised when Delia demands to be given the family company that Celine had worked to build all her life. Since she's not the favorite of her grandfather, Delia is once again going to get what she wants. But this time, it's on a condition: whoever gets married first and gives birth to a child gets the company. Celine Herrera is ready to do whatever it takes to have the one thing that brought her true happiness. So she seizes the opportunity and, when she crosses paths with one of the most feared and ruthless men to ever exist, she does not hesitate to propose a contract marriage. She gets what she wants, but what she doesn't know is that Belshar Nessar Abed only agreed to her terms for one reason: revenge.
Pushed off the cliff by her step-sister, Eve Knew no life other than pain and betrayal, and as she plunged to her death, she swore she was going to make all who hurt her pay. Years later, she's back with a new face and a new name and there's only one thing on her mind. Revenge and she was going to get it, no matter what it took. But she is not the only one with a thirst for vengeance... Raphael Batista was framed for Eve's alleged suicide and he knew exactly who framed him and was going to make them pay, his revenge was also going to extend to anyone who tried to help them out, even if the person was a woman who made his blood burn with fierce passion and reminded him a lot of Eve who was supposedly dead. There is no going back for them, or is there, especially when the truths are coming out to light and their antagonist is someone who would do anything, even kill to keep what they'd taken.
"Gabrielle" I shouted and she cut me off. "I own your body, your mind, and your soul. Do you understand? Get back to your desk right this moment and I'll forgive what you just said" she ordered, and I knew some men who would have cowered at that threatening tone, but not me. I was flattered that she was dead set on having me, but her threats were all empty. "No, I won't, and I am done with this Gabrielle. Nothing you say or do is going to change my mind" I turned away from her and made to open the door when I heard a familiar click behind me. I whipped around to face her, cautiously taking a step back as my eyes took in the gun in her hand that was aimed directly at my head. My heart skipped in my chest. Now there was clear evidence that she was indeed connected with the Mafias. If she killed me, there was a pretty chance my body would never be found, but then, April could follow it up, and with her dedication, she'd find something. The chances were slim tho. Would she shoot me or not? Her eyes looked dead, decided, but there was also fear lurking within their grey depth, she didn't want to shoot. I called her bluff, pushing the door open. She pulled the trigger. ****** A forbidden love story between a Mafia Don and an undercover cop... A. Dangerous. Love.
Caught in a web of lies and deceit, Sybil Eagan is left at the altar by the only man she has ever loved. Moving on isn't as easy as she thought, but she perseveres, and when she finally decides to open her heart to love again, the man who left her down the aisle comes back into her life, and no, he doesn't want a second chance. He wants revenge. Angelo was devastated to learn of Sybil's betrayal and in anger decided to punish her by leaving her on the altar. He has no plans of getting in touch with her until they meet again, and he sees her in the arms of another man. He's convinced himself he hates her, but he just can't let go of her and be happy with someone else, especially when he's still in pain. He will do everything to destroy this happiness to find his peace. They're not the only ones out for revenge, and as the web of lies tightens, they both sink into a reality where they could both end up dead. In the face of such opposition, will love triumph, or will hate eventually prevail?
After years of suffering at the hand of her bullies, Brea Larson is determined to do whatever it takes to feel again even if it meant she had to kill to get it, and that's exactly what she set out to do when she falls in love with her former bully's fiancé, Ryder. Following through with her plans she persuaded them to spend the weekend in the woods. Her intentions; were to seduce and make Ryder her own while keeping the girlfriend occupied with someone else. Brea's scheme doesn't go as planned as they come across a group of Mafias who were about to carry out an execution. Brea is terrified, especially when she meets the gaze of their leader, Nicolai Fernandez. He is pure evil embodied. Unable to escape, they are given an ultimatum to run for their lives by an hour. If caught, the men had the right to do with them as they pleased. Will Brea manage to flee from the clutches of a man determined to possess her? Will she be able to escape a man so obsessed; he'd rather see her dead than away from him or will she be entrapped in his dark and deadly possession?
Vega Romeo is the live life, screw the rest type of girl. she is pretty content to just go with the flow until she is dared by her best friend to join in on a bet to make billionaire Zach Dante hers. Vega sees Zach Dante as a playboy with no feelings and so she agrees to play him. Vega would do anything to win, even if it meant hurting the one she's come to love. Competing against the other girls is not a walk in the park but Vega had already invested a lot to stop. Except lying came with consequences. And those consequences are more than she expected. But what happens in the past stays in the past right? That might be what Vega thinks, but it is not the same for Zach who bore most of the burn of the scandal. With bitterness In his heart, Zach bids his time in plotting his revenge and after five years, he's back. He's back and he wants nothing more than to destroy the woman who shattered his heart.
Sheila had her back against the wall when her family tried to force her to marry an awful old man. In a fit of rage, she hired a gigolo to act as her husband. She thought the gigolo needed money and did this for a living. Little did she know that he was nothing like that. One day, he pulled off his mask and revealed himself to be the world's top magnate. This marked the beginning of their love. He showered her with everything she could ever want. They were happy. However, unexpected circumstances soon posed a threat to their love. Would Sheila and her husband make it through the storm? Find out!
Katie was forced to marry Dillan, a notorious ruffian. Her younger sister mocked her, "You're just an adopted daughter. Count your blessings for marrying him!" The world anticipated Katie's tribulations, but her married life unfurled with unexpected serenity. She even snagged a lavish mansion in a raffle! Katie jumped into Dillan's arms, credited him as her lucky charm. "No, Katie, it's you who brings me all this luck," Dillan replied. Then, one fateful day, Dillan's childhood friend came to her. "You're not worthy of him. Take this 50 million and leave him!" Katie finally grasped Dillan's true stature—the wealthiest man on the planet. That night, trembling with trepidation, she broached the subject of divorce with Dillan. However, with a domineering embrace, he told her, "I'd give you everything I have. Divorce is off the table!"
When they met again, Jason cast aside his paranoia and pride, warmly embracing Chelsey. "Please, come back to me?" For three years, she had been his secretary by day and his companion by night. Chelsey had always complied with his requests, like an obedient pet. However, when Jason declared his plans to marry another, she chose to stop loving him and to let go. But life took unexpected turns. His unyielding pursuit, her pregnancy, and her mother's greed gradually pushed her to the brink. Eventually, she endured tremendous suffering. Five years later, when she returned, she was no longer the woman she once was. Yet he had spiraled into five years of chaos.
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!
Alcohol and heartbreak are definitely not a good combo.Too bad I learnt that a little too late. I’m Tessa Beckett and I painfully got dumped by my boyfriend of three years.That led me to getting drunk at a bar and having a one-night stand with a stranger.Before he would see me as a slut the next day,I paid him for the sex and deeply insulted his ability to please me. But this stranger turned out to be my new boss!
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"