Sofia Morales is a struggling actress, juggling endless auditions while working as an escort to wealthy clients. Though her dream of stardom feels increasingly out of reach, she refuses to give up. But here comes Rios Alcaraz, a ruthless and enigmatic Mafia boss with no interest in marriage. But when his father pressures him to marry Beatrice Sandoval, the heiress of a powerful family, Rios devises a bold plan: hire someone to play the perfect girlfriend and keep the wedding bells at bay. Sofia, with her beauty, charm, and talent for pretending, becomes his first and only choice. But what starts as a business arrangement quickly spirals into a dangerous game of deception. As Sofia steps into Rios's treacherous world of power, secrets, and lies, she realizes that the line between acting and reality is dangerously thin-and playing the Mafia boss's girlfriend might cost her more than just her heart.
SOFIA's POV
Since the restaurant opened this morning, I hadn't had a second to breathe. I moved like an acrobat-pacing the room with both hands and balancing trays, my mind constantly reminding my feet to avoid slipping on the tiled floor.
By the time the clock crept toward a quarter to twelve, the place had erupted into a war zone. Orders flew in, and customers endlessly waved for attention. Their hunger was seemingly commanding their brains to be impatient. My skin itched just by looking at their sulky lips and bored faces. Normally, every staff in Lorenzo's Restaurant would be happy to receive so many costumers, but when you're waiting tables to rude patrons, it would only make you wish for your shift to end already.
The kitchen's aromas had found their way onto my uniform. I scrunched my face upon realizing that. I spent an hour doing my hair, only to expose it to the greasy scent of garlic butter and grilled meat.
But a 24-year-old woman like me, with no prospects, had to endure this kind of lowly life so I could provide for my family in the province. And while Manila was considered a city of opportunity, no one could deny that living here would mean you need determination and bravery to avoid getting swallowed by the intensity of the lifestyle.
I was dropping off an order when a sharp shriek cut through the restaurant. People turned toward the sound, but no one moved to check. My gaze flicked to the counter, hoping my coworker Danilo would go see what was happening. But he only shrugged, silently dumping the responsibility onto me.
Despite the restaurant drawing in plenty of customers, the management hadn't bothered to increase staff. Working with me today were Danilo, the cashier and overall runner, and Mike, who was in the back grilling meat. My name's Sofia, the curvy waitress. Not a nickname I gave myself-our customers did.
I shot Danilo a glare before heading toward the commotion near the entrance. A little girl in an elementary school uniform was struggling to pull away from a towering, six-foot-tall, foreign-looking man. He was wearing a polo shirt and ragged jeans. I couldn't picture his face well because I was nearsighted. But he wasn't saying anything, and the little girl seemed determined to break free. Before I could think, I was already moving.
"Sweetheart!" I called, forcing a bright, familiar smile. "There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you."
The girl stared up at me, her doe eyes wide with confusion. I silently urged her to play along. Finally, she caught on and launched herself at me, clinging to my torso like a tiny monkey.
"Is this man bothering you?" I asked, turning to face him.
A beat passed, and I almost choked on my saliva upon seeing his face up close. '
Holy... shit... The man was beautiful-the kind of beautiful that should be illegal. His mixed foreign and Filipino features were striking. That sharp jawline. Those high cheekbones. Those bluish eyes seemed to see straight through me. His gaze flicked between me and the little girl, his head tilting slightly.
"W-what are you doing to my niece?" I stammered, trying to ignore both his allure and the expensive cologne that now surrounded me. I planted a hand on my hip as if I were a Filipina mother scolding an unruly son. "What are you thinking? Kidnapping a kid in broad daylight? And of all places, in a restaurant?"
My confidence grew as I leaned into the lie, determined to save this girl from whatever revulsion this ridiculously handsome man was planning. To my absolute horror, he only smirked!
But that smirk should come with a warning sign. It only sent the butterflies in my stomach into a whirlpool of emotions.
"Do you really believe I'm kidnapping that child?"
Dear God, even his voice was soft and low. The kind you hear in steamy audio recordings that make you imagine things. I forced myself to stay composed despite the erratic beating of my heart. "You're holding a child against her will! What else am I supposed to think?"
As if on cue, the little girl tugged at my uniform, signaling for me to bend down. "What is it?" I asked gently.
"He wants me to go to the arcade several blocks from here," she whispered, the fabric conditioner in her clothes lightly brushing my nose. "But I want to eat spaghetti first."
I clenched my jaw. Are you kidding me?
"See?" Turning to the man and feeling the heat on my cheeks. "You're forcing a little girl to do things! I say, get out of this restaurant before I call security."
But instead of looking rattled, he laughed. Laughed! Like this was all some joke to him.
"Is there something funny about what I said?" I asked loudly, trying to drown the twisting motion happening in my gut as I heard that laugh.
I'd been around wealthy men because of my other job as an escort, and I could always tell their status by the way they laughed at people. This man-with his expensive air, controlled amusement, and dangerously rich chuckle-was indeed trouble.
His eyes glinted. "Sofia."
I sucked in a breath. I could never deny how his gaze affected my sense of self. I felt myself drowning as I tried to mask my emotions. Also, how the hell did he know my name?
"Don't you know who I am?" He asked as if that information was too important.
"Do I need to?" I huffed.
He nodded toward the girl. "Why don't you ask her?" And with his smirk that hinted arrogance, coupled with that irritating, expensive chuckle of his, he added. "I am the uncle."
Frowning, I gently cupped the child's cheeks, smoothing down her baby bangs. "Do you actually know this man?"
The girl sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes like I was the dumbest person alive. "Yes, I know him. But he's sooo annoying."
Oh. Oh, no...
I could feel myself sinking into utter humiliation as I stared at the kid, her wide-eyed gaze reflecting mine. I had just accused this ridiculously handsome man of kidnapping a child when, in fact, he was actually her uncle!
I slowly stood up and then turned back to him. His gaze remained steady as I swallowed my pride and tried to salvage my dignity. "I... I see," I stammered.
One dark eyebrow lifted. "I think it's time for you to apologize, Miss Sofia."
My brows furrowed. Apologize? If anyone was to blame, it was his niece for not clarifying things sooner!
"Well, you looked suspicious. I just did what I had to do to help a struggling child."
His smirk widened. "Did you?"
"Yes! Besides, you were just... standing there." I gestured vaguely at him. "All serious and intimidating... gripping the child and ..."
Making me say stupid things.
"Can we eat now, Uncle? I still want spaghetti. I don't want to go to another restaurant. I want to eat here at Lorenzo's."
The man sighed. "All right. When you do that, you sound exactly like your mother."
I took their uncle-niece conversation as my cue to escape. "Very well," I said, plastering a forced smile. "I-I'll leave you to it... s-sir," I added, turning on my heel. My knees wobbled as I swallowed my embarrassment.
"Wait."
His voice stopped me cold. I turned back slowly, meeting his eyes once more.
"I'll be seeing you again, Miss Sofia."
Hearing that, a slow, creeping shiver ran down my spine. The question that had been haunting me instantly leaped from my mouth. "H-how did you know my name?"
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he lifted an eyebrow, looking amused-like I was missing something obvious. Then I saw it. My nameplate. Right! Way to go. I was getting stupider by the second.
But the way he said my name sent a prickling unease within me. It didn't feel like a simple statement. It was more like a promise to see each other again.
I forced myself to turn away, walking stiffly and pretending I wasn't rattled-even though I was. Because deep down, I felt that this man, whoever the hell he was, was going to be the cause of my distress.
"Tiffany Viaje Del Cargador is poised to inherit her father's empire within the Alpha Brotherhood-a secretive, ruthless syndicate. But first, she must prove herself by posing as a high school student in Liban to hunt down a rival assassin. The mission takes a dark twist when she uncovers family secrets and a brutal fate set by her father. Determined to break free from his control, Tiffany forms a plan that goes beyond revenge. With her girlfriend Marie Joyce by her side, she's ready to dismantle the brotherhoods'empires-even if it means facing her own family."
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."
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!
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"