Wheels of Love

Chapter one: Ending the mirage. Sophia fumbled with her keys, her mind still on the meeting she had and the terms Pedro had given her. He had opened his crooked c**k and tempted her right in the office, not caring about the CCTV cameras or whether a staff might barge in. What did he care about? As CEO, he was the judge, the jury, and the executioner. He knew about her strained relationship and wanted to take advantage of it. As she approached her apartment door, she noticed it was slightly ajar. Her heart skipped a beat. She pushed the door open cautiously, her breath catching in her throat. The sight that greeted her was like a nightmare. Her living room was a mess—cushions torn, glass shards scattered across the floor, and water pooling from the kitchen. She stepped inside, her shoes squelching on the wet tiles. Only one person had the key to her apartment. Only he could scatter her makeup kits and empty her Korean beauty Neroli and use her Pinkie clutch lipstick to write “f**k you” all over the wall. Sophia grabbed her phone and dialed Jake’s number. It rang several times before he picked up. “Hey, babe,” Jake’s voice was casual, almost bored. “Jake, what the hell did you do to my apartment?” Her voice shook with fury as she hoped he hadn't been in one of his fits. “Oh, that. I was just having a bit of fun. Don’t be so dramatic,” he replied. His voice was crystal clear, and she could hear suppressed giggles in the background. He was probably sane and, with another woman, having a hell of a time. It was no longer about the drugs and the fits they threw him into, he was hurting her on purpose now. She had endured enough. Sophia stormed out of her apartment, her anger propelling her forward. She drove to Jake's place, her mind racing with thoughts of what she would say. When she arrived, she didn't bother knocking. She pushed the door open and found Jake lounging on the couch; a girl was over him, and his c**k was halfway into her mouth. "Jake, we need to talk," Sophia's voice was cold and steady, but her eyes blazed with fury. She suppressed the urge to grab the b***h on her blonde hair and drag her out. Jake quickly pulled up his sweatpants and looked up, a smirk playing on his lips. "Sophia, this isn't a good time." "There's never been a good time with you," she snapped, her voice rising and falling with emotions. "You trashed my apartment and left the water running. What do you take me for?" The girl beside Jake shifted uncomfortably and stepped away from him, her erect n*****s were visible in the body hugs she wore. Jake just shrugged, his smirk widening. "I said I was bored and needed a little fun. You know how it is. Should be glad you're able to help." Sophia's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. "No, Jake, this is the last straw. It has gotten to my neck." Jake's smirk faded, replaced by a look of seriousness. "You don't mean that." He sliced at his neck, just above his bubbling Adam's apple, mocking her. "I do," Sophia said firmly, stepping closer. "I'm done with your games. I deserve better." She poked at him with her right index finger. “Oh, yeah. So this was all about Pedro, huh?” “Jake,...” “ No, now I see why you can no longer put up with me." “Jake!! Is this why you trashed my apartment?” Sophia was astonished. Jake stood up, his expression darkening. "You think you can just walk away from me? After everything I've done for you? Sophia burst into laughter despite her pounding heart. It was a laughter of pain and bitterness. The question took her by surprise. "What have you done for me? You've done nothing but hurt. Now you've destroyed my things. You think I'm your toy, Jake." Jake took a step towards her, his voice low and threatening. "You think you're so tough, don't you? But you're just a scared little countryside girl.” He fixed her that stare, a stare that always subdued her and got him impossible sums for his cocaine vials. Sophia felt a surge of defiance. It was growing stronger as she matched his glare with full intensity. For a long minute, they stare at themselves, chest heaving, body hairs standing on end, eyes oppressing and resisting. "I'd rather be alone than with someone who treats me like this,” she spat in a low, angry tone. Jake's face twisted with anger. "You're making a big mistake, Sophia. No one else will put up with you." Jake sounded so insecure. Sophia's fear turned to resolve. “Yes I am scared, but I'm not staying in this toxic relationship any longer." Jake's eyes narrowed. "You think you're better off without me? You're nothing without me. Get the f**k out of here!" Sophia's voice wavered for the first time. "I used to believe that. I used to think I needed you to feel whole. I used to think you'd come out good, but the rehab did you no good. I can stand on my own, Jake. I have been on the wrong end in all this." Jake stretched his fingers, and scratched his head vigorously before yelling, “f**k off! fuckin bitch.” His eyes darted uneasily in their sockets. At that moment, Sophia knew he was still high on something. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them back. "I loved you, Jake. I did. But you broke my trust, and you broke my heart. I can't keep pretending everything's okay." The girl on the couch stood up and walked slowly toward Jake with a sultry look. She placed a hand gently on his chest and rubbed him. He wrapped an arm around her and smiled that lazy smile as if his lips had lost their elasticity. "Jake, you should just let this ugly duck go. You have me here. I will suck you to bed and suck you when you wake, and f**k you the way you want to be fucked." She kissed his bare chest, left a wet mark in her trail, arched her back and pushed her boobs on his chest, rubbed him with them, looked at Sophia, and did stuff to show that she owned him now. Sophia's temper flared, but she ignored her. The cheap slut didn't feature in her top priorities, plus she was too drained for a fight. Jake glared at the girl, then back at Sophia. "Fine. Go to Pedro. You have always wanted him, or do you think I don't know? Just don't come crawling back to me when he's trashed you and no one else wants you." “My keys?” He fumbled with his pockets and produced her spare keys. They exchanged keys. “Here. Don't ever dare come back.” “I think it's the other way round.” “You think?” Jake sneered. The girl stood on tiptoes and nibbled at his earlobes. “She's such a shapeless granny.” She curled her lips provocatively and looked at Sophia again, expecting a reaction. Sophia took the keys, turned on her heel, and walked out. A hot tear slid down her rosy cheek as the cool evening breeze rustled her raven-black hair. Her heart was pounding, but she felt a mix of relief and sadness. Only time would tell if she had made the right decision. She had been considering this a long time ago. As she drove home, she thought about the future—her future, without Jake. She arrived back at her apartment, the mess still there. It felt like a hurricane had passed there. Sophia moved through, taking in the extent of the damage. Her favorite vase, a birthday gift from her friend Sarah, lay in pieces. The kitchen sink was overflowing, water cascading onto the floor. She dialed Sarah's number and sobbed into the phone.