A contract of love

CHAPTER 2: MASK DOWNFALL

{SOPHIA}

Alarm ringing.

So this is what a heartbreak phase looks like. I always woke up before the alarm, except for weekends, but for today, reaching the alarm to turn it off seemed like an impossible task.

Dark circles under my eyes, disheveled hair, and a hoarse voice from crying all night, a typical look of a dejected woman, but I couldn't let my emotions control me.

My vengeance plan was fine-tuned, Liam will understand how dangerous it is to play with a woman's heart. I first had to go to the company, letting no emotions transpire. Liam will easily guess something is wrong if I miss work. Knowing my dedication to work, he knows even sickness cannot stop me.

Shit! I omitted something, our anniversary. I promised I would get him something special, and he still thinks I'm not in town. Well, let’s just say it will make things more interesting.

“Good morning princess, I know you are busy, I miss you and I can’t wait to see you for us to celebrate our anniversary. I promise to rock it at the meeting today. I love you, have a good day.”

LoL… I would have been blushing if I received this text 24 hours ago. It’s funny how I used to cherish this kind of text. Well, honey, you’ll see me very soon.

I quickly freshened up and dressed like the queen I was. Red lipstick, curled hair, a splendid red gown, making any man's head spin, and of course a Louis Vuitton luxury bag. Liam must see all he lost when I drop the bomb.

I entered the car I bought him and drove to the company. Of course, I was keeping this new baby for myself. Yes, I was hurt, but I felt more hatred than pain for this man that almost made me and my family members homeless, people I cherished with all my heart. He was going to pay, and after that, I will book a trip to the Maldives where I will have time to heal and forget.

All eyes were on me as I walked through the halls of the company, but I only wanted his attention. I never dared to dress like this before today.

Guess who I saw sitting on my chair in my office when I walked in? The great Liam, surely practicing for when he will finally be at the top of my company, or so he thought.

His face turned white when he saw me walking in. I can't really describe his reaction at that moment, a mixture of surprise, anxiety, and shock but I would pay millions to see his reaction again, so funny.

He quickly stood up, coming towards me.

“Surprise, I cut my trip short. I missed you so much.”

I cut him short when he was about to talk while sitting on my chair, avoiding his hug.

“I…I…I am so happy to see you. I mean I'm surprised. And sorry for the chair, I just wanted to put myself in your shoes before the meeting. I don’t want to disappoint you.”

I would have believed and even congratulated him if this had happened 24 hours ago. I was so naive and stupid, it just added to my thirst for revenge.

“Well, don’t bother about the meeting, I’ve booked you a 2-week holiday to an exotic place as our anniversary gift, for you and any friend you decide to take along.”

I needed him far from the company to continue with my plan, and why not make things more interesting?

“And guess what? I’ll nominate you as vice president immediately when you come back. That’s the least I can do and after that, you’ll finally propose to me as you promised.”

Seeing the excitement on his face, I knew he couldn't refuse and I was hoping he would take his mistress along to the trip, so I would finally know with whom he had been cheating with me.

“Baby, thank you so much. You are the best. You wouldn't regret it…”

Bla bla bla… Those words sounded fake to me. But the company was my priority. I needed to concentrate on the work at my company.

“You can go now, baby. Ask Anna to send me the documents concerning the meeting. I did not see her when coming in. Don’t bother, I'll handle everything.”

Finally alone, a sensation of relief passed through my body.

Anna was my personal secretary, the most trustworthy person I had at the company. The next part of the plan was to make sure she got information on whom Liam was to travel with.

“Madame, these are the documents you asked for.”

I was focused on my phone when she entered, but I could recognize this voice. Was it the voice of yesterday? How? I did not have time to think further, she saw the surprise and intervened immediately.

“Madame I know you think my voice sounds funny. I had a small throat infection and that's why my voice changed. But don’t be worried, the doctor said I'll recover in a week.”

It explained why I couldn't recognize the voice. But I couldn't believe it. Anna and Liam were both planning my downfall behind my back. I couldn't trust her anymore.

“Call the meeting off. I’ll sign the deal with the tech company. Leave my office.”

I was too hurt to support any further meetings. Though it was an important step before any new deal was signed. But even if Liam was a cheat, he was always meticulous at work. He would have never proposed the deal if he were not sure about it.

I quickly signed the documents, handed them to the representative of the tech company, and left the office to Amelia's house. I could not stay and allow my employees to see me at my lowest.

“Madame, I'm sorry but the doctor just said I'll have to rest for 2 weeks before going back to work.”

Wow… I was still driving to Amelia's place when I received the text. Now there were no doubts. She was the one.

AMELIA’S HOUSE

Amelia quickly came out of her house after I rang the bell like a fool. She understood from my expression that the situation was worse than when she left me yesterday.

I entered the house hysterically, looking for a bottle of alcohol.

Amelia’s expression turned more and more serious as I narrated the new details.

“Sophia take a break, you cannot manage the company with all this negative energy surrounding you.”

She was right, I could not make reasonable decisions. I was about to agree with her when I received a call from my vice president.

“Madame, you have to come back now. There is a problem with the new deal you just signed.”