The Belle Behind The Mask

Behind the billonaire's mask!

Chapter 1

Sophie's POV

"What did you just say?" I asked, unable to believe what I had just heard.

"My apologies, Sophie," my manager replied, his expression sympathetic. "The company is facing a serious financial crisis, and we've been forced to make some tough decisions. Unfortunately, that includes letting go of our part-time staff."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "You're firing me?" I clarified, trying to process the news.

He nodded. "I'm afraid so. Your last paycheck will be mailed to you within the next two weeks."

Stunned, I gathered my belongings and left the office, wondering how I would break the news to Mom with her health.

As I walked out into the crisp afternoon air, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a text from Isabella, my best friend:

"When are you getting off work? Let's meet and celebrate your birthday. Don't tell me you are planning on celebrating it with that jerk."

I stared blanking at the text. Birthday? I had completely forgotten. Today was my birthday. "Wow, I was fired on my birthday." I muttered, fighting the tears.

I decided against replying and decided to head to my boyfriend's house.

I brought out a small mirror from my bag and looked at my reflection. 'Perfect,' I said. I must not look like my problem.

I hailed a taxi. As i sat in the taxi, memories of Dad flooded my mind. He had left for work on a typical day last year, never to return. The news of his death had been devastating.

I remembered the police knocking on our door. Their sombre faces a harbinger of tragedy. The unrecognizable body in the mortuary, Mom's tears, and my own world crumbling.

Now, with this job loss, I felt lost again. How would I provide for Mom? Mom's health had been declining since Dad's passing, but she refused to go to the hospital.

I had gotten to my destination already, and I paid the taxi man his money and stepped out of the car.

I walked into the building, where Alex stayed. I had been the one always covering Alex's rent since he was unemployed. I had paid for the year, but it would expire soon.

I entered the apartment, expecting comfort and solace from my boyfriend. Instead, I was met with moans echoing from the bedroom. My legs froze right there, but I managed to walk in, my mind racing.

As I pushed open the bedroom door, my worst fears were confirmed. Alex was in bed with another woman, the woman on top

"Alex!" I exclaimed, shock and betrayal etched on my face. They both look towards me, and they both froze, and I was more shocked, an older woman!

Alex makes a quick move, pushing the woman away, but he suddenly turned back when he heard her scream while touching her stomach.

"Are you okay?" he asked, looking at her stomach. She nodded, pouting her mouth, and he quickly reached for his trousers on the floor and began fitting into them.

But I had already dashed out of his house with tears dripping off my cheeks.

"Sophie, wait," he called, chasing after me, but I ignored and kept walking, increasing my pace. My phone suddenly rang, but i didn't even check who the caller was and just switched off my phone.

Alex soon caught up with me. His hand gripped my left hand.

"Wait, please..." he said, but I caught him short with a slap on his cheek with my other right hand.

"How dare you?" I asked as more tears streamed down my cheeks.

"Sophie, I can explain..." he began.

"Explain what?" I spat, anger boiling over. "How you're cheating on me? On my birthday?"

Alex's eyes pleaded for understanding, but I was unforgiving.

"Sophie, I..." he began, but I cut him off.

"Don't even try. You're disgusting. And with an older woman? Who is she?"

Alex's grip on my hand tightened.

"Please, Sophie. Just listen."

I jerked my hand free.

"No. I've heard enough. You've been lying to me, using me for my money."