The group sat together, talking about random things. Jason shared a stupid story about the time he mistook expired mayonnaise for vanilla pudding. Ariel teased him mercilessly, while Maya kept refilling cups with juice and passing out small bowls of the snacks they brought. Sophie didnât say much, but she was smiling and for Maya and Marcus, that was enough. They even put on a short, silly TikTok dance challenge, with Ariel dragging Maya into doing it and Sophie laughing so hard she had to hold her stomach. Jason stood back like he was too cool to join but ended up doing the worst dance of them all. Even Nathan cracked a smile. As the sky outside began to dim, the laughter settled into a quiet calm. Jason stood up first. âAlright. I think we should head out. You need rest.â Nathan nodded. âYeah. Weâll check in tomorrow.â Ariel hugged Sophie gently. âIf you need anything and I mean anything you call me. Or send smoke signals. Or whisper my name three times in a mirror.â âIâll ke
Sophieâs heart was pounding.When she heard her motherâs voice screaming from the living room. âYou think you can touch my husband and get away with it?! He told me everything, Sophie. You little witch!â Sophie turned, stunned. âMom⌠he tried to touch me! He cornered me in the kitchen, I defended myself......â Before she could finish, a loud slap echoed through the house. Her cheek stung instantly. âYou're always lying! Always causing problems in this house!â her mother screamed, grabbing Sophie by the hair and yanking her down. Sophie stumbled to the floor as the blows kept coming slaps, kicks. Her mother was blinded by rage and lies. âI gave up everything for that man, and you want to destroy it?!â she yelled, throwing a towel at Sophie. Sophie crawled back, shielding her face. âIâm your daughter! Why wonât you believe me?!â But her words didnât reach. Breathing heavily, with tears streaming down her face, Sophie scrambled to her feet. She ran to her room, her body aching, h
Later that night.... Nathan dropped Sophie off first. She stumbled out of the car, turned dramatically, and gave them both a slurred royal wave. âGoodniiiiight, my loyal subjects,â she said, giggling. Nathan chuckled. âGo inside before you fall asleep on the lawn.â She winked and whispered, âYou guys better not kiss without me seeing,â before blowing a kiss and disappearing into her building. Maya burst out laughing, covering her face. âSheâs so dramatic.â Nathan turned to her. âYour turn, Miss Secretary.â On the ride to her place, Maya got quieter sleepy, a little tipsy, but peaceful. When they pulled up, she stretched and fumbled for the door handle. âThanks for tonight,â she mumbled, eyes half closed. âIt was... really nice.â Nathan watched her carefully. âGet inside safe.â She nodded and walked up the steps, swaying a little. When she finally got in and closed the door, Nathan let out a breath and told the driver, âLetâs go.â -------- At the penthouse.... As soon as J
As the music faded and everyone caught their breath, Sophie clapped her hands, her eyes lit up. âOkay, okay hear me out. Letâs play Truth or Dare!â Jason raised a brow, smirking. âSeriously, Sophie? Are you still twelve?â Sophie scoffed. âSays the guy who still laughs at everything â Nathan arched a brow, clearly amused, but Sophie immediately covered her mouth. âOh my God, I'm so so sorry sir! I forgot youâre my boss!â Jason chuckled. âRelax. Tonight Iâm just Jason not CEO Jason.â Nathan grinned. âwell , CEO Jason would have roasted you back.â Everyone laughed, and Maya shook her head. âHonestly? Iâm in. This sounds fun.â Nathan gave a mock sigh. âAlright, alright. Letâs do it before Sophie accidentally gets herself fired.â Sophie gave him a playful side-eye. âThank you, sir. Very generous of you.â Jason grabbed a nearby bottle from the table and spun it on the low coffee table in front of them. It landed on Nathan. Jason rubbed his hands together, eyes gleaming.
The sun had already begun to dip behind the skyline by the time they got back to the office. The mood in the car was quiet,less tense than before, but still heavy from everything that had gone down. As they stepped into the building, Maya walked a little behind Nathan and Jason, her thoughts lingering on the way Jayden yelled at her. The way Nathan pulled her close so she wouldnât see the footage. The quiet comfort of his chest against her forehead when she needed to block it all out. Back inside, a few workers were still around, tidying up and getting ready to leave. Some offered polite nods. Maya tried to keep her face neutral, but Sophie spotted her immediately. She rushed over, eyes wide. âMaya! Oh my God, what happened?â Maya sighed, âIt was him. Jayden. He tried to press charges, but the CCTV footage exposed everything.â Sophieâs expression changed instantly. âWait, that was Jayden?â She lowered her voice. âPeople are talking, you know. About how the boss and Jason stormed
Later that afternoon, Maya was at her desk when she got a quiet message from Nathaniel: âPlease call everyone into the meeting room. Everyone. Iâll be there in five.â She blinked, a little surprised, but did exactly as asked. Soon, the entire staff receptionists, assistants, managers, janitors, even the security team were all gathered inside the meeting room. Whispers moved between them like soft waves. No one really knew what was going on, only that it had something to do with the tension from that morning. Then the door opened. Nathaniel walked in, composed and sharp as always, and Maya followed behind him. Everyone stood. He gave them a small nod. âPlease. Sit.â They sat, slowly, eyes on him. Maya quietly took a seat by the wall. Nathaniel cleared his throat. âI asked you all here because I owe you an apology.â The room went still. âThis morning⌠I walked in here, and I acted cold, distant rude, even. You all greeted me, and I ignored you like you didnât matter. Thatâs not