Chapter 11

“Soph, where are you rushing to?” My brother inquired as I threw my cosmetics into my box.

“Will you be alright?” I asked him calmly while zipping the box.

“I’m traveling for the new job, I’ll be back in a week I suppose “ I continued as he kept mute.

I’ll bring gifts for you and mom. Give me a hug” I added as I pulled him into my arms.

“Be safe, Sophia “

“I will “ I said pecking his cheeks before racing to the car . I had like forty minutes left.

“Are we good to go ma’am?” The driver asked .

“Edgar yeah?, did I get the name right?”

“Yes ma’am “

“Okay. We are not going to the office until I get a dinner gown”

“So where to?”

“I’ll direct you”

It wasn’t long before we reached the familiar gates of my best friend’s home.

“Sophia!, how are you?” Angela asked as she hugged me tightly.

“I’m good “ I said with a smile.

“You just missed Paris” she said as I walked in.

I wasn't surprised, ever since her date she has been excited and eager to always go out with him.

Luckily, I was occupied with Leo and my mom and Stan, to even get jealous.

“Yeah, I need a dinner gown”

“Oh, what’s the occasion? “ Angela asked with a smile.

“I accepted the job” I told her.

“Are you serious?, that’s so brave of you” she stated while giving me another hug.

“Yeah, but I’ll need a gown for the job. I’m on my way to New York as his personal assistant “ I told her with an excited giggle. I couldn't believe I was going to New York.

“Look at you. You sound so grown. I’ll help you” she said proudly.

Paris’ closet was filled with different colors and designs.

I had no time to select.

“There’s so much, I won’t make it to the airport in time” I said anxiously.

“You will.” Angela assured as she went into the closet and started scrutinizing the dresses.

"I know most of my daughter’s clothings, because I got them for her. Apart from that, Paris really doesn’t arrange her closet . She’s that lazy sometimes “

“Don’t tell her I said so” she whispered playfully as I laughed . Paris was actually lazy when it came to cleaning up her mess.

“Here!” Angela held two beautiful gowns. Yellow and black in color.

I trusted her choice and grabbed them gratefully.

“Good choice and wait”

“I don’t know but in case of emergency, take this third one” . It was a blood red gown with a lot of openings.

“Isn’t this too revealing?” I asked

“ You mean enticing?”

“Look, one thing I know is that in an unfamiliar environment with no guidance you need to be confident in yourself at least and a beautiful appearance will always do that” . Angela assured me

“Just take it. If you don’t need it you can always return it” she persuaded after my look of distrust remained.

“Alright, thanks so much” I said to her as I hugged her before rushing back into the car.

“Good luck!” I smiled at how happy she looked .

We made it on time .

I quietly walked and blended into the train of officials that followed Leo towards his vehicle.

Natasha walked up to me with a handkerchief.

“Thank you” I sheepishly said as I dabbed my sweaty forehead.

“You got everything you need?”

“Yes ma’am “ . I replied, that was the first time I was being official with her.

Her brow raised at my response while remaining composure she ordered me to follow her.

“Sophia, you’ll join Mr. Shiva in his vehicle. He’ll give you any other information you need to know” she told me as I nodded positively.

“Here is your passport, just in case and please stay composed . Eyes will be on you”.

“Noted “ I said.

“Sir?,” Leo answered to Natasha's call.

“Alright, let’s go” Leo stated after giving me a glance . I had changed from my washed office shirt and pants to a more elegant look. Angela really came through for me.

Everybody moved to their official positions. Luckily for me, all I had to do was follow him.

“So how is it?” I heard Leo ask from beside me.

I looked up to see him staring down at me and holding a glass of something.

“Is that juice?” I asked as he placed the glass on the table and sat at my front.

Now I felt self conscious, there were many seats on the private jet.

“Yes, the rest were alcoholic drinks. We don’t want you throwing up now, do we?” He answered with a light chuckle.

He seemed carefree.

He had been acting all bossy and serious at the office.

“Thank you” I said as he offered me the second glass.

“It’s your first time on a plane “ he stated.

“Yes, how do you know?” I asked in suspicion.

“Obviously because you mentioned it and you’ve been holding tightly onto that necklace for a while.” He said obviously as I consciously loosened my grip on it.

“My mom gave it to me.”

“Mm” he muttered as he drank from his glass.

“You must be used to it “ I said as he rose his left brow at the hearing of my statement.

“The glamor lifestyle, private jets and lunch in another city “ I added before sipping from the glass.

It tasted exotic like a mix of mangoes and grapes with something else I didn’t know.

“Yes I am” he stated.

“Of course” I replied to his arrogant answer.

“I could sit here and tell you a sob story about how I was poor as a church rat but that would dampen the mood" he added indifferently.

I nodded at his answer, refusing to ponder on his statement about being poor as a church rat I focused on the magazine on my laps.

It was time to take off.

The air hostess assisted in the seat buckle.

Leo on the other hand seemed to not care at all and casually crossed his legs with his eyes closed as the plane began to take off.

I felt like puking. I held onto my necklace tightly and shut my eyes as my anxiety rose with the difference in altitude