PAST
I was working at a café to save up for college because my family was struggling financially. We could barely afford basic necessities, and my dream of going to school felt like a distant luxury. But I kept pushing myself, knowing that education was the key to a better future for us.“Mom, you should rest today. I’ll stay with him at the hospital” I insisted“Oh, baby, don’t worry. You just got back from work and you must be exhausted” my mom replied her worry evident in her tired eyes“I want to feel useful and to be by his side because I know he would do the same for me” I explained trying to ease her burden“We’re your parents and that’s our responsibility,” she said her hand on my face. “Your food is on the table. Make sure to close the door properly”“Okay mama,” I said hugging her tightly. I might not see you before I go to work in the morning but I will be good, I promise so don’t worry about me.”She nodded before saying Goodnight and then exited the house while I made my way to the kitchen. After wolfing down some food, I went to take the longest shower of my life, thinking about how unfair our lives had become. Everything in this rundown house was falling apart - the ancient cabinets, the constant plumbing issues."I hate this life!" I screamed through my tears, the sound echoing off the tiled walls. When I finally dragged myself out, I tugged on my most worn t-shirt and collapsed onto my tiny bed, unable to sleep. I said a prayer and reached for one of my books instead, losing myself in the pages like I always did.Time flew by, and before I knew it, my dream of a better life was shattered by the harsh blare of my alarm clock. "Just one more sleep, please?" I pleaded to the empty room. "My happy ending is so close..." But the incessant beeping persisted until I gave in, slamming the off button before stretching out my protesting muscles with a jaw-cracking yawn.Peering out the tiny window, I tried to muster some optimism. "It has to be a beautiful day."After a swift shower, I headed to the kitchen, only to find it vacant. Another day of starting on an empty stomach. “Hard times don’t last forever. It will definitely get better.” I whispered to myself before leaving for work.By the time I rushed through the cafe doors, cheeks flushed from hurrying across town, I was already 15 minutes late. Again."You're late again, Sophie!" Mr. Thompson's gruff bellow echoed through the bustling room."I know, I'm so sorry-"He raised his thick hand, cutting me off. "Save it and get your apron on. People are waiting." He jerked his thumb towards the growing crowd of impatient customers.Flustered, I ducked into the back room to quickly tie on my apron, taking a moment to catch my breath and compose myself. But when I reemerged from the break room, I immediately noticed my coworkers huddled together, struggling to contain their giggles as they not-so-subtly ogled someone near the front window.Following their gaze, I spotted the obvious object of their admiration - a ridiculously attractive guy seated alone, looking like he'd just stepped out of a magazine. His effortless style, those chiselled features, that smoulder as he focused on his laptop... No wonder my coworkers were practically drooling.Putting on my brightest, most professional smile, I made my way over, very aware of their obvious staring, tracking my every move. "Good morning! Can I get you anything?" I chirped once I reached his table.The handsome stranger glanced up, his warm brown eyes meeting mine and lingering for a split second. "Good morning," he replied with ease, his tone casual and friendly. “I will take a double shot of espresso in a latte, steaming hot, and a dash of cinnamon for that extra flavour. I will also take one of those incredible muffins, please."Despite my best efforts, I felt my face warm slightly under the weight of his stare. Get it together, Sophie. "Sure thing, one cup of coffee and a muffin coming right up."I returned promptly with his order, placing it carefully on the table. "Here you go, enjoy!""What is your name?" His unexpected question brought me to a halt. I turned towards him slowly."It's Sophie," I answered with a polite smile, trying not to get flustered again. Was he...flirting with me?"Sophie, would you mind having a seat for a moment?" His tone was warm, and inviting."Oh, I'm sorry, but that's against the rules..." I hedged, worry creeping in. I couldn't afford to get in trouble at this job."Whose permission do I need for you to sit with me?"I blinked in surprise, my worry evident. "I don't want to get fired...""I don’t want to put you in a tough spot," he assured me smoothly. "I'm happy to talk to the owner if that helps."Before I could protest further, he'd already headed off to find Mr. Thompson. Minutes later, he returned, favouring me with that knee-weakening smile. "You can join me now. I've got your boss's permission." He pulled out the empty chair, gesturing for me to sit.I wavered, feeling uncertain. "Are you sure?”"One hundred per cent," he promised with an easy grin. "And I won't take up too much of your time. This seat is still waiting for you."Well...when he put it like that... "Okay, thanks," I finally agreed, sinking into the chair cautiously."The pleasure is all mine, Sophie." Those warm eyes roamed over my face in a way that made me blush despite myself. Get a grip!"So..." I prompted, desperate to divert my attention from how flustered he was making me. "What did you want to talk about?"His response was completely unexpected. "I like you."I choked on my spit, coughing and spluttering like I was going to hack up a lung right there at the table. He looked momentarily alarmed before grabbing a glass of water, but I waved it off, finally catching my breath."You just met me for the first time," I wheezed out. "This can't be a good sign.""And who says this is the first time I'm seeing you?" he countered, a mysterious smile playing at the corners of his mouth.My brow furrowed. "What do you mean?""Let's just say I have been watching you for some time," he whispered. "I felt it was about time I properly introduced myself and asked for your number...perhaps get to know you better if you are open to it."My face flamed at the unexpected flirtation. "I, um...I think maybe you should have to work a little harder than that for my number," I tried to remain calm and indifferent, but I probably failed miserably.He just grinned, utterly unbothered. "In that case, I guess you'd better get used to seeing me around here more often. I'm relentless when I've got my eyes set on something."I couldn't help the way my cheeks warmed at the blatant implication. "Oh no, please don't make me regret this! This is already bordering on a lifetime's worth of embarrassment, and all my coworkers are watching us!""In that case..." He trailed off, holding out his hand expectantly.Hesitating only briefly, I sighed and pulled his phone from his grasp, quickly typing in my number before handing it back, stomach fluttering as I'd just done something deliciously illicit."Thanks, sunshine," he murmured, a warm smile playing over his sinfully perfect lips."It's Sophie," I corrected automatically, mentally kicking myself.But he just winked devilishly. "I know." And with a parting remark, he leaned back from the table and casually exited the cafe, drawing every eye in the place to his departure.Left in a state of fluster, I felt my knees weaken as I struggled to process the recent exchange. Gradually regaining composure, I glanced around to find my coworkers observing me with curious, gossipy expressions.PASTA few days had passed since my encounter with the handsome stranger. He hadn’t called or texted, even though he had my number. I kept checking my phone at every beep I heard, hoping it was him, only to be disappointed every single time. He didn’t even show up at the cafe anymore. I finally accepted the reality that he wouldn’t contact me. Perhaps he didn’t feel the attraction I thought he did, or maybe it was all just in my head. I decided not to dwell on my feelings for someone I barely knew when I had other stuff to focus on, like going to visit my dad on my day off.Although he couldn’t speak to me anymore, I still loved spending time with him. I got dressed and headed towards the hospital, determined not to let this silly thing with the handsome stranger consume my thoughts any longer. He shouldn’t have this much influence on me.I was stressed from overthinking; I could sense my head about to explode, so I made the decision to take a walk and clear my mind. I took a longer r
I pulled a long, calming breath and started to move away from the wall; my feet alternated after each other. There was work to be done, a new project awaiting my attention. Dwelling on the ghosts of my past was a luxury I couldn’t afford not when my future was on the line. As I approached my desk, Celine’s stern voice cut through the air. “Sophie, Mia has expressed her interest in the landmark project, and I’ve approved it. She’s in the best position to handle it, I didn’t even know why I gave it to you at first. Take over hers and start working immediately. I would need it ready by next week Thursday.” “Understood, Celine. I’ll ensure a smooth transition and have everything ready by next Thursday,” I replied “Good” she acknowledges before stringing away I turned to my desk, sat down, and opened my laptop; finding the email from Mia regarding her project that was now mine. However, before I could even begin reading it, Mia herself approached me. “Sophie, is there anything speci
The sound of my alarm pierced the silence, marking the beginning of yet another workweek. I groaned, longing to linger in bed a little longer, but responsibility beckoned. I reluctantly rose from the bed and began my morning routine.When I arrived at the office, I settled in and started reviewing the file I'm to report on this week. I was making good progress when suddenly Mia burst into the room, her eyes red and her face visibly showing she was heartbroken."Mia, what's wrong?" I asked, concern etching my features.Without a word, Mia strode up to my desk and flung the file down in front of me, papers scattering everywhere. "Didn't he like it?" I asked, looking at the papers and then to her face."Wouldn't that be better? At least then he would take a look at it to decide," she said, frustratedly."Then..." Before I could even complete my thought, she chimed in."He wouldn't even look at me or the file. He asked why I'm the one doing it and not you. I even explained it's because I'
I couldn't help but marvel at the stranger I had just conversed with, as he was not the sweet and ever-loving Alex I was used to. I quickly sent him the file he had requested, but a reply was nowhere in sight. The minutes ticked by, each second feeling like an eternity as I waited for some kind of feedback.At last, an email notification appeared, signaling a message from AlexMy heart pounded as I opened it, hoping for some positive response or at least constructive criticism. However, what I read left me stunned."Rejected. Not up to standards. Revise and resend."That was it. No specific feedback, no explanation of what was lacking or needed improvement. I felt disheartened and annoyed by his rejection. I couldn't wrap my head around why he was making things so complicated. I went over the document I had sent examining each word and image carefully. I couldn't spot any errors.I was set on getting to the bottom of this so I crafted a reply asking for an explanation."Mr. Hernandez,
I quickly returned to my desk replaying Alex’s words in my mind. One thing I knew about him was that he didn’t say anything he wouldn’t follow through on. I had to save my job. I took a deep breath and tried to focus just then Celine’s sharp voice cut through the air. “Sophie, my office. Now.”I swallowed hard forcing myself to my feet and making my way to Celine’s door. She was already seated behind her desk, her eyes narrowed as I stepped in.“So, I hear Mr. Hernandez rejected your proposal again,” Celine said her voice dripping in disdain.I nodded “Yes and he gave me an almost impossible deadline with my job on the line”Celine scoffed leaning back on the chair .” Of course, he has. The man has to impress our client and they will be here in two days so you can’t fault him for doing his business.”I hesitated unsure of how to respond.” The clients are having the first review in two days?”“And that’s not all. You will be presenting your work to the client at that meeting.” Celine a
“I don’t envy you right now,” Derby said as she saw me scavenging through several files on my desk I looked up at her, a wry smile cut on my lips. “Me and you both” Derby leaned against the edge of my desk her brow furrowed in concern “Is there a way I can help?” I have noticed you always end up doing most of the work and yet you never receive any recognition for your effort.” I shrugged, trying to downplay the situation. “It’s all good, Derby. I’m sure they see how much of an asset I can be so they are trying to harness that.” Derby’s eyes narrowed slightly and I could tell she wasn’t buying my forced optimism. “So what got you so worked up now? I thought you had everything all under control,” she pressed “I thought I did but no matter what I present to him, it never gets approved. It’s just so frustrating.” I complained as I sat on my chair, and before I knew it, tears started gushing from my eyes Derby didn’t utter a word, she just placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and that
At exactly 1 pm, I made my way to the parking lot as instructed, my hands sweating with anticipation. I noticed a black sedan nearby, I figured it was Alex’s, but the tinted windows gave no clue of those inside.I was walking slowly to the car when Alex leaned over and rolled the window down. “Do you need help getting here? Get in, we don’t want to keep him waiting,” he said, this time his voice sharp and lacking any kind of warmth.I just nodded silently and slid into the passenger seat beside him, the air thick with tension between us. The drive to the client’s location was quiet, interrupted only by the sound of engines and occasional car honks with a deliberate avoidance of eye contactAs we pulled up to the towering skyscraper, Alex finally spoke “You ready for this?”I turned to face him, mustering a confident nod, despite the turmoil I felt inside. “As ready as I will ever be.”We exited the car, got ourselves into professional mode, and then started walking toward the building
There was only one thing that repeated itself in my mind, and that was; the right outfit for the event. I didn't want to go there looking like a loser and I was sure that anything I had in the closet wouldn't help me blend in with others either. The mere thought that I had no proper clothing for the occasion, layered with the task of mingling with the high society people, made me horrified.“What did I get myself into? Places like that are not for people like me.” I thought “Where are we going? This is not the way to the office.” I asked glancing nervously at AlexHe didn’t reply. All his attention was directed to the road. Several minutes later we stopped in front of a beautiful-looking boutique with the shop window full of extravagant exquisite evening gowns and accessories.“Get down.” He commanded“What are we doing here?” I asked still confused and looking around “What do they do in places like this?” He replied I stared at him my mouth slightly agape. “You…you are taking me s