Alex's POV.
I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. Already annoyed, I picked up without looking at the caller ID.
“Yes?”
“Hey, baby.”
Oh God, no! I couldn't deal with her this early in the morning.
“What is it?” I snapped.
“Oh, c'mon. I should be the angry one here as you didn't even invite me to your birthday vacation. But that's okay, considering my condition.”
“What exactly do you want?” I snapped again, ignoring her and knowing fully well what she wanted.
“I need more money baby. My cravings are getting worse.” She whined. It was all about money for her. I sighed. She didn't disappoint me after all.
“I won't be in the office today, but you can come around tomorrow and I'll write you a check,” I said.
“Or, maybe I can just come around today and your accountant would write me the check like he did the last time?”
I was annoyed at the hurt and disappointment I got that she didn't even seem to want to lay eyes on me but was only interested in the money.
“Fine,” I said curtly.
“Oh...Thank you, thank you bab—”
I ended the call abruptly, berating myself for the stupid mistake I made in spilling my seed into her.
Looking at the time, I realized that I was getting late for the meeting that Steve and I would be attending. I quickly got off the bed and went into the bathroom for a quick shower.
This meeting was only just scheduled last night and I hadn't gotten a chance to tell Sophia yet. I made a mental note to just text it to her while on my way to the venue.
Just when I was about to leave the house, I realized that I needed some important documents for the meeting. Documents that I could only get at the office.
Guess I'd be in the office after all. Even if it was just briefly.
*****
I arrived at the company and quickly dashed into the elevator going to my office.
A part of me was excited at the fact that I'd see Sophia again, even though briefly.
Just as I got off the elevator and started walking towards my office door, I heard voices. Female voices.
What the hell?
I looked to my left into Sophia's office but she wasn't at her desk.
I was about to open the door when I heard something that stopped me in my tracks.
“You think he loves you?” Then came a malicious chuckle. “Oh honey, he's just using you and when he tires of you, he'll throw you off and go to the next available thing in a skirt.”
What in the actual hell was Emily doing in my office?
And who was she talking to?
I was about to find out for myself when I reached out again to open the door but just as I was about to, the door came crashing open and Sophia matched out. Before I could move aside, she had already stumbled into me, lost her balance, and started falling backward but caught herself just in time. Emily gave an audible gasp.
“I thought you said you wouldn't be coming in today, Alex?” She whispered, her hands covering her mouth in shock.
I was about to give her a piece of my mind when I stopped short. Something just wasn't right and I was trying to place my fingers on it.
I stared hard at Emily and just then, it hit me!
Isn't she supposed to be....pregnant?
I didn't know much about the female body but even I know that for a pregnancy that's well over six months, surely her stomach shouldn't be this....flat.
“Emily,” I called sternly. “Did you lie to me about your pregnancy?”
She was stunned into silence.
“N–No, it's–um....it's not what you–think. It's just taking a while to form.”
I laughed non-comically at this.
“Do you take me for a fool?!” I barked.
I noticed Sophia flinch out of the corner of my eye and I looked towards her to see tears pooling already at the corners of her eyes.
I felt like strangling the life out of Emily. I felt like a fool myself. I just took her word for it and didn't bother to ask for any kind of proof to confirm.
Although, now that I think of it, if she could do this, I wouldn't put it past her to get fake proof.
“Get out!” I said softly, the anger bubbling inside me. “Alex, plea—”
“I said get out!” I yelled.
She must have seen the anger in my face for she jumped, grabbed her stuff, and headed towards the door but before she could leave, I grabbed her arm and whispered to her.
“You disgust me. I don't want to ever see or hear from you again. Get the hell out of my life, Emily.”
She snatched her hand away and stormed off.
I looked towards Sophia and noticed the tears already falling down her cheeks.
Damn you! Emily!
I walked towards her but she took a step backwards.
Did she believe everything Emily said? After everything we shared in Florida?
“Sophia.” I reached for her again but she moved back, away from my grasp.
She wiped her cheeks and looked me square in the face. “I would like to take the day off. I don't think I feel so good.”
I let out a sigh. I couldn't possibly say no to her.
“Alright. I'll tell my chauffeur to drop you off.”
“Alex, I'll be fine.”
I wasn't about to allow her to take the bus in this state I ignored her, walked over to my desk, and picked up the office landline. I dialed Josh's number.
“Josh.”
“Mr Hayes.” He said.
“Ms. O'Brien will be in the parking lot in a few minutes, drop her off at her apartment. Alright?”
“Okay.” He said and I hung up.
She started walking out towards the elevators.
“Bye, Alex.” She said as she got in the elevator.
“Bye, Sophia,” I said, just in time before the elevator doors closed.
Damn! I miss her already.
But just what the hell did Emily tell her that's got her like this?
I went back into the office to get the documents and I quickly went back out, calling Steve to come pick me up.
Just as I was stepping out of the building, I saw Steve walking towards me. Shouldn't he be waiting in the car?
“The meeting has been canceled.”
My jaw dropped. “What the hell? And you couldn't have just told me that over the phone?”
He shrugged, smirking.
I wasn't in the mood for jokes and I felt like punching him.
I retraced my steps back up, scowling at almost everything and everyone.
Just as I was settled back in my desk, there was a knock on the door and Steve strolled in.
“Are you alright?” He raised a brow.
“Yeah.” I nodded.
“So have you got any plans for the evening?” He asked.
“Not really.”
I did consider showing up at her apartment but now, it sounded like a bad idea. She didn't want to be alone with me. And I couldn't blame her, to be honest.
“Great.” Steve rubbed his hands in excitement. “So you don't mind sending the quotes to our Japanese clients?”
“Wait, what? Japanese clients? Those were supposed to be delivered before last night.”
Steve crossed his arm over his chest. “Well you're right, but I was busy.”
“So why not do it now?”
“I have a date.” He smiled mischievously.
Steve? A date?
“So you expect me to do your work so you can go on a date?” I narrowed my eyes. “All I can say now is please.”
I rubbed my eyes in frustration. “Go.”
He chuckled.
The sound of the door closing made me open my eyes.
Sometimes, I don't like him one bit.
The rest of the day passed at a snail's pace but finally, at 8 pm, I was done.
I was on my way home when I decided to go over to her apartment anyway, just to check on her.
On the way, I got some chicken soup. Something to cheer her up.
Just as I got to her apartment and was about to knock, the door swung open, revealing the most unexpected person. His eyes grew wide for a moment upon seeing me.
“Thank you for your time, Colin.” I heard a voice behind him and glanced past him to see Sophia walking up to us.
A surprised look fell on her face. “Alex.”
Colin cleared his throat and he muttered to Sophia, “I'll see you later.” With that, he left us alone. I snapped my gaze back to her.