Chapter 10: Revenge for jealousy

**SOPHIE MADSON'S POV**

I spent the entire time buried among papers and words. Occasionally, I would see someone passing by, looking at me from head to toe, probably because of the incident when Steven complained to the director about how he spoke to me. I was very uncomfortable with the looks, but I could do nothing. Then I looked at the clock and was grateful that it was time for the employees' break—about an hour to have a meal and relax for a few minutes before returning to work.

I headed to the break room, and upon entering, I encountered a colleague who had always been very kind. I greeted him with a big smile, went to the counter where the meals were served, started serving myself, and he did the same. We sat at an empty table in the cafeteria.

"I'm swamped with documents. I left everything until the end of the month," he reveals, initiating a casual conversation.

"Don't even talk about it. These days have been tumultuous for me. But I hope to manage," I confess.

"Of course, you can handle it. You're one of the best employees, Sophie."

I smile in gratitude for the compliment. "You're a great employee, too," I return the compliment.

"What do you think of the new president of the company?" he unexpectedly asks, catching me off guard. I choked on the juice I was drinking and coughed a lot. After taking another sip and feeling relief from the choking sensation, I reply, "Oh, to me... it's all the same!" I shrug, avoiding giving the correct answer. After that incident, we changed the subject, and I enjoyed the pleasant company, continuing to talk about various events in the company.

I'm laughing a lot about what he's telling me, but my attention is taken by Steven, who suddenly passes by the door. He seems to have noticed my presence in the cafeteria, turned around, stopped at the door, and pushed it open even wider.

"Sophie, come with me, please!" he demands.

Hiss's tone suggests he's not in a good mood but seems angry and furious. After bidding farewell to my colleague, I hurriedly leave the cafeteria.

Steven walks to the elevator, and I follow the same path. Luckily, some people are also inside the elevator upon entering. Being alone with Steven would be embarrassing. Arriving at the floor of the presidency, we walk towards his office, passing by the secretary, who watches us with curiosity. After closing the door, he walks towards the desk and turns around, facing me.

"Do your role as a married woman. Don't engage in chit-chat with men," he stares at me with fiery eyes.

I can't understand his reaction. Not long ago, I was just an employee or a woman who married out of convenience. It took a brief conversation with a colleague, and Steven changed his opinion. Very contradictory. Steven sits at the desk and tries to ignore my presence.

" You're insane? Honestly, what you're demanding makes no sense at all." I speak without thinking twice.

"How dare you?" he stands up from the armchair, hitting the table.

" How dare you! We are just work partners, and I was talking respectfully with my friend. Besides, we are not a real couple..." I try to explain.

He grabs a stack of papers from his desk and pushes them to the edge, indicating them to me.

"I want all of these stamped, so I can sign them. Now, and quickly!" He commands.

When I look at the table, I see the number of papers. Considering the quantity, it will be possible to deliver all this quickly. Given the number of pages, it would take days to stamp so many documents that way.

"You're arrogant; you're a..." I restrain myself from swearing.

"Are you not capable? Then work, this way you'll have more work and less time for chit-chat." he insinuates.

I run my hands through my hair, very nervous. I take a deep breath, and he sits back in his chair, ignoring me once again. I pick up the stack of papers he left on the table. It's very heavy, and Steven doesn't even look at me. I turn my back, leaving the room, struggling to carry the damn contracts to my desk.

I was amazed at how my life changed overnight. I look at the number of papers and sigh.

"You have a lot of work ahead!" My coworker appears at the glass door.

"Don't even tell me, a big mission!"

I roll my eyes as she laughs and leaves.

*Hours passed...

My wrist was already sore, and the overtime hours were piling up. I stamped all those papers, and on top of that, I had to confirm the contract numbers on the computer. There were moments when I stamped so hard, venting the anger I felt toward Steven. Some people passing by beyond the door were startled by the noise.

I looked at my wristwatch, and it was already well past my usual hours. I spent the whole afternoon doing this task he ordered. I found it unnecessary since I was hired to be the director's assistant, and Steven has his secretary.

My boss walks in front of me, looking with a victorious smile on his lips, satisfied to see me working so much. This sarcasm makes me quite irritated, but I need to stay strong, so as not to do something that puts my job at risk.

"See you tomorrow, Sophie! " my boss says with a smile.

"See you tomorrow!" I force a smile and roll my eyes afterward.

I am irritated. I don't know what to expect from the next day, as all my days are full of good and bad emotions.

It's hard to understand why Steven did this just because I was talking to a colleague. He never wanted to get married and blames me for all his frustration.

I sigh at the thought and watch people pack up to leave at the normal time while I am still loaded with tasks.