Chapter 85
Sophia didn't dare call Mia too often, afraid Mia might sense something was off. Mia's health was already fragile, and if she found out Sophia was hurt, Sophia worried she'd leave the hospital.
"Is that all? Don't stress, I'll visit your mom right after my shift and give you a full update," Evelyn reassured her.
Sophia felt a warm sensation in her heart and smiled softly. "Thanks, Evelyn."
After they hung up, Evelyn sold the last bottle of liquor at the bar and headed straight to the hospital where Mia was staying.
As soon as she walked in, she saw Mia getting an IV. Carrying a bag of fruit, she greeted her with a cheerful smile. "Mrs. Wilson, I'm here to see you. You look so much better since switching hospitals."
Mia's face lit up when she saw Evelyn. Evelyn was the only true friend her daughter had, so Mia was always particularly happy to see her.
"Evelyn, it's been ages since I last saw you. What have you been up to lately?"
"Mrs. Wilson, I've been wanting to visit, but work's been crazy and I just couldn't find the time."
Mia sighed deeply. "Sophia has been such a burden on you since coming to Emerald City, hasn't she? Is she on a business trip again, leaving you to take care of me? Evelyn, I'm really fine. Sophia just worries too much and can't let go."
Business trip? Evelyn blinked in confusion. Sophia was on a business trip?
Why would she hide that from me? Why be so secretive? Evelyn thought something was off, but didn't want to worry Mia. She suspected Sophia wasn't telling the whole truth to avoid making her mother anxious.
"Mrs. Wilson, it's no trouble at all. I'm off work now and have some free time, so I thought I'd stop by. Please don't feel like you're a burden."
Mia's eyes welled up. Ever since she got sick, she felt pity for Sophia, and it always made her sad.
"I don't know when I'll get better. I keep troubling everyone. I hope that after my surgery, I can recover and help you and Sophia around the house. When you get old, the worst fear is becoming useless, unable to help, and just being a burden."
Evelyn felt a pang of sadness at Mia's words. "Mrs. Wilson, don't say that. Just getting better is the best thing you can do for us."
Leaving the hospital, Evelyn went home and called Sophia.
"Sophia, are you coming to the bar? The manager called and needs to know if you're working tonight. If not, she'll find someone to replace you."
Though working at the bar wasn't glamorous, it was a coveted position. The bar was one of the most famous in Emerald City, and the sales there were much higher than elsewhere. Many people were eager to get a spot there.
Sophia, lying in her hospital bed, glanced at her wound. After James brought her back, the doctor had re-bandaged it, and it was healing well.
If it weren't for the upcoming event, she would have been discharged today. But Sophia wasn't one to complain. As long as she was alive, a little injury wasn't a big deal.
After a moment's hesitation, she said softly, "Of course, I'll work. The bar pays more than my regular job."
Hayden had cut her off financially. Although she had a job, she'd completely fallen out with Hayden and could be fired any day. Losing the bar job would be disastrous.
"Have you sorted everything out? You need to be at the bar by 4 PM. Should I ask the manager for time off for you?"
Sophia had only told Evelyn she was busy but hadn't mentioned her injury.
Sophia thought for a moment. Her wound wasn't too bad, and working at the bar wasn't physically demanding—just serving drinks.
"Okay, Evelyn, I'll be there at 4 PM."
They hung up, and at 4 PM, Sophia checked out of the hospital, changed clothes, and headed to the bar.
As she walked in, she saw Evelyn at the bar, setting up drinks on a cart. Evelyn looked up, surprised.
"Sophia, what happened? You look so thin!"
Sophia smiled. "Really? Maybe my diet is working."
Evelyn rolled her eyes, annoyed. "You're already too thin. If you lose more weight, you'll have no strength left."
Sophia knew Evelyn was worried about her and felt a warmth in her heart. "I know. How many rooms have guests tonight?"
Evelyn thought for a moment. "It's still early, but 20 rooms are booked. The guests will be here soon. I've set up the drinks, so you just need to serve them."
Sophia saw that Evelyn had indeed prepared the drinks. "Got it."
As Sophia turned to leave, Evelyn grabbed her wrist. "Sophia, you don't look well. Are you sure you're okay? I can tell the manager you need more time."
Sophia smiled and shook her head. "Thanks, Evelyn. I'm fine. Let's get to work. I need the money."
Evelyn knew Sophia needed the money and, seeing her forced smile, didn't press further.