Chapter 88

Sophia's POV.

I woke up to the annoying beeping sound of my alarm. I shifted desperately on the bed in a bid to escape the soft caress of the bed.

Slowly the events from last night flooded my mind and I quickly got up from the bed only to realize that there was no sight of Alex.

We had both fallen asleep naked in each other's arms and I rushed to put on my nightwear and went in search of him.

He was already dressed in the living room and looked like he was about to leave. “Hey, are you leaving?” I asked.

He walked up to me and gave me a soft embrace. “I didn't want to wake you, love. I was going to leave a note. I need to get home for a change of clothes and I'll see you at the office?”

I nodded, my head on his chest. He gave me a kiss on the lips and then was out the door. After he left, I headed to the bathroom to do my morning chores.

Fifteen minutes later, I exited the bathroom, washed and fresh.

I dressed up, still blushing occasionally with the thought of Alex, and walked to the kitchen.

Stephanie's still not back yet so I decided to call her.

I dialed her number and waited.

A whole minute of calling passed and she didn't answer. I was becoming increasingly worried about her.

I tried calling again but this time, she ended the call. Okay, that's rude! What's with her?

I scoffed and turned to prepare my hot chocolate.

I'll call her again on my way to work.

A minute later, my phone buzzed with a message.

I almost crashed the hot chocolate cup in my hand.

I quickly washed my hands on the sink and then went to grab my phone.

I unlocked my phone and checked the message. The message was from...Stephanie?

For a moment, I had thought it was Alex. I felt guilty when I opened the message.

I'll call you later today. I blinked at it.

Huh?

That didn't sound like Stephanie at all. I sighed and checked the time.

I really should get going. I can't do anything but wait for her to call anyway.

I walked outside the apartment, it was a rainy day.

I immensely dislike how gloomy the sky looks when it rains.

I quickly hailed a cab and headed towards the office.

******

I arrived there after some time and went through my normal routine of greeting everyone before ascending to the 50th floor.

It was cold when I got to the office. I quickly turned on the heater and sank into my chair, sighing.

Screw you, Steph! I'm worried.

Stop this, Sophia! You're making a fuss over nothing. She said she'll call later, meaning she'll call later. Focus on your work now.

My inner voice commanded. I tried distracting myself with work. I prepared documents and documents for Alex, and neatly arranged them for him to sign.

I stood up and held the documents to deliver them to his office when my phone rang. I had wanted to ignore it and head on anyways because Alex was the only one that would make me feel better at that moment, when I saw that it was Stephanie calling.

I placed the documents over my desk again and exhaled in relief.

Finally!

“Phew! Finally! You had me so worried. Just what's with—”

“Soph.....wha..who..”

My eyes widened at the sound of her voice.

“S–Steph?” I whispered.

“Wha...who..” My best friend's voice resembled a whisper and it seemed as if she was speaking with a throat filled with thorns.

“S–Stephanie!” My voice came out a loud tremble. “Stephanie, are you okay?”

The line went silent for a second.

“Sophia.” Her voice came out as a faint sigh.

God. God!!!

“Stephanie, where are you? Please answer me.” I tried pleading.

I could hear her loud uneven breathing through the phone. It somehow seemed like she was not completely awake.

“I....don't know.....where I am..” She breathed lowly. My own breathing now became abnormal.

“Steph....I beg you, focus on me for a bit.” I pleaded. My heart pounded faster than ever.

The line remained silent. “Stephanie! Please answer me!” Still no answer.

“Stephan—”

“Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh” Her screech cut me off.

I almost dropped the phone and let it crash to the ground at her insane scream. My breath stuck in my throat.

My stomach was tied up in a knot. My mouth became as dry as a desert.

And my eyes widened with a shiver.

“Steph?! Stephanie, what's wr—”

“Don't come!!! Don't come here!” Her screaming was irrational.

My legs could not hold me anymore.

“Stephanie, calm down, just-just tell me where you ar—” I trembled and tears welled up in my eyes.

“No! I won't.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I won't tell you...” Her voice resembled that of a psycho and it was as if she was seeing hell before her.

“Stephanie, what's with you? Please, you're scaring me...” I muttered, shaking.

“No! Sophia! You can't come here!” And she broke into uncontrollable sobs after that.

My tears cascaded down.

Stephanie has always been one to control her emotions but now, she was sobbing uncontrollably.

What's happening?

“Steph....” I mouthed through my tears. “I beg you. I beg you to tell me where you are...” I sobbed. “Please.”

She kept on sobbing on the other side.

“Sophia....I can't...I'm so sor—” She was cut off as she gasped loudly.

“Good afternoon, Ms O'Brien.” And I collapsed onto my knees.