Chapter 12

Sofia's POV

Things keeps getting worse but this time, Marie was my biggest problem. I can handle her in one go and make sure I keep her where she's supposed to but I fear for what Alexander would do to me.

Now, it's not even all about Marie, her devilish bestie, Annie and some other workers. I can definitely deal with Marie, but what about others?

My happiness had died down suddenly.

I wasn't my self anymore.

I wish to be that happy lady that I was while growing up. It's been weeks since I last heard from grandma and Devon.

I missed them badly and wanted to hear from them. I know they're not lacking because why would they when Alexander always provide enough food.

I needed to drop a sketch file at Alexander's office because I was asked to do so since Marie is no where to be found.

I wonder where she has gone to–Gossip, of course, where else.

And she's the same dull brain human who would go about telling Alexander that I'm not serious with my work meanwhile she'd leave work with some interns and go about gossiping with Annie and some co–workers.

Taking the step bit by bit, my body seemed to be jittering and I can't tell why. My sight was blur and i felt like my consciousness were wavering off. I held the wall and tried my best to position my steps and eventually, I did.

Still walking, I had to stop due to the mutterings I heard.

"She just started few weeks ago and had collected payments just twice and yet she's glowing like this." Winced frustrated Marie.

It was clear she was referring to none other than me.

"I wonder what would happen when Alexander finally starts taking care of her." Annie added making Marie grumble.

What a bad friend.

I feel she's just saying those words to spike Marie up and indeed the magic worked.

Well, I wasn't interested in hearing the spiteful words they were saying do I just walked out.

On reaching Alexander's office, I gave a slight knock and the door chimed before opening on it's in accord—Alexander did open it with the remote though.

"Sir, i brought the file." He raised his head up looking at me before nodding his head and brought out his arms, indicating that I hand over the file to him.

There was this warm feeling that I never want to die, this peace that I wanted to still exist. I never thought for I and my husband to be strangers of act like one. Even at that, calling Alexander by his name if not sir would be the weirdest thing ever.

****

"In this design unit, you all would have to make a very nice dress that would be used for an upcoming project. You have to out your best in this as the CEO would inspect the dresses by himself." Dona announced.

This was going to be a very big one.

I prepared my mind and in no time everyone got down to work in the designing quarter.

What exactly could be wrong with Marie? Why the hell was she smiling at me?

I snickered at her and immediately, a friend appeared on her face with creased brows. She was walking up to me this time.... The actual heck!.

"If I were you, I'd give up because you clearly can't beat me." She affirmed and scurried away the moment she spotted Alexander walking in.

Psycho!

My mind raced as she stood up, trying to hide the tear in My dress. But it was too late - the damage was done.

I could feel everyone's eyes on me, and i felt like I was going to faint. I wanted to run away, but I knew she had to face the music.

"Miss Sofia, are you okay?" The chairman who is Dona asked. "We noticed a tear in your dress."

My cheeks burned with embarrassment.

"I'm so sorry," i stammered, my heart pounding in my chest. "I must have caught my dress on something while I was picking up the papers. I can fix it, I promise!"

Dona frowned. "I'm afraid that won't be possible. We have to continue with the presentation."

I wanted to cry. I had worked so hard on this dress, and now it was ruined. And worse, everyone was watching me, judging me. Dona cleared his throat.

"We can either move on to the next presentation, or we can give you some time to compose yourself and come back later. It's up to you."

I hesitated.

Part of me wanted to run away and never come back, but i knew that wasn't an option. I had to face this head-on.

Taking a deep breath and forced myself to meet Dona's gaze.

"I'd like to continue with my presentation, please."

Dona nodded. "Very well. Please proceed.

I knew that the rest of my presentation would be a disaster.

I could barely see through my tears, and my voice was shaking. But i forced myself to keep going, to finish what i had started.

As I worked, i could feel the eyes of the board members boring into me.

They looked at me with pity, with disgust. I felt like a failure, a fool. My cheeks burned with shame.

The judgemental gaze I got from Alexander burned me up.

Finally, it was over.

I stumbled off the stage, my legs like jelly. I wanted to Disappear.

I ran as fast as i could, my heart pounding in my chest.

I couldn't bear to face anyone, not after what had just happened. I ran until I reached the women's restroom, where I collapsed against the wall and let the tears flow freely. I felt like a failure, everyone mocked me.

I sat there for what felt like hours, sobbing and struggling to catch my breath.

Finally, I pulled herself together enough to stand up and wash my face.

I looked at myself in the mirror, and what i saw was a mess.