Chapter 119
Matthew wasn't like Emily, who would join Sophie in cursing out their terrible bosses. He just said a few simple words, but somehow that was enough to make Sophie feel better.
"Do you want to ask Henry and Joshua over for dinner?" Sophie also texted Emily to see if she was free.
"Shouldn't feeling better make you want to eat more?" Matthew could sense the change in her mood.
Sophie shook her head. "I just want to do it."
"Want to do it?" Matthew's eyes focused on her.
Sophie was about to nod when another meaning suddenly hit her. Her face warmed up, and she glared at Matthew. "I want to cook!"
"That's what I meant cook." Matthew texted Henry, completely straight-faced. "Nothing else."
Sophie didn't believe him for a second.
After sending the message, Matthew looked at her again. "Were you thinking of something else just now?"
Sophie glared at him, puffing up with annoyance.
She used to be a bit flirty, but that was based on knowing he wouldn't actually do anything to her, so she dared to be bold.
Now things were different.
She didn't dare tease him anymore. The corners of Matthew's mouth lifted.
As soon as he texted asking if they wanted to come for dinner, everyone rushed over.
Henry and Joshua arrived together, with only Emily coming a bit later.
Seeing the table full of dishes, Emily's eyes lit up.
"You've got skills!" Henry looked impressed, rubbing his hands together as he picked up his chopsticks.
Matthew said, "Treasure it."
Henry paused at those words. "What do you mean? Is this the last supper or something?"
"Shut up." Sometimes Matthew really didn't like listening to his friend talk - not pleasant to hear.
Emily looked at Sophie. "What's going on? Did you win the lottery or something?"
"No."
"Then why'd you make so much food?" Emily knew Sophie could cook, but only when she was in a good mood and had plenty of time.
Sophie sighed and gave everyone a smile. "I got fired."
Henry looked at her.
Joshua's outstretched hand stopped mid-air.
Emily frowned. "What's wrong with your boss?"
"How did the compensation negotiation go?" Henry got serious immediately. "Show me your contract. I'll help you get the maximum benefit."
Sophie couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry, they won't short me on compensation. No need to trouble yourself."
"So what are your plans now?" Emily wasn't worried about Sophie finding work - she was capable and could do anything.
"No plans." Sophie shrugged. "I'll rest first, and look for work when I feel like working again."
Henry said, "Finding work is easy. You could work at the family company or come to my law firm - do whatever you want. Or if there's a company you want to join, just tell me and I'll help you."
Matthew hadn't said anything, just occasionally looking up at Sophie.
Sophie shook her head. "No plans for now. We'll see later."
After working so hard for so many years, it was rare to have this kind of opportunity to rest. Maybe this was a chance for her to relax and take a break.
After dinner, Matthew volunteered to clean up.
Emily wanted to help, but Sophie pulled her away.
With Matthew taking action, Henry and Joshua couldn't just sit around either. Three big men squeezed into the small kitchen, making it look especially crowded.
"Pretty hardworking." Emily smiled. "These days, men who can make money and are also hardworking - there aren't many of those."
"Pick one." Sophie was half-joking.
Emily laughed. "Like it's my turn to pick."
"Henry usually seems all jokey and unreliable, but he's actually pretty good once you get to know him. Young, handsome, loaded. You know Joshua well, and he even pretended to be your boyfriend - you could make it real."
"As for Matthew..."
Emily immediately covered her mouth. "Don't just say anything."
Sophie didn't take it seriously at all. "If you like Matthew, I could give him up for you."
Emily rolled her eyes hard. "If I liked Matthew, would I even be human?"
Sophie hugged Emily. "Men are like clothes - doesn't matter."
"Come on." Emily gently pushed her away. "If that day really came, you'd totally come after me with a knife."
Sophie pouted. "No I wouldn't."
The two chatted about random things, laughing without any restraint.
The three men washed dishes, wiped tables, and mopped floors - clear division of labor, very harmonious.
Hearing the two women laugh wildly from time to time, they were all amazed at what women were like when they let loose.
"That company is a complete mess internally right now. Layoffs were bound to happen sooner or later. But for her to go this early, did she offend someone?" Henry stood next to Matthew.
"Aren't you handling a divorce case for someone? Ask around." Though he wasn't afraid of Sophie offending anyone, if someone made her upset, he couldn't just let it go.
Henry nodded. "I'll ask later."
Matthew wiped the counter until it was shining.
"Now that she's not working, you two can start planning the baby thing. Uncle and Auntie seem pretty anxious about it." Henry leaned against the side.
Matthew thought about how Sophie had rushed to buy emergency contraception that day. He wiped the cabinet counter with his finger. His fingertip came away clean. He rubbed his fingers together lightly. "No rush."
"Having a baby is the result, what you want is the process." Henry's smile turned sleazy.
Matthew resisted the urge to punch him. "Get lost after eating."
Henry clicked his tongue. "Heartless."
When it got dark, they didn't stay long before leaving.
The house suddenly returned to its previous quiet.
Sophie sat on the sofa hugging her knees, glancing at Matthew who had just come in from taking a call on the balcony. "You're still not leaving?"
Matthew looked down, replying to an email.
"They all went home. Aren't you going?"
Matthew finished replying to the email and stood right in front of her. "Are you still mad?"
"No." Sophie was already fine.
"Go shower and sleep." Matthew walked up to her and reached out his hand.
Sophie looked at his hand - the wedding ring on his ring finger caught the light, giving off a somewhat gentle glow.
"You go back to your place."
Matthew didn't argue with her. He bent down to pick her up.
Sophie dodged, and Matthew missed.
"What are you doing?"
Matthew was very patient. He reached out again, grabbed her waist directly, and hoisted her over his shoulder.
Sophie hadn't expected him to carry her like this.
She pounded on his shoulder, her legs kicking wildly. "Put me down!"
"Don't move around." Matthew lightly patted her butt. "It'll hurt if you fall."
Sophie was both annoyed and embarrassed by his pat.
Ever since that one time, he hadn't been as proper as before.
Matthew carried her to the bathroom and set her down in the shower stall.
Sophie glared at him angrily. "Matthew..."
"You wash, or should I help you wash? Or, together?" Before she could scold him, Matthew threw out this question.