For the next 5 days, Sophia couldn't get Atticus words off her mind.
A strange, creeping fear followed her everywhere she went. She found herself constantly glancing over her shoulder, though she didn't know why. Sleep became harder each night as fragments of that night flashed through her mind like broken pieces of a nightmare — pieces she couldn't quite fit together.
It was beginning to mess with her work, especially the pounding headache she experiences when the images comes to her mind.
Closing her eyes. She muttered under her breath. "What the hell is wrong with me?".
"I'm sorry, I didn't quite get that. You don't like it?" a woman asked, holding out a peach-colored mockup toward her, everyone in the conference room turned to her, with puzzled looks.
Sophia gave an akward chuckle. " Sorry...I think it is good but it could use some work. The people we are talking about feel they are okay. Until things become worse that's when they take action. So this campaign is our way to tell them to stop and take their health seriously. And what you presented won't work with the audience we are working with". Sophia responded.
Everyone nodded, "that's true Dr Williams these people won't understand this. So bringing it to their level is better than trying to make something sophisticated". Dr Lee said, nodding.
"Agreed". Sophia replied." And also, we need standardized procedures to ensure maximum patient care...With that the, meeting is adjourned". Everyone nodded again and walked out.
Sophia sighed as she rest her head on palms.
"This is getting weird, why am I being suddenly so scared?". Sophia said placing her hands in her chest. Her heart beat was racing as she felt sweat build up on her for head.
"Ok, stop being scared. No one is here". She said trying to steady her nerves.
"Ma'am?".
Sophia looked up to see Maya standing in the doorway.
"You have no more meeting for today". Maya continued gently.
"How come?". Sophia said, raising a brow.
"It's Friday, sir jasper cleared all your meetings". Maya replied.
Sophia stood up in shock." What?, why would he do that". She exclaimed.
"He said you have a meeting with him". Maya replied quietly.
"And you let him". Sophia snapped.
"He said you knew about it". Maya replied, her voice small.
Sophia scoffed. "The nerve of that man". She looked at Maya again. Her tone sharp. "You should have told me first before you did such a thing".
"Well ma'am... sir jasper said said if I didn't, he'd come to your meeting and make a scene". Maya replied
Sophia's jaw tightened "Then you tell me then, don't ever cancel my meetings again without informing me". Sophia said firmly.
"Yes mam, it won't happen again". Maya said calmly.
"Oh it won't because next time it does, you are fired". Sophia said and walked out of the room.
Maya sighed in relief and followed behind.
######
The ball room was grand and elegant, with large marble columns reaching up to the ceiling and intricate patterns of silver adorning the walls.
The floor were polished and smooth, and the scent of champagne filled the air, a subtle music playing in the background. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, soft glow over the room.
Several tables had been set up around the edges of the room, covered in white tablecloths and decorated with small arrangements of fresh flowers.
"This is what you canceled all my plans for?" Sophia whispered in Jasper's ear.
Jasper smiled as he shook hands with the man in front of him. "Thank you, Mr. Antonio. I'll have my HR team look into that," he said before turning to Sophia, sliding an arm around her waist.
"Well, yeah". He replied, staring at her intently. "You look lovely". He murmured, his eyes lingering on her.
Sophia stood beside Jasper in a flowing blue gown that shimmered slightly under the chandelier's glow. The dress hugged her figure gracefully before cascading to the floor, its fabric moving like water with every subtle shift. Her dark hair framed her face in soft waves, and her deep, opal-dark eyes seemed to sparkle with the light, giving her an air of quiet strength and poise.
Sophia frowned under his stare.
"Jasper what's wrong with you?, why would you bring me to a ballroom?". Sophia demanded.
Jasper smirked. "Because I felt like it". His silver eyes glinted with mischief.
Sophia sighed in frustration. "Well, I hope you start unfeeling it, because if this happens again, it might just be the last time my secretary picks up your call". Sophia glared.
Jasper swallowed,the corner of his mouth twitching. "Fine, it won't happen again...". He cupped her cheek gently, "Baby girl". He teased.
Sophia turned her face away with an irritated hiss.
Jasper chuckled quietly, his eyes fixed on her.
"Jasper Reynolds, it is so nice to meet you". A man called out, walking towards them.
Jasper turned, his expression brightening. "Cavendish! Wow—what a surprise to see you here."
"Indeed," Cavendish said with a grin. "And who's this lovely woman with you?" He extended his hand toward Sophia and gave a playful wink.
Before Sophia could take it, Jasper stepped in and shook Cavendish's hand himself.
"My date," Jasper said smoothly.
Cavendish chuckled, eyeing Sophia with curiosity. "Never seen her at gatherings like this before."
Jasper nodded. "Indeed, you haven't she is more of a quiet person".
Sophia sighed. She wasn't used to events like this—she didn't even like them. She preferred her normal life, her peace, where she didn't have to act a certain way or pretend to belong. But Jasper always managed to drag her into his world.
He was the only person who could pull her out of her quiet life. The only one who had stayed when everyone else abandoned her. She never fully understood why he stuck around—but he did. He'd even stood up to his parents for her.
Jasper Reynolds was born into wealth, the Reynolds family was the richest in the city. His spoon wasn't silver; it was gold.
They had met back in school. Sophia hadn't liked him much at first. Maybe because he was rich. Maybe because he had so many friends while she had none. Or maybe it was the way he looked at her, as if she didn't belong.
When their teacher paired them to sit together, Jasper had protested. He had his clique, the rich ones and he made sure she knew she wasn't part of it. He complained about everything she did: she played too much, her books were messy, even the way she ate.
And because of her quiet, burning need for friendship, Sophia tried to follow his ridiculous rules. But when they got caught talking, Jasper's friends always blamed her. Every time.
She would go behind the school and cry, swallowing the pain of rejection. She never told anyone, she just carried it, silently.