CHAPTER SEVEN

The sound of my alarm pierced the silence, marking the beginning of yet another workweek. I groaned, longing to linger in bed a little longer, but responsibility beckoned. I reluctantly rose from the bed and began my morning routine.

When I arrived at the office, I settled in and started reviewing the file I'm to report on this week. I was making good progress when suddenly Mia burst into the room, her eyes red and her face visibly showing she was heartbroken.

"Mia, what's wrong?" I asked, concern etching my features.

Without a word, Mia strode up to my desk and flung the file down in front of me, papers scattering everywhere. "Didn't he like it?" I asked, looking at the papers and then to her face.

"Wouldn't that be better? At least then he would take a look at it to decide," she said, frustratedly.

"Then..." Before I could even complete my thought, she chimed in.

"He wouldn't even look at me or the file. He asked why I'm the one doing it and not you. I even explained it's because I've been in the company for a while and since the project was big, Celine thought it was best to allow me to handle it. But he wouldn't listen to me and told me to get out and call Celine."

"I'm so sorry, Mia,” I said sincerely.

"Who does he even think he is? Why is he acting all tough when he will still be mine? I'm just heartbroken that the only chance I have to build our relationship has been taken away by you," she accused.

"How is this my fault?" I asked, taken aback.

"Maybe if you had not shown your ugly face in the first place, then he wouldn't have had any problem with me handling it. Or did you complain to him?"

"I did no such thing, Mia. I don't even want to work with him," I said firmly.

"Then tell him you have a project already and you can't juggle both," she suggested.

"Okay. Let's just wait for Celine to get out of his office," I stated.

We didn’t have to wait for long before Celine emerged from Alex’s office

“Mia, Sophie, can I see you both in my office for a moment? She asked

Mia and I exchanged a glance before following her. Once inside, she began pouring out all of her frustration

“I just received the longest reprimanding of my life from Mr. Hernandez. I don’t know why it’s a big deal who handles it anyway, but he wants Sophie to continue taking the lead on the landmark project and that’s what it will be because I’m not about to get on the wrong side of my boss,” She said then continued “He will like to see you immediately, Sophie.”

Oh, my God. Why won’t he just let me be? What kind of torment is this? I thought to myself, my heart racing with dread

“Sophie, did you get what I just said to you,” Celine asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

“Yes, I did” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper

Mia tried to protest but Celine promised to give her the next big project. However, Mia wasn’t having it. As we were dismissed, Mia turned to me, her eyes filled with hatred. “Wolf in sheep's clothing,” she whispered before storming out of the office.

I let out a heavy sigh and gathered the scattered files before heading to his office. I paused briefly before knocking on the door, inhaling heavily to calm my nerves. The last thing I wanted in this world was for him to see that he had any effect on me.

“Come in,” he called out, his voice sharp and authoritative.

I pushed open the door and stepped inside trying to project an air of confidence I certainly didn’t feel.”You wanted to see me”

His eyes narrowed as they landed on me “Do you think this is some playground where you get to pick and choose what you work on?”

I blinked taken aback by his cold demeanour. “I-I’m so sorry,” I stammered my heart racing

“Do you know what I hate most?” He asked his voice dripping with disdain

I shook my head mutely, bracing myself for whatever was to come.

“People like you who do things without thinking and believe a simple sorry can change everything. He leaned forward, pinning me with an icy glare. “The world doesn’t revolve around you so you better start acting like it.”

“Alex,” I called out, sadness evident in my eyes.

“It’s Mr. Hernandez for you. We’re not that close,” he corrected, his tone firm and distant.

I swallowed hard feeling like a chastised child. “I’m sorry, Mr Hernandez.

He leaned back in his chair, his expression still rigid. “Good. Now let’s get down to business.”

“I am with the previous file, the one I did earlier before I had to make changes, so it’s different from the one you rejected. I could just send it to you if it’s fine

“Alright, forward it to my email.” He said

I nodded and turned to leave just as I reached for the doorknob, his voice stopped me.

“Sophie,” I looked back at him my heart pounding. “There’s no room for failure or excuses in this project. This is a make-or-break moment for you. Don’t disappoint the company. I would have said ‘me’ but even if you try, you can’t help but disappoint. So be patriotic enough and consider the company that pays you.”

The way he said my name and the words he used on me were so cold and distant that it sent a chill down my spine,” I won’t let you down, Mr Hernandez,” I assured him

“See that you don’t.” He waved a dismissive hand. “Now you can leave.”

Just as I was about to turn the doorknob, his voice stopped me once more.” and Sophie?” I looked back at him my expression wary. “Don’t make the mistake of thinking we’re friends or can be friends. You’re here to do a job. Nothing more.

I felt a lump form in my throat. “Understood, Mr. Hernandez,” I managed before quickly exiting his office, my mind reeling