The cluster

Sophia's eyes gleamed up as soon as she set her eyes on old lady Nancy, the overseer of all domestic works in Jason's house. She was an old, kind but strict woman in her early sixties.

"Sophia." The woman called as she got to where Sophia was. Sophia was on her feet already.

"Have your seat." Lady Nancy said. Sophia quietly complied and the old lady took a seat opposite her.

"I'll go to the point. I have many other things to do. Sophia, I'm sorry, a job couldn't be secured for you here."

 Sophia's pupils dilated. "Why?" She blurted out without even knowing it.

"Someone else passed the screening and currently, there's no vacancy."

It looked like all hopes were lost for her. She not getting a job here meant she had to go back to those menial jobs she used to do. Those jobs were not enough for her to make make enough money to pay up her mother's bills.

"I thought--"

She was about to say something then she got cut off. "Sophia, I'm so sorry you weren't accepted. I would've loved to have you work here but I'm not in place to do anything. The choice was made by the young master."

Sophia sighed. What else could she do?

She stood up and bowed her head slightly. "Thank you very much, Lady Nancy. I appreciate all you've done and if there's vacancy at any point in time, please--"

"What's going on here?" A thick, cold, masculine voice questioned.

Lady Nancy rose to her feet immediately and bowed her head. "Young master."

 After a few strides, he reached the first floor. 

Sophia's head was still up. She was obviously blown by his appearance. That was the very first time she'd be setting her eyes on that man who had the whole business industry in that state in his palm. Sophia looked at him well and her eyes glistened up. Jason Carlos ! Ofcourse it's him,her eyes could not be deceiving her. She surely remembered him. Jason , her rich  high school bad boy ! He was very popular then because he came from a very wealthy family and to crown it all,he was very handsome. He was every girl's crush then including hers,so how could she ever forget him?  She just couldn't believe he was standing right in front of her right now putting on sweats and  white shirt  revealing his chest.

"Bow! That's Master Jason." Lady Nancy instructed in a quite hoarse voice. How dare she look into Master Jason's eyes.

"I asked a question." Jason's voice came again, this time in a lower voice. His aura was very cold and it got through Sophia's clothes to her skin. His cologne filled her nostrils and she swore at that moment, he smelled really good and expensive.

"She was an applicant for the post of housekeeper. You appointed someone else."

Jason's eyes moved to Sophia. He assessed her from head to toe and in a split second, Sophia was on her knees, her eyes fixed to the ground. She rubbed her sweaty palms on her laps nervously and swallowed hard. This was how far she could go. The man's aura alone made her have the mindset that she didn't stand a chance there. But she had to try. 

"Sir, please. I really...really need this job. My life depends on it. I beg--"

 She got cut off abruptly. 

"Appoint her as my personal helper."

 Lady Nancy looked up suddenly. "But--"

"I fired her. She talks too much." He said finally and walked to the mini bar which was many steps away from where they were.

Sophia couldn't believe her ears. She was just as surprised as Lady Nancy. Just like that? Did he recognise her? There was no way he could have recognised her because she was just a lowly girl back at school and he barely even noticed her .

 "Congratulations Sophia. But remember, don't talk too much, your steps mustn't make sounds, he hates dirt. So as not to end up like that girl. Be careful. I wish you good luck."

***

"This is the best time to strike." James Carlos, Jason's father stated with so much determination in his eyes.

 "No dad, it's not." Jason argued.

"On what grounds?" James asked. He looked irritated and annoyed already that Jason was going against his words.

"Stocks will plummet any moment from now. I can't invest yet."

"What are you saying, son? The stock market is rocketing right now. Sign the deal and make the investment."

"I can't." Jason stood his ground.

James clenched his fists. "If anything goes wrong with the deal with RN Group, you'll be held responsible."

***

It was around six n the evening. Sophia knocked on the door gently. She had to do everything with caution. "I can't lose my job at this point." She decided in her mind and I have to get back to the hospital as well.

 "Come in." A gentle, thick but icy voice ordered. She entered into the dark room and she wondered why the lights weren't on.

For some seconds, there was silence in the room as none of them said anything.

 Sophia finally realized she was the one that was supposed to talk first. Lady Nancy was supposed to be here instead of her but an issue came up.

"I'm...Sophia. Your...new...domestic assistant. I brought you dinner." She picked her words out carefully. Even despite that, she exuded boldness, which irritated Jason.

"Why are you here? Where's Lady Nancy?" There was a bit of anger in his tone. Was the old lady slacking off now that he had a new domestic assistant?

"She had a minor break down." She briefly explained. Jason's anger reduced immediately. "Is she okay? Where is she now?"

 He spoke coldly but still with care.

"She's in her room, resting." 

There was another round of silence again before Jason spoke. "Take the food back and leave." He instructed.

Sophia was surprised. "But--" She tried to protest but she was shut up immediately.

 "Get out!" He ordered and Sophia trembled. Immediately, she turned around and opened the door to leave. Even though the room was dark, she could locate the door easily which was behind her.

It took quite a while before Sophia could become calm. She never liked it when people yell at her and it causes her distability for quite a while. She let out a sigh of relief when she became calm.

 "Why is he so cold?" She let out, looking annoyed. She had heard rumors that he was frigid and no one works with him for a long period of time, apart from Lady Nancy but she never expected it to be this worse.

Just then, a call came in to her phone and as she picked up, the person on the other line said in a shaky voice. "Sophia, mum collapsed again."

It didn't cost Sophia a minute to leave Jason's mansion. Her sister's voice kept ringing in her head over and over again. She stopped a cab and got in then headed to the hospital where her mum was.

 "Mum, please be fine." She prayed so earnestly.