Bake Me A Cake London.

Sophia picked up her work tablet to finish up with her task. The past few weeks had been hectic due to some changes and redevelopments in the company's structure ,and as the Chief Technology Officer, her responsibilities doubled up.

Just then,her phone rang “Hi bestie, how're you doing?” the sweet voice said immediately she picked the call . “Hey Emily, I am good and you?” Sophia responded ,her voice beaming with excitement.

“I'm fine,I know you don't want to hear this but I just feel it's best I let you know.” Emily said, sounding serious. “What's that?” Sophia asked ,her heart beating fast in anxiety.

“Your father's company is going bankrupt Sophia.I know this isn't easy to hear but it's been going through some major financial crisis for a while now,”

“Initially,it started out as a rumour but it's finally happening.” Emily said in a sympathetic tone. As the news sank in, Sophia's voice began to shake as a pang of sadness and regret hit her. Still trying to compose herself ,she sighed deeply.

”Thank you Emily…. thank you for your concern” she whispered,her voice laced with an uneven mixture of sadness and guilt.

As the call ended,a wave of emotions washed over her . Her father's company,his entire achievements and source of pain was crumbling helplessly. Although her father had disowned her,she still had a committed sense of care and loyalty to him and the thought of him going through a crisis sent shivers down her spine.

Just then ,her phone beeped .It was an official email, curiously she opened it and scrolled through the contents. Suddenly, Sophia's eyes froze on a single sentence , leaving her gasping for breath .

“Oh my God!!” she exclaimed as her greatest and dreaded fear was staring right in her face in a sentence.

“A work transfer to New York City!”

***

“I received the mail sir but I'm afraid I won't be taking the position.“Sophia said in a soft, pleading tone.Her gaze fixed on the polished mahogany desk in front of her. Placed conspicuously on the desk was a shiny golden plaque which read “Mr Kaius, Global Head of Kairos Companies”.

Mr Kaius leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he regarded her with a thoughtful expression. His face was a map of fine lines and wrinkles, etched into his skin by years of experience and wisdom.

"Sophia, I'm glad we could meet in person," he said in a low, comforting voice. "I know you're hesitant about the offer, but let me assure you, this is a unique opportunity that doesn't come often.”

A flutter in her chest, Sophia nodded, the implications of this job offer racing around her brain. She had always been competitive, a drive to succeed and prove herself in the cutthroat world of finance.

But this…. this particular case was different. This was a chance to take on a challenge that would make or break her career and personal life. "I appreciate the offer sir," she managed to say, her voice as steady as possible. "But I am not the right person for this task. New York is a huge market, and I do not want to take on something I am not ready for as there are lots of circumstances influencing my decision.”

Hearing this ,Mr. Kaius leaned forward, his eyes shining with intensity. "That is why we want you Sophia," he said.You are just what we need for New York; your experience and skills are perfect to effect a turn around there.”

“Actually, there has been certain

problems at our New York office”. He added hesitantly. Sophia's heart flipped as he stopped, his expression very grave. "Some fraudulent practices were detected, and we want someone with your skills and expertise to sort the mess out."

She felt a wave of emotions wash over her: shock, anger, and a tinge of fear. Fraud? In the New York office? It couldn't be. "Why do you think I can handle it?" she asked, trying to keep her voice neutral.

Mr. Thompson smiled, a warm, reassuring smile. “Think about this,why do you think I adopted you as my goddaughter just two years after you started working here?

"Because you have a reputation for being one of the best in this business," he said. "You're sharp, intelligent, and have a keen eye for detail. I strongly believe you're the only one who can get to the bottom of this and restore this company's reputation."

A lump formed in Sophia's throat as she looked down, her mind reeling with the weight of the decision. The pressure of the challenge, the fear of failure, and her hideous past overwhelmed her.

His words kept echoing in her head "I believe in you." as she thought about her career, goals, aspirations and also the opportunity to prove herself, to make a notable difference, and to leave a mark.And to cap it all, something she desperately wished to hear from her own father.

As she looked up, mind already made up ,her eyes locked with Mr. Kaius.

"I'll take the job." Sophia said, her voice firm and resolute.

Mr. Kaius couldn't control his happiness as his face beamed into a wide smile, and he extended his hand. "Welcome to the team, Sophia," he said in a warm and congratulatory voice.

Sophia smiled back in a mixed feeling of trepidation and excitement as she shook his hand. Knowing fully well that her life was going to change in ways she couldn't even imagine.

“Officially,you are the assistant director of Kairos Digital Company,New York branch.” Mr Kaius announced excitedly.

Extremely stunned by his announcement, Sophia's eyes widened in shock. “Assistant Director?” She asked, her voice trembling with surprise.

“Yes of course, I believe you're more than capable of transforming this company, so the ball is now in your court Sophie.“ Mr Kaius said as he handed her some documents signifying a transfer of management .

After the meeting with Mr Kaius, Sophia arranged her office as she gathered the files , documents and important tools in a box and headed straight to pick Jayden at school . As Sophia picked Jayden up from school ,he excitedly told her about his day. “Mommy guess what? Jayden said,his cute face beaming with smiles.

“We had Arts today and I made a snake with six legs” he said,proudly showing off his play dough creation .

“Oh! My son is a good artist,I am a proud mum.” She said playfully laughing alongside her sarcastic remark.

Jayden grinned from ear to ear as he watched Sophia laugh .”I love you Momma.” He said as he patted her shoulders and pecked her cheeks. Sophia's cheeks turned light crimson,an effect of Jayden's peck “I love you more,baby.“she said blowing kisses at him.

“Jayden, Mommy got promoted at work so we'll be moving to New York very soon.“ Sophia said, trying to see his reaction through the rearview mirror but surprisingly he looked more excited and jumped continuously in the car.

“You're okay with it?”

“Yes Mummy,”

“You told me you grew up in New York City.” hearing this Sophia’s heart skipped a beat,as she prayed desperately that he won't ask the dreaded question.

But Jayden wasn't done

“Mommy, will I see my daddy in New York?” followed by a loud bang.