Sophia's POV

"So how do you intend on handling it?” he asked, his voice firm.

Rodney hesitated, his jaw tightening slightly before he turned to me. And he couldn't look me in the eye. “Sophia… I’m afraid you have to leave.”

As I heard the words, I felt like my world crumbled right in front of me. I saw it coming though, he couldn't have risked his Job for me, but still it made my body feel heavy and my knees weak.

I stared at the man beside him. I still didn’t understand what he was trying to prove. All this drama over an accident. He looked like he was sent from hell just to torment me.

I wasn’t going to survive if this kept happening.

I drew in a deep breath, as I stared at him with disdain. “You’re such an arrogant idiot,” I spat, as I turned, and left.

Behind me, I heard Beatrice’s voice. “Sophia! Sophia, wait!”

But I didn’t stop. I didn’t want her pity. I didn’t want anyone’s.

I burst into the changing room, only to find one of the morning shift girls already there, her smug grin practically waiting for me.

“At least now, the manager can’t save you,” she said, smiling.

That was it.

I moved closer to her, rage burning inside me. I stared at her coldly.

“Why do you hate me so much?” I asked.

She smirked, stepping away from me. “Hate you?” she scoffed. “Please. Hating you would be a waste of energy. I just pity you… thinking sleeping with the manager would save your job.”

My fingers curled into fists.

I had heard the rumors before. But hearing her say it to my face, so boldly, fueled my anger. I moved closer, and raised my hand to slap her.

But someone caught my wrist mid-air.

“You can’t do this,” Beatrice said gently, as she moved to my front.

I stood there, breathing heavily, glaring at the girl before finally lowering my hand.

I turned away, and went to change from my uniform.

“What are you going to do now?” Beatrice asked behind me.

I didn’t have an answer. Just silence.

After a moment, she said quietly, “Maybe… maybe we should go talk to him. Maybe if we explain”

“Never,” I cut in sharply. “He’s rude. Arrogant. Heartless.”

“But”

“Beatrice!” I snapped, louder than I intended.

She flinched slightly. “Okay. Fine,” she said, softer now. “But… what are you really going to do?”

That question was all it needed.

The tears I had held back, finally spilled. “I don’t know,” I choked out. “I think I’ll just go home for today. Clear my head… figure things out.”

I sat down on the bench and buried my face in my hands. “I quit all my side jobs to focus on this bakery. I put everything into it. Now I’m back to square one.”

Beatrice moved closer and gently wiped the tears from my cheeks. “I’m sorry,” she said, her voice trembling. “This is all my fault. If I hadn’t, if I had just-”

“No, Bee,” I interrupted, grabbing her hand. “Don’t do that. It’s not your fault. None of this is on you.”

“But I was the one who told you to take their orders”

“And how is that a bad thing. This was just bad luck. That’s all.”

“Go home. Rest. I'm working extra hours tonight. But I promise I’ll come see you tomorrow, first thing.” she said, obvious that she was holding back her own tears.

“Thank you, Beatrice,” I whispered as I hugged her tightly.

As I opened the door to leave, I met Rodney in front of the door, with guilt written across his face.

“Sophia,” he said, his voice low, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t have a choice.”

“Rodney,” I replied, shaking my head gently, “It’s not your fault.”

“But I should have done more. I should have protected you. I’m the manager, I should have”

“And you’re a good one,” I cut in. “But this was bigger than you. There wasn’t anything else you could’ve done. It’s fine. I’ll take my leave now.”

And before he could say any other word, I Left.

As I walked out of the bakery, I stopped in my tracks, as I stared at the man who sat there peacefully, sipping his coffee like he didn't just ruin my life. And I felt disgusted, I felt like wringing his neck.

How could he still feel so at peace after making someone lose their job? Does he even care how that person is surviving?

"Sophia, you're so stupid. Can't believe I ever thought he was handsome," I muttered to myself, shaking my head.

A few minutes passed, and then, the man looked up. Our eyes met. I froze for a split second before I quickly looked away and left.

As I pulled out my phone to call a taxi, I heard footsteps approaching.

I looked up.

It was him.

The same man who just made me lost my job, he walked toward me with his hands tucked into his pockets.

"What do you want from me?" I snapped, my voice rising. "You just made me lose my job and now you're here, do you want to take my life too?"

He scoffed, lips curling slightly. "What would I possibly want from you? And taking your life? That wouldn’t do me any good."

He looked at me like I was nothing.

"I have something for you," he said.

My eyes widen in disbelief. "You want to help me?" I repeated, making sure I heard correctly.

"I have a job for you," he said calmly.

"And why would you think I’d want to work for you?" I asked.

"You just lost your job," he replied. "And this one will definitely pay you more."

Just then, the man he came with, Luca I think ran to us.

"Sir, we need to go now. Your meeting is in a few minutes," Luca said.

He looked at his wrist watch, then back at me before he brought of a card from his pocket and stuffed it into my hand.

"Call me," he said, as he turned and entered the car. Leaving me staring.