Chapter 8

• His office had a cool dark interior. It basically lacked color but I didn’t expect any better due to his narcissistic personality.
• “What can I do for you?” he questioned without taking a glance at me.
• “The shop “ I stated.
• “What shop?” He asked calmly as he rose his head to look at me.
• “ You don’t even care about your investments “ I said in annoyance.
• “ Either be explicit or you can go back to where you came from” he stated with a frown.
• “You bought the shop and laid the workers off! “ I angrily stated.
• “Watch your tone “ he said as he stood from the office chair and relaxed on his table instead.
• I checked out his full frame as he sat on his desk. He knew how handsome he was that’s why he thought he could get away with anything. I thought to myself with a scoff.
• “Are you done checking me out? “ he asked with a smirk on his face as my face grew red.
• “Don’t kid yourself “ I said as I looked away and focused on the picture frame sitting on the book shelf.
• It was a picture of a middle aged man and a face that looked like a younger version of Leo.
• “Why are you here, Sophia?” He calmly asked.
• “I don’t understand why you bought the shop I work in and stopped us from working “ I replied.
• “The shop was a good investment “ he stated plainly.
• “Either you think I’m dumb or you’re not actually serious “
• “I’ll choose the latter” I continued with a frown as he chuckled at my response.
• “You have a good sense of humor “ he stated with a grin on his face.
• “Good thing I can pay the bills with that. What a brilliant idea“ I stated sarcastically.
• “Why not?” He asked. I couldn't decipher whether he was asking seriously or not with that look on his face. I sighed at my predicament in defeat.
• “Why did you do this? “ I asked him.
• “To get your attention “ he said.
• “It clearly worked “ he continued as I stated at him in confusion.
• “I lost my job due to your attention seeking self?” I asked in annoyance.
• “More or less” he plainly responded.
• I didn’t know when the tears rolled down my cheeks. I was seriously pissed and frustrated. There he sat, with no care in the world, probably never had to break a sweat or drown in bills. Relaxed while his actions cost people money. Increasing burdens on people, with no empathy.
• I was angry, a helpless anger that I knew too well. That’s what happens when you lack the power that comes with the currency of the wold, money.
• We stared at each other while I notice his brows scrunch in confusion.
• Concern showed on his face but at this point it modt likely was a facade.
• “I need that job” I muttered as I felt the familiar feeling of despair tug at my heart.
• “You might as well be making demands in front of your boss” he stated.
• “Well I’m desperate, and you know that.” I muttered with disgust.
• “Then work for me” he said.
• “What?” I questioned in confusion as I searched his hazel eyes for any hint of deceit.
• “You need the pay, don’t you? “ he asked.
• “You did say you’re desperate “ he continued with a smirk.
• My eyes flashed with anger.
• “You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” I asked.
• “I see no reason you can’t accept my offer “ he stated with no response to my question.
• I already knew.
• He loved what was happening. He knew he had a hold over me.
• “If you reject it, you should act like the remaining workers and wait till the month is over before resuming “ he said as he walked towards me.
• “So what’s your answer ?” He asked as he stood at my front and stroked my cheek with dried tear streaks.
• I flinched away and took a step backward.
• “I’ll give you an answer when I think on it” I muttered.
• “Fine by me, just so you know you have three days till the offer is cancelled” he stated as he walked back to sit at his desk.
• I left the office with my head filled with thoughts.
• I wanted to cry so badly that I felt choked.
• I hurriedly rushed out , just to bump into someone.
• It was the receptionist.
• “You again!” She shrieked as I quickly apologized and and kept on walking out of the building.
• I stood at the sidewalk while the noon breeze blew at my face.
• Spring was approaching.
• “Did you get what you came for?” I heard from behind.
• It was Natasha. She stood with those scrutinizing eyes of hers.
• “Not really “ I said with a sad smile.
• “As expected “ she said as I looked at her in confusion.
• “No one leaves his office satisfied “ she continued.
• “What do you mean?” I asked her.
• “You’d just have to find that out yourself “ she said
• “I’d give you a hint though , to win you have to know your target and then make demands” she schooled.
• “Only then, can you gain any satisfaction “ she stated as she walked away into the building. I stood, staring at her, frantically eager, trying to understand what exactly she meant.
• I had to go home. This place was beginning to rub me off the wrong way. I hailed a cab.
• Later changed my mind about my destination. I needed to let out my thoughts not drown in them.
• Home was Paris. I had to tell her about everything, honestly didn't know how I thought I could handle the situation alone. She has always been there for me especially after my breakup with Brian. Her empathetic and child like charm somehow felt safe to me always. I didn’t know how rich people thought, but she would. She always had good advice for me. She would totally be a good therapist same as she was good at fashion.
• Luckily she was at home, laid there on her bed aggressively tapping on her phone with dresses scattered all around her room.