The Devil’s Bite

Chapter 45

They arrived in Manila at twelve in the afternoon. As what they had agreed, they still had planned to go to work even for a half of their day. Demire and Sofia left their luggage on the compartment of his car and entered the company. She was next to him, just like what her daily routine when her boss Demire Goddard arrived. Everyone was greeting them. Sofia has no idea and has no answer yet, but the air inside the company is not normal as it was. She used to arrive in Goddard and work inside with dark atmosphere. Cold office mates with deafening silence around. What’s wrong with them? Sofia asked herself when she noticed everyone was smiling, greeting their boss, Demire.

“Sofia.” Maria (one of his office mate) approached her and handed her a blue clipboard. “This is your clipboard. Mr. Goddard’s schedule was attached inside, just review it.”

“Thank you!” She gave her a smile and nodded. Sofia went surprised when Maria smiled back at her. That was incredibly new to her! No one inside Goddard has smiled back to her. Not in any way. She dropped her jaw until Maria turned her back and left.

“Sofia, let’s go.” Demire’s voice woke her up from her day dream. There is really something new today. She lifted her face and saw Demire waiting for her near the elevator area. “Faster, silly woman.” He chuckled and smiled at her.

Even this man was smiling? What happened? Sofia shook her head. Does their behavior depend on the emotion of this man? When he was cold, they were cold. When he’s smiling with light face, everyone was doing the same? Am I right of what I had noticed?

“Sofia, we’re running out of time.”

She immediately nodded and run towards him.

“What were you thinking?” he asked her and pressed the button for the elevator. Demire was arranging the watch on his wrist.

She wagged her head and smiled at him. “You looked good today,” she said blushing, heart was so happy. “I loved it, don’t lose that smile. I’s giving me powerful energy to finish work today.”

He chuckled and nodded at her. “Oh, I forgot. I have something for you.”

“What is that?” They heard the elevator, as soon as it arrived, they went in.

Demire took something on the pocket of his pants. He’s wearing a blue plain long sleeve polo, tucked on the belt of his black fitted slacks. He waited the door closed before he showed her what he got. “Here.” He lifted a gold necklace, leveled on her face. He’s a bit taller than her.

“W-what is that?”

“You didn’t know what is a gold necklace?”

“Of course, I know it.” She pouted her lips and crossed her hands on her chest. “What I mean to say is why are you showing me that thing?” The necklace was plain and in snake style. She knew some of necklace chain styles and got many jewelries before but what he showed her caught her attention.

“This is for you, a gift.”

“Gift?” Her eyes widened.

“Yes,” he said and nodded. “I bought it today when I left you in the car.”

“But you said, you will only find a restroom inside the mall?”

“Yes, I did. But this necklace on the jewelry shop captivated me when I am about to leave the mall. Then I remember you. I knew it will suit you.” He gave her a dazzling smile. “Turn around.”

Her throat dried and could not say anything. She followed what her said and let him put the necklace on her neck. “How much is this? I don’t have enough money to pay you for this.”

“Did I ask you for a payment?”

The door opened. They stepped out together heading his office.

“But this one look expensive.” Sofia touched the necklace. Her heart was so happy.

“That was a gift. A gift is always free.” Demire held her hand and kissed the back of her palm.

“Thank you!” She smiled back to him. “It was my first time that I received a gift from someone. I’m so thankful, Demire—I mean, Mr. Goddard since we’re already inside the company.” She held his hand and gently squeezed it. “Don’t worry, I will have something for you—”

“Sofia…” he mouthed her name, “I’m expecting nothing in return. Your smile is enough.”

She sighed, nodding with smile.

“Sofia!”

Sofia faced Gab immediately when she heard her called her name. Gab was staring at them with dark eyes. She was expecting her to greet her next but gritted teeth is what she gave next.

“Gab, good afternoon.” She tried to smile at her even though she was a bit feeling uneasy about her.

“Great that you finally went back to your work.” Gab looked at Sofia and Demire’s hand, holding each other. Because of that, Sofia decided to yank her hand from him.

“Y-yeah…”