BROKEN VOWS

CHAPTER 3

Sophie's eyes snapped open to the blaring alarm, cutting through the morning silence. She groaned, realizing she was running late for work. In shock, she scrambled out of bed feeling disorganized and shaky.

Sophie rushed through her morning routine, seeking to shake off the lingering worries about her mother’s health. She strategically thought of ways to raise funds for the treatment, while pondering on everything that was said to her by the man inside the car.

Realizing she was late, Sophie arrived at the office, her heart beating fast. She moved quickly through the corridors, attempting to stroll quicker regardless of the disapproving glares of her colleagues. Finally settling down in her office chair, Sophie took a moment to catch her breath and prepare herself for the day's work.

“Sophie Thompson, the Manager needs to see you now!” the secretary snapped, her eyes narrowing with irritation.

Sophie's heart skipped a beat as she heard the tone in Ms. Lane's voice, who happens to be the manager’s secretary. Fear gripped her, knowing she was already late for work. She hurried to the manager's office, her mind racing with worry.

"Sophie, we need to discuss your recent actions. You've been given multiple warnings in the past, and now your behavior has led to a one-week suspension from work'', the manager said.

Sophie's heart sank as the manager, her tone laced with disappointment, reminded her of her past offenses, each leading to a final warning. She felt a wave of regret and anxiety wash over her, knowing that her actions had serious consequences this time.

The manager, knowing Sophie was her best worker, felt conflicted but had to enforce the consequences. After conversing with her, she flung the papers in anger towards Sophie, for her to commence work immediately. Sophie realized the gravity of her situation and the urgent need to change her behavior as she headed back home after the day’s job.

During her one-week suspension, Sophie found herself with ample time to contemplate her circumstances. Thoughts of her mother's hospitalization weighed heavily on her mind, alongside concerns about her family's financial struggles.

Determined to find a way out of this financial struggle, Sophie began to explore alternative means of financial stability. With a sense of urgency, she turned to online job applications, hoping to secure another opportunity that could help raise extra funds aside from her salary at her current workplace.

Realizing the abundance of free time at her disposal, Sophie came to a profound understanding that visiting her mother more frequently would be priceless, a treasure beyond compare in this world, and this led to her setting off for the hospital.

As they spoke, Mrs. Thompson's smile lit up the room, a radiant beam of hope and happiness. Her eyes sparkled with joy, reflecting the deep connection and love she felt towards her daughter Sophie. Each word spoken was imbued with warmth and sincerity, filling the space with a sense of comfort and closeness. At that moment, nothing else mattered except the shared bond and the bright future they envisioned together.

“Please excuse me mom, I need to take this call” Sophie said, as she hurriedly sorted for a serene place for the conversation

“Hi Sophie, how are you feeling today?” Tristan asked.

“I feel great. I came to check on my mom and I have been here for some hours, though about leaving.” Sophie responded.

“Okay, that’s great. I hope mom is feeling better? Anyway, I called to remind you of the family dinner that’ll be happening today in a few hours from now. Let me know when to come pick you up.” He further stated

“Oh! Thank you for the reminder, Tristan. I’ll be leaving now so that I can get ready for it. I will also call you when I’m ready, thank you.” Sophie replied.

Following the phone call, Sophie headed back to her mother’s room as she continued conversing with her, informing her of the plans she had for the evening.

Mrs. Thompson was grateful and excited over Sophie’s presence. Thereafter, Sophie gave her a warm embrace after she informed her that she needed to take her leave prior to the upcoming event she needed to attend.

Tristan had come to pick up Sophie for the family dinner he had invited her to some time ago. As they stood outside her building, Tristan said, “Sophie, you look extremely beautiful and stunning in your dress.”

Sophie gave a wide smile as she responded, “Thank you, Tristan.” Those words echoed in her mind like a melody, playing on repeat until they reached their destination.

The aroma of savory dishes crammed the air as the family accrued across the table, their faces illuminated through the tender glow of the chandelier above.

At the family dinner, the atmosphere was lively with everyone glittering, conversing and laughing. It was a beautiful moment to behold.

Sophie was the topic of many discussions, with Tristan's family members asking about her and expressing their interest in getting to know her better.

Despite the initial tension, the evening seemed to be going well, and Sophie felt a sense of warmth and acceptance from Tristan's family.

However, Tristan's mother seemed repulsed towards her, casting subtle glances in Sophie's direction throughout the evening. Her demeanor suggested she was not entirely pleased with Sophie, citing her average family background as unsuitable for their family's status, which added a layer of tension to an otherwise pleasant gathering.

Mrs. Walker expressed her desire for Tristan to be with someone more influential, someone who could enrich their family's status due to the challenges they had been through.

Sophie felt a sense of sadness, prompting her to seek an area to isolate herself for a moment.

Tristan, ignorant of her internal turmoil, called out her name, his voice echoing through the building as he searched for her.

Sophie had retreated to a quiet corner, hoping to accumulate her mind and discover solace amidst the chaos of her emotions.

As Tristan and Sophie persisted on foot, hand in hand, through the building to the place where everybody was at, Sophie couldn't shake the sensation of unease that had settled over her.

"You seem distracted, Sophie," Tristan said, squeezing her hand gently. "Is everything okay?"

Sophie forced a smile, trying to push her worries aside. "I'm fine, Tristan. Just thinking about work, that's all." She lied.

"I... I'm struggling at work. My job is all I have got for now, however, it still doesn't pay enough to make ends meet" she falsely admitted, her voice slightly above a whisper.

Tristan's expression softened, and he pulled Sophie into a comforting embrace. "I understand matters are difficult right now, however, we will figure it out together. I'm here for you, no matter what."

With a sense of complete assurance of Tristan being there for her, Sophie experienced a sudden and intense feeling of comfort and ease. She knew that with him, she could face any challenge that came her way.

After they both parted ways, Sophie's thoughts descended back to the conversation she had earlier with Mrs. Walker and the lie she had told Tristan to conceal it.

When Sophie arrived home, she found Cora waiting on her doorstep. Spotting her friend, she increased her pace in excitement, grateful for the chance to share the challenges she was currently facing.

“Cora! I didn’t know you were coming”, Sophie said, as she leaned in to give her a warm hug.

“Well, I wanted to surprise you” Cora said, as they both got into Sophie’s apartment to spend some time together. What’s been going on with you? Cora asked further.

“Well, aside from my mother’s pending medical bills, I met with Nicholas Powell. He gave me an offer and said he was going to pay off my mother’s medical bills if I agreed to the offer”, Sophie responded.

"Nicholas Powell! The Powell’s Enterprise heir?" Cora responded in shock, her eyes wide open.

“Yes, that’s him. I do not know him, but I have no other option, Cora. My mom means everything to me, and you know it”, Sophie replied.

“I understand. So, what does he want in return?” Cora responded.

Sophie said, “He needs me to marry him and bear him a child.”

Cora’s eyes widened in shock. “What? So, what are you going to do?”