Lucas sat on the edge of his bed, scrolling through job listings on his phone while a folded newspaper rested beside him. His brows furrowed as he swiped through openings that didn’t quite meet his needs—either they lacked accommodation or didn’t offer a good salary.
“This won’t do,” he muttered, tapping the side of his phone. He let out a sigh, setting the device down and unfolding the newspaper. His eyes moved across the page quickly, his fingers tapping against his knee as he skimmed past irrelevant listings.
He needed something specific—something that would allow Sophie relocate to the same town as him and, more importantly, ensure she had a reason to move too. Not with her parents. Not where Adam couldn't find her so easily. Somewhere he could watch over her.
Minutes passed. He flipped through the pages, growing frustrated until his eyes landed on a section that made him pause.
Lucas sat up straight, reading the listing again. His lips parted slightly before he exhaled a quiet laugh, a smirk forming on his lips.
"Yes. Here. Perfect."
Without hesitation, he reached for his phone, already planning his next steps.
Sophie
At the boutique, Sophie ran her fingers over the smooth fabric of a dress as she carefully folded and placed it back on the rack. A customer had just left, and she was rearranging everything to its proper place.
The small bell at the entrance jingled faintly as another customer entered, but before Sophie could greet them, her phone buzzed in the pocket of her apron. She glanced at the screen. An unknown number.
She hesitated for a moment before answering. “Hello?”
“Good afternoon. Am I speaking with Sophie?” The voice on the other end was formal but pleasant.
“Yes, this is she,” Sophie replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Wonderful. My name is Helen, and I’m calling regarding a job application you submitted a while back. We’re pleased to inform you that you’ve been selected for the position of assistant at our company.”
Sophie blinked, taken aback. “Wait… a job application?” She tried to recall submitting one. She had sent out a few applications before working at the boutique, but she had almost forgotten about them.
“Yes. You applied some time ago,” Helen continued. “The position is located in main town and we wanted to confirm if you’re still available and interested.”
Sophie’s breath caught in her throat. That town… That’s where Lucas is.
She shifted on her feet, gripping a hanger tightly. Excitement flickered in her chest, but doubt quickly followed. “Oh, I see… Um, could you tell me more about the job details?”
“Of course,” Helen said. “The position comes with accommodation, and the salary is two thousand dollars,It’s a great opportunity, and based on your application, we believe you’re a strong fit.”
Accommodation. A higher salary.
Sophie felt her doubts waver. She had been skeptical at first, but this was exactly what she needed. A new start. A better-paying job. And… Lucas was there.
A small smile formed on her lips. “That sounds amazing,” she admitted. “I really appreciate the opportunity.”
“We’re glad to hear that,” Helen said warmly. “Please review the offer, and if you’d like to proceed, send us a confirmation email.”
“I will. Thank you so much.”
After ending the call, Sophie stared at her phone for a moment, processing everything. Then, without wasting another second, she tapped on Lucas’ contact and called him.
The phone rang twice before his voice came through. “Hey, Soph.”
“You’re not going to believe what just happened” she blurted out.
Lucas leaned back in his chair, intrigued by the excitement in her voice. “What happened?” he asked.
Sophie took a deep breath. “I just got a call from a company I applied to a while back… and guess where it is?”
Lucas already had a good idea, but he played along. “Where?”
“Maine Town! They’re offering me a job.”
Lucas sat up straighter, a grin creeping onto his face. He made sure to keep his voice calm, though. “That’s amazing, Soph. Are you thinking of taking it?”
“Yes. I think I will,” she admitted, her voice bubbling with excitement. “It comes with accommodation, so Lily and I can stay there.”
Lucas could hear the happiness in her tone, and it made his own chest feel lighter. This was exactly what he had hoped for. He smiled, running a hand through his hair. “Good to have you, then. Can’t wait to have you here.”
Sophie let out a small laugh. “I can’t believe this is happening so fast.”
“It’s meant to happen,” Lucas said smoothly. “You deserve something good, Sophie.”
They talked a little more about the job details, the moving process, and how Lily would adjust to a new place. The conversation felt easy, warm—like a new beginning was unfolding.
Then Sophie glanced at the time. “Oh! I have to go. I’ll be picking Lily up from school soon.”
“No problem. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Alright, Lucas. Thanks.”
She hung up, still smiling, the excitement from the call lingering in her chest.
For two reasons, she was so happy.
one, is that she wouldn’t bother her mom any more, she would get a good job and earn more.
Secondly, Adams will be out of their lives forever.
Enough reason to smile wholeheartedly.
She quickly glanced through the shop to make sure everything was in order before hurriedly going to lick lili.She tucked in the hangers and arranged the papers.
Then she gently closed the door and turned the notice sign to 'oswd' and she was all set to go.
Sophie waved at a taxi,signaling him to stop and then she hopped it.
The driver knew the location and was set to take her there.