Bound By Fate

Chapter Three

At the Office

The day had barely started, but it already felt like I was dragging the weight of the world behind me. I walked into the office, went straight to my desk, and laid my head on the table. Just for a moment.

“If you wanted to sleep, you should’ve stayed home,” a sharp voice cut through the fog of my thoughts.

I looked up and forced a neutral expression. “Morning, Sarah.”

Sarah, my team lead, wasn’t known for kindness or patience.

“I don’t tolerate excuses. If you’re sick, take a day off. If not, do your job. Here—prepare these files. Either submit them to HR or hand them directly to Alexander Voss. Your choice.”

She dropped the thick folder on my desk and walked away.

Another day, another stack of work.

I sighed and got to it, focusing on the task until the documents were ready. I first headed to HR, hoping to avoid any extra drama.

“Miss Sarah asked me to submit these files to you, sir,” I said, standing in front of the HR officer’s desk.

He didn’t even glance up. “Take it to Alexander.”

I nodded quietly and made my way to the CEO’s office. My hands were cold as I knocked.

“Come in,” came the deep voice from inside.

I stepped in slowly. He didn’t look up as I approached.

“Sir, I was asked to prepare these files and bring them to you,” I said, placing the folder on his desk.

He flipped through the papers with a practiced eye, then finally looked up.

“Nice,” he said simply. “You can leave.”

I nodded and turned to go when I heard him call my name.

“Sophia.”

“Yes, sir?” I turned back.

“When you walk into my office, don’t look so pale. People might start thinking I don’t pay my employees.”

His tone was casual, but it stung. Not because of what he said—but because he noticed my face, and still didn’t ask why.

Do I really look that pale?

I stared at him for a moment, then lowered my eyes.

“Yes, sir,” I said quietly and walked out.

My hands were trembling.

What kind of person makes a comment like that without asking if you’re okay?

I didn’t know if it was better than being hit by your own mother—but in that moment, I didn’t feel seen anywhere.

I got home after what felt like the longest day. My feet ached, my shoulders were heavy, and my mind was just… tired. Not the kind of tired that sleep fixes — the deep, worn-out kind that clings to your bones. These days, I feel like that more and more, and I’m not even sure why.

I dropped my bag on the floor with a thud, slipped out of my shoes, and went straight to my room. The air inside was still and quiet, and I peeled off my clothes like they were made of weight. I changed into something loose, something soft, then headed to the kitchen — mostly just hoping to find something quick to eat.

But as I opened the cupboard, all I saw were empty tins, half-used bags, and shelves that looked almost as tired as I felt. Nothing. I sighed and reached for the tea tin. At least there was that. I boiled some water, made a weak cup, and sat on the counter, the steam rising gently in front of my face.

Just then, the door creaked open. Heavy footsteps. A purse dropped with finality.

“Are you still going to pretend you didn’t take the jewelry, Sophia?” Mum’s voice sliced through the room. She stood at the door like a shadow — bag in one hand, judgment in the other.

I didn’t answer. What was the point?

She always blamed me. For lost keys. For broken plates. For things that had nothing to do with me. This wasn’t new.

I stared at my tea, watching it swirl gently in the cup like it could somehow swallow me whole.

“When are you getting your salary?” she asked sharply. “You can see there’s barely anything left in this kitchen. Electricity is due this week, we need to buy food, and rent too — we haven’t even paid last month’s full amount.” She ticked them off like a checklist of pressure.

I swallowed. “Mom, you said I was only going to take care of food and electricity. Why am I suddenly handling everything now?”

She dropped her bag on the table and pulled out a bunch of vegetables from a black nylon bag. “Your sister is getting married,” she said flatly. “I have to save for her wedding.”

I blinked. “Seriously? Mom, there’s so much we need money for right now, and you want to pour everything into Kate’s wedding?”

“Yes, because she’s marrying into money,” she snapped. “Once she’s in that house, she’ll start sending us money. We can even move to a better apartment. Things will be easier.”

I stared at her. Easier for who?

She didn’t wait for a response. Just rinsed the vegetables under the tap and tossed them into a bowl.

“Cook the food,” she said abruptly. “I need to go out.”

“Where are you going?” I asked quietly.

“To the bank,” she replied, already halfway out the door.

The bank?

I stood there for a moment, tea forgotten, a bitter taste in my mouth that had nothing to do with the drink.

Something didn’t feel right.

I had just finished making dinner. After cleaning up the kitchen, I went to sit in the living room, finally taking a breath. That was when I heard Kate laughing from her room. Something about the way she giggled made my chest tighten, so I got up and quietly walked toward her door.

I stood there for a second—just long enough to hear her say:

“Seriously, Nathan, I don’t know how Mum could be so foolish. How can she even think Sophia took the jewelry box?”

My heart dropped.

Nathan’s voice came through the phone speaker, “I know, but the jewelry isn’t enough. We need more money.”

Kate laughed again. “Mum already withdrew all her savings. I can’t wait for our wedding.”

“Me too, babe. I’ll talk to you later,” he said, and the line went dead.

Kate kept giggling like she hadn’t just betrayed our mother.

“Wow, Kate. Just wow,” I said, stepping into the doorway.

She turned sharply, guilt flashing on her face for half a second—before she rearranged it into indifference.

“What?” she snapped, as if I was the problem here.

“So you sold Mum’s jewelry and lied about it?”

She rolled her eyes and stood up. “First of all, why were you eavesdropping? And even if I did, it’s none of your business.”

“None of my—? What if Mum finds out?”

She laughed again. Like this was all a joke.

“You think I’m scared of Mum?” she said, folding her arms. “You’re the soft one. Mum never gets angry at me. I’m her favourite daughter, remember?”

I didn’t respond. I didn’t need to. She was right.

Still, I was going to tell Mum. I had to.

Kate pointed toward the door. “Now get your smelling ass out of my room,” she spat.

I left, my heart pounding.

An hour later, Mum came home holding an envelope. I didn’t ask what was inside. I just served dinner like everything was normal. We sat down to eat in silence.

But I couldn’t keep it in.

“Mum,” I started, my voice quiet but steady, “Kate was the one who took your jewelry box.”

I dropped.