CHAPTER 5
1284 Words
Sophia's Point of View:
"I need you to tell me about the designs you have for the Gala," Mr. Blackwood said.
He was putting on a light blue suit today, his hair styled back, making his face come out more.
"Of course, Mr. Blackwood," I replied.
Letting out a breath, I began detailing my designs, pouring my creativity into each description.
But as I spoke, I couldn't shake the feeling of his disinterest, his eyes drifting away from me with each passing moment.
It was as if my ideas were insignificant to him, merely background noise in his busy world.
Despite my efforts to engage him, Mr. Blackwood's attention remained the same.
He fidgeted with his cufflinks, occasionally nodding absentmindedly as I spoke.
I couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration building within me.
I had poured my heart and soul into these designs, hoping to impress him and contribute meaningfully to this Gala.
Yet his dismissive demeanor made me doubt my abilities and question my worth.
With each passing second, my confidence waned, replaced by a sense of inadequacy that lingered long after their meeting concluded.
After what felt like an eternity, Mr. Blackwood finally spoke, his tone clipped and indifferent.
"Thank you for sharing, Sophia. We'll review your designs and get back to you," was all he said.
With that, he swiftly excused himself, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
As I gathered my sketches and notes, I couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment that weighed heavily upon my shoulders.
I had hoped for validation, recognition, and perhaps even a word of encouragement.
Instead, all I received was a polite dismissal, leaving me to wonder if my dreams of making a difference in the company were nothing more than a futile pursuit.
"What happened?" I asked myself as I walked out of the office.
We had fun yesterday. Did I make him angry again? Or it was just for the moment.
Of course, it was for the moment, but still, why would he act that way towards me?
Like I was nothing.
Shaking my head, I grabbed my phone from my bag.
Quickly calling Rachel, I waited for her to pick up.
"Rachel, it's me," I said as soon as she picked up.
"Sophia, hey, what's up?" Rachel's cheerful voice came through the line.
"I just had a meeting with Mr. Blackwood about the Gala designs, and it didn't go well," I sighed, frustration evident in my tone.
"What happened? Did he not like your ideals?" Rachel asked, concern lacing her words.
"It's not like he didn't like them, but it felt like he wasn't even interested. Like my ideas didn't matter to him," I explained, feeling the disappointment resurface.
"That's rough, Sophia. I'm sorry you had to go through that," Rachel sympathized.
"Yeah, it's just, I put so much effort into those designs, you know? I was just hoping to make a meaningful contribution, but it feels like it was all for nothing," I lamented.
"Hey, don't be so hard on yourself. Your designs are amazing, and you're incredibly talented. Maybe Mr. Blackwood was just preoccupied or having a bad day," Rachel suggested, trying to uplift my spirits.
"I guess, but it still stings, you know? Anyway, thanks for listening, Rachel. I needed to vent," I said gratefully.
"Anytime, Sophia. You know I've got your back. And hey, let's grab lunch later and forget about work for a while, okay?" She offered.
"Sounds perfect, I wanted to ask when I can come back to work. I miss that work, Rachel," I said quietly, with a sigh.
"Don't be a baby girl! Okay, let's meet up, then we can talk for now, have a great day, don't make that grumpy man make you sad." She said softly, making a nod before saying an okay.
With that, I ended the call, a sigh leaving my lips.
As I left the office building, my mind was still consumed with the thoughts of the disappointing meeting.
Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed a figure standing by the entrance .
"Sophia, wait up!" I turned to see Alex, a fellow designer from a different department, jogging to catch up with me.
Alex was always full of energy and enthusiasm, and his presence never failed to lift my spirits.
"Hey, Alex. What's up?" I greeted him, forcing a smile despite my lingering disappointment.
"I heard about your meeting with Mr. Blackwood. Tough break," he said sympathetically, his expression mirroring my frustration.
"Yeah, it wasn't the best," I admitted, feeling grateful for his understanding.
"Well, don't let it get you down, you're one of the most talented designers in this company. Sophia. Your work speaks for itself," Alex encouraged.
"Thank Alex. I appreciate that," I said sincerely, feeling less sad.
"Listen, I know this sounds crazy and all, but would you like to go on a date?" Alex asked softly with a smile.
My eyes wide out before looking around.
"Me? Seriously?" I asked him.
He lets out a chuckle before nodding his head.
"You are the only one here, Sophia" he mumbled with a smile.
"Oh, I mean wow" I whispered, still trying to process everything.
I have never been asked on a date before. Come to think of it, I have never had a bf.
Sad life I'll say.
"So is that a yes? You being quiet is kinda scary" he said with a frown.
"Yeah, sure, I don't see why not," I said softly with a smile.
"Great, I'll pick you up by... Alex was about to say but stopped.
As Alex paused mid-sentence, I followed his gaze and froze when I saw Mr. Blackwood was standing not too far away.
His expression was unreadable as he watched our interaction.
My heart raced, a mix of surprise and apprehension flooding through me at the unexpected encounter.
"Um, Alex, I think we should probably… talk about this later," I murmured, shooting him a nervous glance before turning my attention back to Mr. Blackwood.
"Mr. Blackwood, hi," I greeted him, trying to maintain a professional demeanor despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
"Sophia," he acknowledged with a nod, his tone neutral as he assessed.
Me with those piercing brown eyes.
"Is there something you need?" I asked.
But before Mr. Blackwood could respond, he swiftly stepped forward surprising both Alex and me.
His hand reached out, firmly grasping my waist, pulling me slightly closer to him.
His touch is possessive and protective.
"Sophia is busy. I suggest you stay away from her," Mr. Blackwood's voice was low and commanding, his gaze fixed on Alex, who looked taken aback by the sudden display of possessiveness.
I felt a jolt of confusion and surprise course through me, my mind struggling to process Mr. Blackwood's unexpected reaction.
Why was he acting this way? And why did his touch send a shiver down my spine?
"Mr. Blackwood, I don't understand," I stammered, torn between wanting to pull away and needing to understand his motives.
But Mr. Blackwood's gaze softened as he turned his attention back to me, his grip on my waist loosening slightly as he seemed to realize the effect of his actions.
"Forgive me, Sophia. I just don't want anyone to take advantage of you" he said.
His voice was gentle, not something I was used to.
But before I could respond, he released his hold on me, stepping back as if to give me space.
His expression was a mix of apology and uncertainty.
"I should go," he muttered, his eyes briefly meeting mine before he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, my mind spinning with questions and emotions I couldn't quite decipher.
- Writer
