...As sophia stood outside the company building,the warm sunlight danced across her porcelain skin, highlighting her sharp features. She reviewed the secrets her family had shared with her two days ago.
"The Richmonds weren't as financially stable as they seemed; her family" had always been involved in shady business, which she was well aware of, but never in her wildest dreams had she expected her family to be broke. She had to make this engagement work;she couldn't afford to be poor.
Sophia walked into the building, commanding attention with her striking appearance.
Her fiery red hair cascaded down her back, framing her oval face. Her bold red lipstick accentuated her features, exuding confidence and sophistication. She wore a black fitted knee-length dress that showcased her slender figure,its color providing contrast to her vibrant hair .
The employees couldn't help but notice Sophia's presence,their whispers and glances following her as she made her way towards the elevator. Her heels clicked on the polished floor, announcing her arrival with poise and elegance.
Sophia stepped into the elevator, and as the doors closed behind her,she was whisked away to Liam's floor.
As the elevator doors opened, Sophia stepped out and made her way towards Liam's office. Her heels clicked through the hallway,drawing subtle glances from employees.On reaching Liam's office, Sophia walked past Beverly desk,heading straight to the office door.
Beverly quickly stepped in,her expression neutral. "Good afternoon Ms. Richmond," Beverly said."Mr Grey has specifically instructed me to hold all visitors until further notice".
Sophia's eyes narrowed. "I'm his fiancee," she said firmly but controlled. "I think Liam will want to see me ".
Beverly's expression remained neutral. "Ma'am I apologize,I'm just following instructions".
Sophia's anger flared. "How dare you!"she exclaimed, raising her hand and slapping Beverly. "I'm his fiancee".
The slap echoed through the hallway, drawing shocked glances from the bustling employees. Beverly s eyes welled up with tears as she took a step back, her hand instinctively rising to her reddening cheek.
The sound of the slap still lingered in the air. The once bustling hallway instantly became quiet.
Liam emerged from his office, his expression a mixture of surprise and anger"What's going on here?"he asked firmly, exuding coldness
Shifting his gaze from Sophia to Beverly s hand holding her cheek,he seemed to guess the answer.
Narrowing his eyes,his gaze fell on Sophia "what did you just do"
Sophia's eyes flashed with defiance."Baby,I miss you," she replied, ignoring his question
Liam's expression turned cold."You are not sorry,are you? You think you can just walk on here, slap my assistant? And who is Baby?"
Sophia's jaw clenched. "You are my Baby. Besides I'm not sorry, towards a mere assistant ".
Liam's expression turned furious "I haven't demanded an explanation from the Richmond's for posting an engagement I'm not interested in, and you come looking for trouble. Please leave!"
Sophia turned and walked away,her heels clicking on the floor. Liam's gaze shifted from Sophia's retreating figure to Beverly's still-tearful face.
"Beverly,are you okay?"he asked.
Beverly nodded slowly "yes Mr Grey"
Liam nodded."You can get back to work",he said while going inside his office
Sitting at his desk, Liam's mind raced to the thoughts of Sophia and their engagement. He couldn't believe she had slapped Beverly,and her lack of remorse was disturbing.
As Sophia departed,the news of the confrontation had already spread like wildfire through the company,with employees whispering about Sophia's behavior and the state of her engagement to Liam.
....
Sophia stormed into the opulent living room,the soft glow of the chandeliers casting an eerie contrast to her turbulent emotions. Her grandfather, Harrison Richmond, sat on a plush armchair, his piercing gaze meeting hers as she approached. Her mother, Vivian Richmond, say beside him, concern etched on her face.
" Sophia, dear ,what happened?" Vivian asked, her voice laced with worry.
Sophia took a deep breath, in between sobs she recounted her encounter with Liam . Harrison listened intently, his expression growing increasingly displeased. The room fell silent, except for the soft ticking of the clock in the corner.
" This is not acceptable, Sophia," Harrison said, his voice firm . " You need to assert yourself and make Liam follow through with the engagement."
Vivian chimed in, her voice tinged with desperation. "We need the Grey's financial backing. At this rate, we'd be left with nothing in no time."
Sophia's eyes widened, feeling the weight of her family's expectations. "Perhaps a conversation with Evelyn would help clarify things," Vivian suggested.
Harrison nodded, his jaw clenched. "That's a good idea." Sophia nodded feeling a sense of resolve wash over her.
The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unspoken concerns and fears. Sophia's determination grew, fueled by her family's desperation. She would make this engagement work, no matter what it took.
Harrison listened intently,his expression growing increasingly displeased. "This is not acceptable, Sophia. You need to assert yourself and make Liam follow up with the engagement".
"We need the Grey's financial backing '
Vivian chimed in,"Yes I totally agree with your grandfather " At this rate we would be left with nothing in no time.
"Perhaps a conversation with Evelyn would help clarify things "
"That's a good idea," Harrison replied
Sophia nodded feeling a sense of determination
Vivian picked up her phone and dialed Evelyn's number.
As she waited for her to answer, Sophia's sob grew louder in the background.
Vivian's expression softened slightly as she watched her daughter.
"Evelyn, it's Vivian. I think it's time we put more effort into this," Vivian said after recounting Sophia's complaint.
As Vivian spoke, Sophia's crying intensified, and Vivian gently stroked her hair. "Dear, don't cry. It's going to be okay," she soothed.
Meanwhile, Evelyn listened attentively on the end of the line. " Yes of course. The Art competition. I think that would be a perfect opportunity for them to spend time together. I'll make sure Liam attends with Sophia ". Evelyn replied.
Vivian nodded, though Evelyn couldn't see her. "Good. I think that would be best"
As Vivian hung up the phone, Sophia looked up at her with tear-stained eyes.
Vivian's expression softened further. "It will be okay, sweetie. We've got this".
Sophia sniffled, her voice barely above a whisper. " But what if Liam doesn't cooperate?"
"We'll make sure he does. Evelyn will ensure he does ". Vivian replied.
Sophia nodded slowly, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
As Vivian guided Sophia to her room, the sound of Harrison's voice echoed from the living room. "We have to get through with this. The Richmond's future depends on it ".
With a smile, Vivian led Sophia into her room, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air ....