Chapter 3

_"Actually my mom is looking for someone who can tutor him"Jette suddenly said._

_"Really?"Thana ask while we're all busy reviewing for the next class_

_"Yep!"she said popping her words to emphasize._

_She suddenly gasp and then rise from her sit and then look at me with a wide smile_

_"Why don't you do it ,Byanca!So you can tutor me as well!_

~

For the last two days Sofia is busy working inside her office.She wanted to atleast get ahead from all the work that she had because she wanted to have a little time for herself even before the final launching of the Radiance.

_A little vacation before something big happen again_

Her mind screamed.She could've skip the meeting outside of the country if she only can,or rather she wouldn't like to turn down the chance of talking to another famous brand for a possible collaboration because that will make a greater impact.

She juggled between checking out every report from checking the profiles of teachers from her school.

When lunch came her mom find her way again to show up in her office carrying another set of foods.

"You gotta try this one"she said as she uncovers all the dishes that she had brought.

"This is delicious.Have been recommended from a friend"she took a quick glance at her mom.

"You have to eat Sofia.Take care of your body"she nodded her head.Although she doesn't want to deny it but her mom meant other things as well.

"Yes mom.I'll just have to finish this first "

She notice her pull the chair and put just beside the table where she put those folders she already finish.

"Have you finish selecting a new secretary?"

"No mom.I didn't do it"she mumbled as she take a quick glance at the food again.Why does it smell so good?

"Why don't you want it?He/She can help you with all your work.So you'll have your free time as well"

"I can still manage mom. .. and that would be possible too even if i work by myself.I can take a quick break whenever i want"

Her mom made a face."Do you have a problem of hiring new people in the industry?Those who still didn't have any experience?"Sofia chuckled and get the last file she promised herself she will finish before finally eating.

"No mom .I just don't really need someone right now.I can still handle things"she smiled but her mom only shake her head.

"No .You gotta pick or else i will pick someone for you"and she proceeds of grabbing the first folder in the pile that she gave me the last time she was here.

She confidently continue to read the report she ask from financial department because she knew that _that file_ wasn't there anymore.She threw it on her trash bin after fulling herself together.

"How about this guy?"

"Who?"

"Dominic Cooper"

"Uhuh?What about him that made him qualified for the job"

"Well ,he graduated with high honor and he come from a great family"

"Okay ...?But all of them graduated with high honors and come from great family"

"Well and he's just about your age"she look up to see her mom looking at her with a little smile on her face.

She finally grabs the food after finishing the last file.

"Yes,mom.I know"

Her mom smiled at what she said"but the extra curricular activities that needs to be imposed is actually too much for me.It will make the students too tired to even cope up with all the things they needed to do so i need to hold a meeting for them after this one"

Her mom sighed."I just want you to try and get a new secretary,honey so you can have a life"

Sofia smiled even more.She's got nothing to do but to smile at her mom because she knows what's her mom been up to but then she just can't find that same interest her mother have.

She keep working until the night fell.It was already a routine for her to get off to work at this kind of hour.The whole building is empty when she finally get out of her office.Jette one of her very few friends contacted her earlier for a mini reunion.Mini because there's only been three people on their group.

Years have past and well,even if Jette shows no interest when it comes to academics she's now a successful interior designer infact she is the one who actually design her own home and she's on her way there.

The two storey Spanish style home were glowing with all the lights.It looks lively as the owner.This will be the first in two years because,well we've been busy with our life.

"Byanca is here"Jette run towards her offering a hug.Laughing,she hug her friend back.She can see that the foods are all ready in her small nipa hut at the bar corner there's Thana who raise her glass as she smiled at their direction.

"It's been awhile"

"It's been awhile"Sofia sits beside them as they gave her her own drink.

"Sofia you're one of the hottest topic for the past few weeks"Jette grinned at her.

"Well,i really wanted to establish this brand right after the success of Solace i just got busy"she informed them.

"How about you?"Sofia ask and then glance at them.

"Well,i am on a vacation for now"

"I'm actually expecting that from you,but then you deserve it since you've been working international for years"Thana started eating the barbecue on the table.Sofia now craves for something that's why she started to eat as well.

"You are right.I am planning to extend this one because there's a contract waiting for me"

"Are you complaining?"i chuckled at that.

"Well?I am planning to have a love life too that's why i came home"Sofia and Than both laugh because in the end ,Jette said what she is up to.

Jette hissed."Come on.My parents were asking for a grandchild already.Lore is too busy with his life ,he doesn't have time for a lovelife"

She almost gasp loudly.Good thing that she is able to stop it.

"Where is he spending his time then?"Thana ask the question she didn't know she wanted to hear.

"Well,believe it or not.He is already a graduate, with high honors!"she suddenly look at Sofia.

"He has been doing good since you tutored him,really.I am really thankful i ask you that day"Thana shake her head.

"It should be _i am thankful you shed some light for the two of us_"She earned a slap on her shoulder when she said that.Sofia's smile staggered as the talk goes on.She shouldn't be bothered or uncomfortable by that but she can't help but to feel it.

_It has been years!_ if only her mind can slap her.It already did hundred of times.

She didn't know where the story goes to

"Uhuh.Recenty he told me ge tried to apply with some famous companies"

"What happened then?"

"I don't,i still don't have any idea —"her phone rings suddenly so she grab it on the table before she run somewhere after excusing herself

When they were left alone Thana look at her.

"You seem so bored with the talk"Sofia smiled.

"Maybe i am just tired and stress.I still need to go to a meeting outside the country next week plus the school curriculum this time needs some improvement and i have been thinking about it for days now"Thana's eyes glimmered behind the light Sofia can sense something off.

"I probably knew the real reason behind it Sofia"She pointed out and drink her shake.

"You are on the hot topic these days not just because of the brand that you have named it was because of the 'wedding next year' too"Sofia closed her eyes tightly and gave her a small smile.

"No wonder you're a lawyer"they both laugh about it."Not being a lawyer ,my friend.I just the clip and you don't seem so happy hearing about it"

Sofia sighed."I just — can't i just be by myself for the rest of my life "

"I think your mom wants you not to spend your life like that Byanca"

"But —"but i am not looking for anything about love at all.

"But what?We are getting old and just as much as Jette's parents wanted , that's your mom's desire for you"

"I am just 30 , Thana.Not that old"she muttered back.There is a lot of things to do in their company ,I'm the school.Why add another responsibility again?

"Well, you're right , but your parents though"her shoulders bob up and down.

"They're might be thinking that they can't see their grandchild b —"

"Guys!"Jette's shout startled the both of them putting silence on that talk.

"Guys!Oh my"She looks at Sofia completely puzzled at her behaviour.

"Lore called me and said he's got a job!"she squealed like a child.Jette even jump crazily infront of them.

"Congratulations"they both said in unison.Jette paused for a moment and look at her phone again.

"Oh wait!wait! He told me what company he got hired!"she reads on her phone and suddenly became stunned and then smile from ear to ear.

Jette look at Sofia."It was from your company!"

"What"Sofia feels like she's been hearing strange things from her friends.

Jette ,holding her glass of wine and is smiling widely at her said.

"I mean . ..Lore got hired from your company!"

Sofia shook her own glass it smoothered on her dress.Her face got pale and she was frozen for a second.Suddenly she can't understand her words .

"He got hired at your company .Oh my! I'll congratulate him personally this time!"Jette run to wherever is that place while Sofia try to cope up with the happenings but it seems like she is really having a hard time understanding, or is she really?