Chapter 2

Sophia gave an awkward smile, realizing she had been in such a rush earlier that she hadn't noticed the details.

She never expected such a big misunderstanding to arise.

Seeing Sophia's cheeks flush red, Michael felt a surge of desire under him.

Their bodies were very close, and Sophia naturally sensed Michael's change.

She widened her eyes at Michael, as if accusing him.

Michael had seen many women, but none had ever stirred his desire with just a look like Sophia did.

Seeing her accusatory expression, Michael felt a playful urge.

His large hand slid to Sophia's slender waist, his hot breath brushing against her neck.

Sophia shivered slightly, her voice trembling as she spoke, "What do you think you're doing? This is the office!" Sophia instinctively covered her mouth, looking at Michael in horror.

"Don't you dare!" Sophia screamed internally. She had just found a job she liked and didn't want any scandalous rumors spreading on her first day.

Michael hadn't intended to do anything, but Sophia's reaction amused him.

"The HR department is downstairs. You can go now." Michael suppressed a smile, standing straight as he looked at Sophia.

Sophia breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Goodbye, Mr. Johnson."

She hurried out of the office, slowing her pace when she noticed someone watching her outside.

"The elevator on the left goes straight to the first floor," the HR representative said with a smile, pointing to the left.

Sophia was puzzled. Did she look like she had failed the interview?

The next moment, she smiled and replied, "Mr. Johnson asked me to report to HR."

The HR representative was momentarily stunned, then apologized, "Congratulations on passing the interview. The HR department is downstairs. You can take the stairs."

Sophia thanked her and headed down the stairs.

Standing in front of the HR department, she still felt a bit incredulous.

The onboarding process was quick, and soon Sophia was standing outside the company, staring at her employment notice in a daze.

Even though she was just an intern assistant and not yet a full employee of Horizon Corporation, it was enough to make Sophia happy.

Her previously uncertain mood turned bright.

Her worries were finally over.

Three months ago, Sophia had run away from home to avoid an arranged marriage.

After paying three months' rent, she had almost no money left and didn't know if she could survive in the city. Despite this, she had promised her family that if she couldn't make it, she would return and go through with the arranged marriage.

Thinking about it, the events of yesterday replayed in Sophia's mind.

Who would have thought that her one-night stand would turn out to be her new boss?

The future was uncertain, but she decided to embrace her new beginning.

Clutching her employment notice, Sophia resolved to make it work here.

Excited to share the news with Olivia Smith, who had helped her so much, Sophia took out her phone and saw a message from Olivia sent half an hour ago. She immediately hailed a cab to Olivia's studio.

The cab driver was chatty, talking nonstop the entire ride.

Sophia, not one for small talk with strangers, nodded and responded occasionally, making the half-hour ride feel especially long.

"Here we are," the driver said, much to Sophia's relief. She paid and quickly got out.

Olivia had moved here a few years earlier and used her savings to manage a bridal shop. Business was slow, just enough to get by. When Olivia had suggested that Sophia work at the shop, Sophia had refused without hesitation.

Now, bursting with joy from landing the job, Sophia couldn't wait to share the news.

She pushed open the door and entered the quiet bridal shop.

The shy receptionist's face lit up with surprise when she saw Sophia.

"Sophia, you need to go in there right now!"

The urgency in the receptionist's voice made Sophia's heart race.

Without waiting to ask what was happening, she rushed inside.

As she got closer, she heard the sounds of an argument.

"What kind of photos are these? You made my face look crooked!"

"And these dresses, is this how you treat your customers?"

Olivia was apologizing, but the customer wouldn't let up.

Finally, Olivia's patience wore thin, and she said coldly, "If you're not satisfied, I'll give you a full refund. You can go to another shop."

The woman in the wedding dress was taken aback, not expecting Olivia to say that.

In her anger, she slapped Olivia, the sound echoing in the small room.

Seeing this, Sophia's anger flared. She burst in, pushing the woman away and pulling Olivia behind her.

Sophia said, "What's your problem? Can't you talk well? What gives you the right to hit someone?"

The woman, knowing she was in the wrong, spoke more softly.

Olivia tugged at Sophia's sleeve and stepped forward. "You can get a refund at the front desk. Change out of the dress."

She said no more, leading Sophia out of the studio.

Back in the office, Sophia wet a towel and handed it to Olivia to soothe her face.

Seeing the redness, Sophia scolded, "Are you an idiot? Just standing there and letting her hit you? Why did you stop me? I should have slapped her back to show we won't be pushed around."

Olivia smiled, taking the towel from Sophia. "Why are you here now?"

Sophia's face lit up with a smile and she said, "I have great news. I got the job at Horizon Corporation!"

"Really?" Olivia beamed, and they shared a joyful look.

Sophia nodded enthusiastically. "By the way, what was that about?"

Olivia's smile faded, and she seemed reluctant to talk about it.

Seeing this, Sophia guessed it wasn't simple. After much prodding, Olivia finally spoke.

"The client's wedding was canceled, and she took it out on me," Olivia said calmly, as if it were no big deal.

Sophia's face darkened. "Is she crazy? What does her canceled wedding have to do with you? I should have slapped her back. And you gave her a full refund! The more I think about it, the angrier I get. She can't have gone far. I'll go find her and return the slap."

Olivia grabbed Sophia, poking her forehead. "You're still so impulsive."

Sophia replied, "In this business, if I had slapped her back, I wouldn't be able to keep this shop open."