Monday came faster than Sophia expected. She woke up before dawn, adrenaline rushing through her veins. Today wasn't just a regular day, it was her first step into a whole new world.
She carefully laid out her outfit on the bed. A plain white shirt, a penciled black skirt and the only pair of black heels she had. She stood in front of her mirror and practiced her smile.
"You got this. You belong there. The people there are no better than you are ". She got herself all hyped up. She went to the living room and saw Granny Andrew and Isabella waiting for her.
Granny Andrew hugged her. "Go make us proud dear. May the Good Lord be with you".
"Take care of yourself Soph" her little sister said to her and blew her a kiss.
Sophia left their building ready to take on the world. She headed for the subway while clutching her bag.
The lobby of Sterling Enterprises was very intimidating on a Monday morning. Sophia walked to the elevator and joined the line. Her nerves were all over the place as the elevator went up to the 22nd floor. When the elevator stopped. Kelvin was waiting for her close to the reception. He looked very sharp in a tailored suit and tie that probably cost more than her rent. When he saw her he smiled.
"Good morning Sophia". He said. "Ready for your first day?.
Sophia nodded. "Just a little nervous".
"Don't be". Kelvin said in a reassuring tone. "Come on. I will show you around".
The office was bright, with glass walls and a pretty nice view of Manhattan. Kelvin led her past a few booths and they finally stopped at an empty one.
"This is going to be your workstation. You will be working closely with me and the operations team during your probation period." He said.
"Ok, thank you. I will make sure to do my best".
"Good. Know that you can always ask for my help". Kelvin smiled.
The morning went by before she realized. She went from setting up her computer, to handling paperworks and familiarizing herself with everything. By lunchtime she was exhausted but still excited. While she was preparing to leave for lunch, Kelvin stopped by her desk.
"How's your first day going?"
"Good," Sophia said.
"Glad to hear." Kelvin said. "So I was thinking we should go out for dinner this week to celebrate you officially joining the team."
"That sounds nice. Can I bring my best friend? I would like her to meet you" she replied.
Kelvin nodded. "No problem. The more she merrier".
When Sophia got home, she immediately called Laura and told her about joining her and Kelvin for dinner and she immediately accepted saying that she wanted to see the gentleman that helped her best friend. Friday came quickly. Sophia spent hours getting ready, she curled her hair and put on a simple dress not overdoing it. Kelvin came to pick her up right on time, his car was waiting outside her house.
"You look great," he said as sef got into the car.
Sophia blushed. "Thank you. Laura messaged me saying she was going to meet us at the restaurant."
When they got to the restaurant, Laura was already waiting for them there. She looked stunning, her dress very tight and revealing to draw attention. Sophia hugged her, then introduced her to Kelvin
"Laura, this is Kelvin. Kelvin, Laura".
Laura smiled seductively, extending her hand. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Sophia hasn't stopped talking about you."
Kelvin shook her hand. "I hope she only had good things to say about me. "
Laura softly laughed. Sophia felt off but she brushed it off. After the introduction they went into the restaurant and a waiter led them to the private ward, Kelvin had already reserved for them. During their meal, Laura kept trying to have small talks with Kelvin to get his attention but he was just focused on Sophia, he didn't even glance at her twice. He just said a few words to her. A sharp, uneasy knot formed in Laura's guts. Jealous began taking root in her heart. She excused herself and went to the bathroom. She did not understand why Sophia had to have everything she wanted. When she came back from the bathroom she saw Sophia and Kelvin laughing so hard. She clenched her fist so hard she almost gave herself an injury.
After dinner, Kelvin went to drop off
Laura first. Sophia noticed Laura's lingering gaze when she said goodnight but again she ignored it. When Kelvin dropped Sophia off, he turned to Sophia before she got out. "Today was nice" he softly said. "Maybe next time, just the two of us"
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. " I would like that."
"Then it's a date" he said
Sophia blushed. "Yes, it is"
Back at Laura's apartment, things weren't so sweet. She tossed her purse to the couch and her smile disappeared. She stared at herself in the mirror, her face was dark.
"Sophia keeps getting everything, but not this time. Not on my watch. I will make sure I take everything from her". She said to herself. She was already thinking of ways to take everything from Sophia and ruin her life.