"Mobbed by Matrimony" (wlw)

Chapter 12: Sympathy's Revelation

"Just take a deep breath, Sophia. You're going to get through this, I promise."

Alicia's voice was steady and soothing as she spoke into the phone, trying to provide comfort to her distressed best friend.

Sophia's sobs echoed through the line as she struggled to express the terror she had endured earlier. Her words were choked with emotion.

"I can't handle this anymore, Alicia. This is more than I ever imagined. Please, I don't know what to do. Help me file that divorce, I beg you."

Sophia's voice broke with surrender, her vulnerability palpable even through the phone.

"You realize that pursuing this divorce means you'll be up against the mafia, right? I'm more than willing to help you, but you need to consider the potential fallout—for you and your family,"

Alicia cautioned, her tone serious yet empathetic.

Sophia's voice trembled with desperation.

"Alicia, I can't go on like this. I'm begging you. I need your help more than ever."

Alicia sighed deeply, her heart aching at the sound of her best friend's pain. After a moment of silence, she spoke with resolve.

"Okay, Sophia. Send me the draft you've prepared, and I'll review it."

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Sophia resolved to send the divorce agreement she had drafted a few weeks ago. Though she hadn't intended to use it so soon, her recent confrontation with Alex pushed her to act impulsively, deciding without fully considering the consequences.

The warm water cascading over Alex's head in the shower helped clear her mind and sober her up. As she stood under the soothing stream, she remembered hearing Sophia's anguished cries from her room earlier. Although her actions had been fueled by alcohol and a tumult of emotions, Alex knew that wasn't an excuse for the pain she had caused.

The housekeeper had returned to the penthouse after a few days off for an emergency, and now she busily prepared breakfast while Sophia sat on the kitchen counter, her mind clearly elsewhere.

"Good morning, Boss. Breakfast will be ready soon."

Lisa said as Alex descended the stairs.

Sophia flinched at Lisa's greeting but kept her gaze fixed on the coffee cup in front of her, her anger palpable.

"I'm not eating."

Alex said curtly before heading straight for the elevator and leaving the penthouse.

Lisa noticed the anger etched on Sophia's face as she stirred her coffee with visible agitation.

"I hope she didn't give you a hard time last night."

Lisa said abruptly.

Sophia looked up, puzzled. It was clear Lisa knew something that led her to make such a remark. Sophia stared at the housekeeper, her eyes brimming with questions and confusion.

"Yesterday was far from ordinary. For the past nine years, on that particular date, Boss Alex has always thrown a fit, regardless of who's around her. I hope she didn't hurt you, dear."

Lisa said sympathetically.

Sophia, still bewildered, was overwhelmed by Lisa's concern. The kindness in the housekeeper's words brought her to tears once more.

"Oh, dear, I'm so sorry I forgot to warn you. I was so focused on my husband's medical condition that I didn't remind you to steer clear from her yesterday. I hope you understand; I know Alex truly regrets her actions."

Lisa said, trying to comfort Sophia.

Sophia, tears streaming down her face, asked with a mix of anger and confusion.

"What could possibly be so serious about yesterday that she had to hurt everyone around her like this?"

"Yesterday was the anniversary of her late mother's birthday," Lisa explained to Sophia.

"She lost her mom eleven years ago, and every year on that date, Alex wakes up early to visit her mother's grave in the mountains.  It's a deeply emotional day for her. The grief and longing she feels can make her incredibly upset, and unfortunately, it often leads to her being irritable and harsh with those around her."

Sophia was taken aback by Lisa's revelation. She realized that Alex's outburst the previous night was driven by more than just her own words; the situation was rooted in something much deeper. Her anger shifted to sympathy as she understood the depth of Alex's pain and sadness. Sophia regretted her own harshness, recognizing that she had provoked Alex without realizing the significance of the day and the emotional weight it carried for her.

"Everyone, listen up!"

Brad called, commanding the room's attention.

"As you know, Phantom Circle isn't just about the usual fights and deals. The Van Leeuw's Funding Department is hosting this year's charity program, and everyone's encouraged to participate. I'm confident our boss, Gabriel, will be there to oversee things. So, if you're interested in joining and contributing, let's meet outside the building at 8 AM this Saturday."

Brad finished, his enthusiasm evident.

"You should definitely come, Sophia."

Christina urged, as the two women wrapped up their lunch in the cafeteria.

Sophia smiled faintly, considering her colleague's suggestion.

"Yeah, I think I'll join.

Sophia thought it might be a good change of pace, especially to steer clear of the penthouse and avoid running into Alex for a while.

Sophia, Christina, Michelle, and a few team members from the Telecommunications division were gathered outside the PC Building, waiting for the shuttle to the charity program. After a short wait, a sleek black shuttle van pulled up in front of them.

"Hop in, everyone!"

Brad called out, waving them toward the van.

"Sophia, take the extra seat up front here with me."

Brad directed as Sophia approached the shuttle.

Sophia smiled politely, "It's okay, Mr. Welton. I'd prefer to sit with Christina and Michelle in the back."

Brad's tone hardened slightly. "I need you to sit up front, Sophia."

With no other option, Sophia complied and took the front passenger seat next to Brad, though she cast a quick, uncertain glance back at Christina and Michelle.

As everyone settled into their seats, the shuttle began its journey to the charity program location. Sophia couldn't help but notice how Brad seemed to encroach on her personal space despite the ample room on his side. He leaned in frequently, trying to engage her in conversation and make casual comments.

Sophia felt increasingly uneasy, but she remained silent, choosing to tolerate the discomfort rather than voice her concerns. She focused on the scenery outside, hoping the journey would pass quickly.