SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)

..... Your safety is my priority

Noon arrived, and Sophia trudged to the laundry room, her "punishment" awaiting.

"I've done harder tasks, but laundry's not so bad," Sophia muttered to herself.

°At least it's easier than those of aunt Racheal°

°I don't even know if days are running fast or slow— You know...... their seasons here are really confusing°

Just then, Mr. Lee appeared beside her, his icy exterior softening as he wears a smirk.

"Need assistance, Sophia?" he asked, his deep voice tinged with warmth.

°Hia this one he mentioned my name°

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "No, Mr. Lee. I've got this."

Mr. Lee's gaze locked onto hers, his expression unreadable. "Ensure you don't overexert yourself."

"No offense" She says with a smile.

Together, they worked efficiently, their hands touching occasionally. Sophia felt that spark again and though tries not making it noticable.

"You're surprisingly skilled at laundry," Mr. Lee said, his voice tinged with admiration.

°Before nko°

Sophia smiled dusting the washing machine. "Just trying to get it done, Mr. Lee."

Mr. Lee's gaze lingered on hers. "You're... efficient."

°What is this one kwanu? Efficient ke?°

Their eyes met, the tension between them palpable.

"I must say, you're quite... resourceful, Sophia," Mr. Lee said, his voice low.

Sophia's cheeks flushed. "Thanks, Mr. Lee."

Mr. Lee's expression softened further, his eyes crinkling. "You're welcome."

As they finished laundry, Mr. Lee turned to Sophia.

Although Penelope peered at them with a gnashing, she couldn't help but curse under her breathe.

"You're freed from punishment," he said with a hint of a smile.

"B**ch!" Penelope mutters under her breathe with a rolled eye as she stormed out.

Sophia grinned. "Thanks, Mr. Lee."

"Finally" She heaved a sigh of relief.

Mr. Lee's gaze lingered on hers.

"Sophia?"

"Yes, Mr. Lee?"

"Be careful. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you."

Sophia's heart skipped a beat.

"Why the sudden change? " Sophia asks with a raised eyebrow making Mr. Lee wear a playful smirk.

     "Taking care of my workers is my priority" Mr. Lee says staring at the empty space.

"Thank you, Mr. Lee," she whispered.

"First time"Sophia mutters with a scoff.

Mr. Lee's gaze intensified.

"I mean it, Sophia. Your safety is my priority."

"You don't even know me yet" Sophia says with a raised eyebrow.

"I think i've known you enough" He says with a smirk.

Their eyes locked, the tension between them electric.

°This guy is crazy. Does he really want to act k-drama with me? —Why won't he when he looks exactly as their idol which they say all girls fall—°

Just then, Sophia's phone buzzed – the unknown number again.

"Meet me at Café Noir. Come alone."

°Hmmmm? Who be this one na? °

Mr. Lee's expression darkened.

"We'll handle this together," he said firmly.

Sophia's instincts prickled.

"Mr. Lee, I can handle it," Sophia protested.

"Don't try making me look weak and inferior" She mutters under her breathe.

Mr. Lee's voice turned icy. "No, Sophia. We'll handle it together."

Sophia's heart fluttered.

°Seriously? Again? °