SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)

Maybe i do

Mr. Lee's icy exterior returned, but Sophia saw a glimmer of concern.

"I won't let anyone harm you, Sophia," Mr. Lee said, his voice low and reassuring.

"Thank you, Mr. Lee, but I can handle myself," Sophia replied, trying to sound confident.

Mr. Lee raised an eyebrow with a playful smirk. "Really? Because every time that phone buzzes, you jump."

°Do i?°

Sophia's says trying not to let her cheeks flush. "That's not the point."

"The point is, you're not used to this kind of danger," Mr. Lee said, his voice firm.

"Let me protect you."

°Hai!! When did this one start? °

"I don't need protection," Sophia protested.

Mr. Lee chuckled, a low, husky sound. "You're stubborn, I'll give you that."
Making Sophia scoff.

As they walked to the kitchen, Mr. Lee's hand brushed against hers. "Sorry," they said in unison.

Their eyes met, the tension between them palpable.

°Is he doing this on purpose cos hia i no won make den call me husband snatcher cos na person husband wey e be°

"Focus, Sophia," Mr. Lee said, his voice firm but gentle, as they sat down to lunch.

"Trying to, Mr. Lee," Sophia replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Penelope could only throw daggers at her.

°B**ch!— i really wonder why master let this pig to sit with him while i manage the kitchen. She's really crossing her boundaries and i won't sit and watch that happen°Penelope thoughts to herself in fury as she hissed and left.

Crystal who chatted with Lisa by corner just shook her head. Meanwhile Sophia's mind wandered.

"Daydreaming about something?" Mr. Lee asked, his gaze lingering on hers with a smirk.

Sophia shook her head. "No, just tired."

Mr. Lee's expression softened. "Take a break after lunch."

°Ahhhh! Finally! °

Sophia nodded, grateful.

As they finished eating, Sophia's phone buzzed again.

"Meet me at Café Noir. Come alone."

°This person has come again. I never settle down with this my new phone, they don dey come like say they been dey wait for this new phone. DEY WHINE! they should continue whining ohhh! °

Mr. Lee's eyes narrowed. "Ignore it."

°Since when? °

Sophia hesitated.

"Trust me, Sophia," Mr. Lee said, his voice low and urgent.

°That's actually the last thing i can do. A try won't hurt at least°

Sophia's heart fluttered.

°At least he cares°

"Okay, Mr. Lee."

Mr. Lee's gaze intensified. "I'll keep you safe."

Their eyes locked, the tension between them electric.

************************************************************************

Later, in the study, Sophia worked while Mr. Lee made calls.

As she typed, Mr. Lee's eyes occasionally drifted to her.

"Sophia?"

"Yes, Mr. Lee?"

"Your accent's improving."

Sophia smiled. "Thanks, Mr. Lee."

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

Sophia's cheeks flushed. "Mr. Lee, stop with the teasing."

"Just observing," Mr. Lee said, his voice low.

Their eyes met, the tension between them palpable.

"Stop looking at me like that," Sophia whispered.

"Like what?" Mr. Lee asked, his voice innocent.

Sophia's heart skipped a beat.

"Don't deny it"

"You know exactly what I mean." She mutters.

Mr. Lee's smile was devastating. "Maybe I do."

Sophia's eyes dropped, her pulse racing.

°This guy! °

"I think we're done for today," Mr. Lee said, his voice firm.

Sophia nodded, relieved.

But as she gathered her things, Mr. Lee's hand closed around her wrist.

"Be careful, Sophia," he whispered.

Sophia's heart fluttered. "I will."

Mr. Lee's gaze lingered on hers. "I'll be watching."

°Watching?°

And with that, Sophia knew she was in trouble.