SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)

You'll see

Rose chased Alex around the sitting room, laughing and throwing pillows at him. "You're such a troublemaker, Xander!" she exclaimed.

"Hey, someone's got to keep you on your toes!" Alex retorted, dodging a flying cushion.

Just then, Rose's mind wandered to Sophia and worries about her.

"I wonder if she's doing alright. I really pray so," Rose thought aloud.

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

Rose shrugged. "Just someone i met in the trafficking thingy. I've been meaning to reconnect."

Alex smiled mischievously. "Leave that to me. I'll help you track her down."

Rose's eyes sparkled. "Really? You'd do that?"

Alex nodded. "Consider it done."

Rose grinned, tossing the pillow back at Alex. "You're just showing off, aren't you?"

Alex chuckled, dodging the pillow. "Maybe a little."

Rose playfully rolled her eyes. "I'll hold you to that promise, Xander."

Alex winked. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Just then, Alex's phone buzzed. "Ah, perfect timing," he said, answering the call.

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

Sophia emerged from her shower and did the necessary things. She walked into the kitchen, where Penelope was preparing breakfast.

"Good morning," Sophia said, trying to sound cheerful.

Penelope's response was a cold stare. "Master's already eaten. You're running late."

°I know that°

Sophia rolled her eyes. "It's Saturday, remember?"

Penelope's expression didn't change. "Your duties don't take breaks, Sophia."

Sophia sighed. "What's got you so worked up today?"

"Can't you at least side me? "

Penelope's eyes narrowed. "You think you're special, don't you? Always getting away with things."

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about, Penelope?"

Penelope's voice dripped with venom. "You know exactly what I mean."

Just then, Mr. Lee walked in. "Penelope, that's enough."

Penelope's demeanor changed instantly. "Yes, Master."

Mr. Lee turned to Sophia. "Get ready. We have a meeting at 10."

Sophia nodded, feeling anxious.

°cos i'm dressed already°

"What's the meeting about?" she asked.

Mr. Lee's expression was unreadable. "You'll find out soon enough."

Sophia's mind raced with possibilities.

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Well, I'm dressed," she said, gesturing to her outfit.

Mr. Lee's expression remained unreadable. "Good. We'll leave in 30 minutes."

Penelope sniffed. "You're not even wearing heels."

Sophia smirked. "I'm dressed, aren't I?"

Penelope's eyes narrowed. "You think you're so smart, don't you?"

Mr. Lee intervened coldly with a snare. "Penelope."

Sophia smiled sweetly. "Thanks."

Penelope's glare could freeze water.

As Sophia followed Mr. Lee out, she whispered, "What's the meeting about, Mr. Lee?"

Mr. Lee's response sent shivers down her spine. "You'll be meeting your new 'colleagues'."

Sophia's mind raced. Colleagues? What did that even mean?

"I thought i've met them"

Mr. Lee's gaze remained icy. "Not those ones, Sophia."

Sophia's curiosity piqued. "What's so special about them?"

Mr. Lee's expression didn't change. "You'll see."

Sophia's anxiety grew.

                     ★†★

Alex's phone call ended, and he turned to Rose. "Guess what?"

Rose raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Alex grinned mischievously. "I think I found Sophia."

Rose's eyes widened. "Really? Where?"

Alex chuckled. "Patience, my friend. All will be revealed soon enough."

Rose playfully threw another pillow at Alex. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Alex dodged, laughing. "Maybe a little."