SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)

A test of trust

The next day, Sophia walked into Mr. Lee's office, determined to uncover the truth.

"Good morning, Lucian," Sophia said, her voice cheerful.

Mr. Lee looked up from his papers.

"Morning, Sophia." He replied like nothing happened the other day.

Sophia noticed a hint of a smile.

"New task for me?" Sophia asked.

Mr. Lee nodded.

"You're really catching up but still you can't divert my attention from the Golden pen"

"But still Yes i have another for you. I want you to retrieve a rare artifact."

Sophia raised an eyebrow.

"Sounds easy ."

° Since Crystal took her time to tell me about places,towns, countryside and the rest in the states although we promise to sneak out one day°

Mr. Lee's eyes sparkled.

"It's not. You'll need to navigate a maze."

Sophia grinned.

"Child's play."

° You taught me really well, Lucian. °

Mr. Lee chuckled.

"We'll see about that."

" I hope you won't try so hard to put threats on me" Sophia says while he smirks and says nothing.

° Okwa church oh! °

As Sophia accepted the task, she felt a thrill of excitement. At least she's ganna do something fun for once though the Golden pen remains.

Little did she know, Mr. Lee was testing her abilities.

Not for the artifact, but for something more.

"Sophia," Mr. Lee said, his voice low.

"Yes?" Sophia replied.

"Be careful. The maze has...surprises."

Sophia's heart skipped a beat.

"Surprises?"

" Like cool surprises? "

Mr. Lee's smile was enigmatic.

"You'll see."

" When will you ever stop speaking in parables" She mutters.

Sophia left, determined to succeed.

                    ‡Quite tricky‡

But as she navigated the maze, she realized it was no ordinary test.

Illusions, traps, and riddles awaited her.

° Nna eh this guy sef eh! Nawa oh°

"Sophia, you're doing well," Mr. Lee's voice echoed through the maze.

Sophia spun around.

"Where are you?"

Mr. Lee chuckled.

"Watching you."

Sophia's heart raced.

"This isn't just a test, is it?" Sophia asked.

Mr. Lee's silence spoke volumes.

" Or maybe you care" She adds which makes him scoff.

Sophia's determination grew.

She would uncover the truth.

And Mr. Lee's secrets.

° What the hell is he hiding behind those eyes of his? °

As Sophia reached the maze's center, she found the artifact.

" Finally" She heaved a sigh of relief.

° At least i've done something°

Then she saw a message.

"For Sophia's eyes only."

°.........°

Sophia's heart skipped a beat.

"What's going on, Lucian?" Sophia whispered.

" Why is there a letter with my name on it? "

Mr. Lee appeared behind her.

"You passed the test," Mr. Lee said.

Sophia turned.

"What test?"

Mr. Lee's eyes locked onto hers.

"A test of trust."

Sophia's heart fluttered.

"Trust?"

Mr. Lee nodded.

"I need to know if I can trust you."

Sophia's voice barely above a whisper.

"With what?"

Mr. Lee's smile was faint.

"My secrets."

And with that, Mr. Lee vanished.

Leaving Sophia breathless.

And wanting more but since she passed his. Can he pass hers?

She wants to know more. She knows that the guy she's dealing with is not just a guy.

° Did he.... Did he just vanish in thin air? °

° What secrets does he hide? °

°.............°

As Sophia returned to the mansion still loaded with thoughts if she's hallucinating or something, she found Penelope waiting.

" I thought you wouldn't come back? "Penelope asked in sarcasm.

"Sophia, you think you're special?"  Penelope sneered.

Sophia raised an eyebrow.

"What's with you?"

Penelope's eyes flashed.

" Me? " She asked in surprise

° No oh!meat pie! °

"You're getting too close to Mr. Lee."

Sophia smiled sweetly.

"Jealous?"

Penelope's face twisted.

"You have no idea what's going on."

Sophia's heart skipped a beat.

"Enlighten me."

But before Penelope could speak, Kai interrupted.

"Sophia, Mr. Lee needs you."

Sophia nodded.

"Excuse me."

As Sophia left, Penelope's whisper followed.

"You'll regret crossing me."

Sophia shivered for a moment but......

But she wouldn't back down.

The game had just begun.

And Sophia was ready to play.