In Room 308 at the City Central Hospital, I spotted Sophia lying in bed, her arm hooked up to an IV drip.
When I showed up at the door, she looked a bit surprised—and yeah, kinda happy too.
“Andrew, weren’t you supposed to report to the company today?
What brings you to the hospital?” Sophia lifted her head to look at me, brows slightly raised.
I stepped closer to her bed.
“Already did.
Checked in with HR and everything.
Then I heard from Mr.
Adams that you were sick and in the hospital—I couldn’t relax till I saw you myself.”
Sophia gave a small, grateful smile.
“It’s just a cold, nothing serious.
But I admit, I’m really glad you came.”
“I figured you were here all by yourself and probably bored out of your mind.
I couldn’t just stay away—not when you’re my Sophia.”
“So, how was your first day at the office?” she asked.
“Honestly?
A little overwhelming.
People seem to think I’ve got some kind of special backing.
They were super friendly—too friendly.
Did you, uh, give Mr.
Adams any special instructions?”
“What kind of instructions?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.
“Like…
asking him to give me special treatment or something.”
“Well yeah.
You’re one of our new hires.
We welcome everyone warmly.”
“That’s the thing—people assume I got in because of privilege.” I looked at her seriously.
“Sophia, I love working with you.
You’re awesome.
But could you maybe not treat me any differently than the others?
I want to make it here by earning it, you know?
Not because someone thinks I’m getting special favors.”
“Come here.”
I sat on the bed.
She reached out, held my hand, and said softly, “What, are you mad at me now?
Honestly, I haven’t been treating you any different.
I pushed for you to join the company not because of our personal history, but because I knew you’re capable.
You’ve got a spark.”
Looking at her flawless face, I had this urge to touch it—to feel the warmth and softness—but I stopped myself.
She’s not the woman who curled up in my bed that night.
She’s my boss now.
From here on out, I have to show her the respect she deserves, support her like any loyal team member would.
But I couldn’t resist.
Gently, I lifted my hand and placed it on Sophia’s cheek.
She didn’t flinch or pull away.
Instead, she smiled like she was at peace, her eyes soft.
“Feeling any better?” I asked as I brushed her cheek with my fingers.
She nodded with a light chuckle.
“A lot better.
It really is just a cold.
Once this IV is done, I’ll head back to work.”
“You came to the hospital all alone.
Why didn’t you ask someone from the office to keep you company?””I’m used to handling things on my own.
I mean, yeah, I had a husband before, but even back then, I hardly ever got to feel what it’s like to be genuinely cared for by a man.
All these years, it’s always been me pushing through, grinding my way forward.
That’s why, when he finally walked away, I couldn’t understand it.
It hurt a lot.
I’d never asked anything from him, but in the end, he still chose to walk away without a second thought.”
As Sophia spoke, there was a faint shimmer in her eyes.
This woman, always so strong and put-together, looked so lost and fragile all of a sudden.
Watching her like this made my chest tighten.
I couldn’t help but feel disappointed in the man who had let her go—how could anyone in their right mind give up someone like Sophia?
She’s got everything going for her. This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
Doesn’t make sense.
You could tell her tears weren’t just sadness—they were from being misunderstood, from feeling wronged.
Her sorrow hit me like a sharp sting, and I could feel this dull ache in my chest.
I gently let Sophia rest her head on my shoulder.
She’d opened up about something so painful—maybe just letting it all out was what she needed.
My hand moved slowly through her hair, and my fingers brushed softly against the side of her face.
I didn’t say anything, but I hoped she could feel what I was trying to show—that I care, truly—and maybe, just maybe, that could light up a little piece of her world again.
That she’s no longer alone, not really.
“Andrew, I kinda envy your ex-girlfriend,” she said, lifting her head toward me.
Her expression had softened a bit.
I blinked.
“Why’s that?”
“Because I’m sure you must’ve treated her really well.”
“If I love someone, I give it everything I’ve got.
No half-measures.”
“A woman just wants someone who’s willing to love her with his whole heart.
That’s really all we ever wish for.”
“Sophia, from now on, I’ll be there for you—in life, in work.
Meeting you in this city wasn’t just by chance.”
“Thank you, Andrew.
Having someone like you on my team…
that really means the world to me.”
“I just hope that after we step out of the office, you can see me as more than just an employee.
There’s always a wall between a boss and a subordinate, but I’d rather we connect as real people out here.
Maybe even as friends.”
A tiny smile lit up her face, and she nestled her head back into my chest.
Outside the hospital window, the sun spilled warmth onto the streets, where kids’ laughter echoed down the sidewalks.
I looked up at the IV drip, watching those tiny droplets merge into the line connected to her arm.
A silly part of me wished that bag would never empty—so she’d stay right here, close like this, letting me care for her like she deserves.
But real life doesn’t follow wishes.
About thirty minutes later, a nurse came in and removed the needle from Sophia’s hand.
I knew that meant she’d pull away, and we’d both go back to reality—back to playing our roles as boss and employee, where lines are drawn and rules are clear.