SOPHIE'S POV

As I stepped out of the office, the vibrant street scene hit me like a ton of bricks.The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, chocolate cake wafted through the air. A stark contrast to the anxiety churning in my stomach. I sighed. Feeling the weight of my predicament. The thought of losing my job was unbearable as the memory of my struggles three years ago came flooding back. Back then I had depended on my mother's garden to make ends meet. The fear of returning to that life was suffocating.

Just then my gaze wandered to a young girl emerging from an art supply store. She couldn't have been more than ten years old, but the radiant smile on her face struck a chord deep within me. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she clutched her paintbrushes and sketchbook, reminding me of the life I had once yearned for. I remembered the countless hours I spent sketching and dreaming of becoming an artist. But life had taken a different turn, and those dreams had faded like the colors on a forgotten canvas.

Strolling towards the zebra crossing, I noticed an elderly woman waiting. Her calm demeanor was a stark contrast to my own anxiety, admiration washed over me. I approached her, urging her to sit down, but she declined, asking me if I would be there to help her tomorrow. Her words struck a chord, and I realized how much I had depended on Venessa.The woman's wisdom hit me like a ton of bricks: I needed to learn to be dependent on myself.

As we crossed the street, I couldn't help but admire the her confidence and courage. Her words echoed in my mind as I approached Gabrielle's Gourmet Grill, where Laura was waiting for me. But before I could enter, my phone beeped with an anonymous text. My heart skipped a beat.

The text sent chills down my spine: "Given your secret, should you consider a promotion?"

Fear dreaded me. My mind raced with questions. Who was this stranger? How did they know my secret? I stood frozen, my eyes fixed on the ominous text message.I felt like I was living in a nightmare.A harsh reminder that my past was never far behind. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. My eyes darted around the bustling street, wondering if anyone was watching me.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm myself down, but my hands were shaking. I was afraid of losing control.I couldn't face Laura, couldn't pretend everything was okay without her noticing.

After much hesitation, I turned away from Gabrielle's Gourmet Grill, away from Laura's expectant face, and headed back to the office. My feet heavy. My legs trembled with each step. I couldn't believe this was happening, couldn't believe someone was trying to bring me down. But why?

As I walked, my mind raced with possibilities. Was it Venessa? Had she discovered my past and was now trying to sabotage me? Or was it someone else, someone from my past who had finally tracked me down? The thought sent chills down my spine.

I pushed open the office door, my heart raced with anticipation. As I entered the office, I saw Venessa chatting with Mia, with the look on their faces, my heart sank. I knew they were talking about me which made me more anxious. I wished Venessa could understand my perspective.

I took a deep breath ,approached them, trying to muster up the courage to talk to Venessa.

"Can you spare me some minutes?" I asked Venessa, my voice barely above a whisper.

Venessa took a step away from Mia, her eyes narrowed.

"What is it this time?" she asked, her tone cold.

I hesitated, my words getting stuck in my throat.

"I'm sorry about everything. It wasn't my making. Just that my..."

But Venessa cut me off, her voice firm.

"I'm not interested in your apology," she said, turning away from me.

A stinging sensation filled my eyes as tears began to form. I stood there like a wet puppy on the street, helpless and vulnerable.

As Venessa walked away, I couldn't help but think about the anonymous text. Could it had been Venessa who sent it? I couldn't even ask. I blamed myself for being a weakling, unable to ask a direct question.Like I was walking on thin ice, unsure of what lay ahead.

But I knew I need Venessa's help to pull off the project, and I hoped that with time, she would come around. I took a deep breath, tried to compose myself.