Chapter 13 - Day One 2

Sophia and Theo entered the gleaming lobby, the polished marble floors echoing with each step they took. The building was breathtaking—a fusion of sleek modernity and an undeniable air of sophistication. As they walked toward the elevators, Sophia fished into her purse, her fingers closing around a small key. She held it up, examining it carefully, looking for her office number printed on a tag attached to the key.

Curious, Theo leaned forward, his head tilting toward her as the gentle, floral scent of her shampoo filled the space between them. He inhaled subtly, momentarily distracted.

"What's that?" he asked, his voice light with intrigue.

Sophia glanced at him, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Oh, this? They sent me a welcome package, you know, a few things to get started—my office key, some branded items, a company car, even shoes. Apparently, they want me ready to jump right in."

Theo blinked in surprise, his brows lifting. "Wait, what? A car and shoes?" He looked down at his plain dress shoes and then back at her. "They sent me a packet with a pen and notebook. No car, no shoes...and no mention of an office."

Sophia laughed softly, a little embarrassed by the attention, but Theo's look of bewilderment was genuine. "I'm sure it's just a mix-up, or maybe because I was just hired."

"Or maybe I need to find out why I'm left out of all the perks." He chuckled but looked genuinely curious, as if this small difference piqued a hidden sense of competition. "I might have to stop by the manager's office."

As the elevator ascended to the top floor, they stood in comfortable silence, both silently admiring the surroundings. A soft ding announced their arrival, and the doors slid open to reveal the manager's office, an elegant space that combined function with an air of authority. Dark walnut furniture contrasted with glass accents and a deep green wall adorned with framed awards and accomplishments. The entire setup exuded professionalism.

Sophia approached the manager with a smile, who greeted her warmly. "Ms. Reid, welcome. I hope everything's to your satisfaction so far."

"Yes, thank you," Sophia replied, and after a brief conversation about her settling in, she brought up a detail she had noticed in the welcome package. "Actually, it mentioned that I'd have an assistant...but I haven't seen anyone so far."

"Oh, your assistant?" The manager smiled, shifting his gaze to Theo, who stood with his hands casually in his pockets, observing the exchange with an amused smile. "You've already met him, actually. In fact, he's standing right beside you."

Sophia's mouth dropped open in shock, her gaze darting to Theo. "Wait—Theo is my...assistant?"

She couldn't hide her surprise. She had assumed he'd have his own workspace, perhaps even his own office. But Theo merely shrugged, looking entirely unbothered, as if he had anticipated this outcome all along.

"Not too surprising, really," he admitted with a nonchalant smile. "I was lucky enough to get the job at all. I guess they thought it'd be a good fit."

The manager, watching their exchange with a mild smile, added, "Ms. Reid, Theo is very capable. He'll be a great asset to you in this role, I'm sure of it. Now, let's introduce you to the team."

The manager led them down a short hallway lined with framed advertisements and posters of past successful campaigns, each one showcasing the high standards of the firm. As they entered a large, open office space, a group of colleagues rose from their desks, smiling and extending hands to greet her. One by one, they introduced themselves—each name adding to the flurry of faces and voices that was becoming her new work family.

After the introductions, one of the team members, a young woman with a welcoming smile, gestured for Sophia to follow her to her new office. Sophia looked over at Theo, who walked alongside her, a supportive presence amidst the newness and excitement.

Finally, they reached her office. Sophia stepped in and took in the sight: a spacious, private workspace with a sleek mahogany desk, a large window overlooking the bustling city below, and walls lined with shelves. The office had a modern, clean design—minimalistic, yet inviting. It was more than she had hoped for, the kind of space that could inspire focus and creativity.

Off to one side was a smaller study nook with a simple chair and table, separate from her main desk. She could picture herself using the area for brainstorming sessions or late-night work. She smiled, feeling an immense sense of pride and excitement at what this new chapter represented.

Theo looked around the room, clearly impressed, though his expression held a hint of playful disappointment. "Nice office," he remarked, glancing around appreciatively before turning to the team member who had escorted them. "So, where's my workspace?"

The team member smirked, gesturing toward the small study nook. "Right there," he said, pointing to the table and chair tucked into the corner.

Theo's smile remained, but his shoulders slumped slightly as he took in his modest space, clearly meant to be secondary. Yet, he took it in stride, setting his bag down with a casual shrug. He began to organize his things, making the space his own.

Sophia watched him, feeling a pang of sympathy. "I'm sorry, Theo... I never thought it would happen this way."

He glanced up, flashing her a reassuring smile. "You don't need to apologize for anything, Sophia. This is just how it goes, right? Besides, there's nothing we can do. Let's focus on making this work."

Sophia couldn't help but be impressed by his resilience. Theo adjusted quickly, showing no signs of frustration as he arranged his supplies with the quiet determination of someone who knew how to adapt. His easy-going nature put her at ease, reinforcing her belief that she was lucky to have him as her assistant.

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The two settled into their roles, Sophia tackling her work with an intense focus while Theo provided steady support, handling communications, organizing files, and handling minor tasks that freed Sophia to focus on more strategic efforts. Days passed in a blur of meetings, presentations, and deadlines, as Sophia and Theo found a rhythm that worked for them. They navigated the high-stakes environment with a mixture of grit and good humor, and soon, Sophia felt like she'd been there for years rather than days.

By the end of the first week, she had already completed her first project—a comprehensive marketing proposal that drew praise from both the manager and her team. Theo, ever the quiet support, had been instrumental, working late with her and picking up on small details that improved the final product.

And yet, Sophia sensed that despite his outward contentment, Theo's ambitions reached further. She'd caught him more than once studying campaign reports or discreetly jotting down ideas for improvements, as if he wanted to prove himself worthy of a more substantial role. The thought stirred something within her, and she wondered if, in time, she could help him advance as well.

One evening, as they wrapped up for the day, Sophia turned to him with a smile.

"Thank you, Theo," she said sincerely. "I couldn't have done this without you. Really."

He looked at her, surprised but pleased. "Of course, Sophia. I'm here to help. And honestly... this has been a great experience for me too." His gaze softened, and he added with a hint of humor, "Even if my 'office' isn't quite as nice as yours."

They shared a laugh, and for a moment, the intense pace of their new roles faded into the background. Sophia realized that while she had started this job with high expectations for herself, she had also gained something unexpected—a true partner in her journey. Together, they were becoming a team, one that might someday reach heights even she hadn't anticipated.