Chapter 4 The eye contact

Sophia entered her office and glanced around at everything, from her desk to the curtains over the large glass window, everything was different from what her father's cabin looked like. If anything that didn't change was the small peacock shaped pen holder, she picked it and smiled remembering how much his father loved it.

Sophia took her seat and picked up the files settled on the side of her table, it was time for her to devour herself in the work.

As she flipped through the pages, she couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. The familiar weight of the papers in her hand, the sound of the pen scratching against the pages, it all felt like home.

But as she delved deeper into the work, her mind drifted back to the peacock pen holder. It was a small trinket, but it held so much meaning for her. It was like a gift from her father, a reminder of his love and support.

Sophia smiled as she pictured her father's face, his warm smile and gentle eyes. She missed him dearly, but she knew he was always with her in spirit.

With a renewed sense of determination, Sophia dove into her work, channelling her father's strength and wisdom. She knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she would face them with grace and perseverance, just like her father taught her.

Smiling, she focused on the file of David Wilson, the popular actor. David was a regular client of The Smiths and the very renowned one, just two days ago when the internet surfaced with a vlog of David's indulgence in a fraud of diamond's the paparazzi turned his life upside down.

With articles of every possible tabloid and gossip website covering the scandal, David's reputation was at stack. The once beloved actor was now labelled as fraud and a con artist. Fans were devastated and many of his projects and endorsements were dropped.

Amidst the chaos, David released a statement denying the allegations and claiming that he was set up by someone looking to tarnish his image.

Sophia was fully convinced of David's innocence in the matter. She called Richard to know the information about the case, what steps have been taken in the past two days.

Richard entered her office and handed a red file to her. Sophia took the file and they roamed over every single detail, they have printed David's statement on almost every website and removed the past articles of fraud from them.

She huffed a deep breath and was keen to keep David's reputation in check. "Richard, keep a check on the court hearing about this case, and try to keep the positive and if he is in the fraud drop him from our clients list,"

"I feel like someone impersonated him, maybe some long dur enemy," Richard pointed out.

"Maybe, that's for the court to decide, our work is to keep our clients reputation as good, but we have some morals too, I won't defend a criminal, ever." She said, looking straight in his direction.

Richard nodded, understanding her stance on the matter. "I respect that Ma'am," he said. "But what if the evidence suggests that your client is innocent?"

She paused for a moment, deep in thought. "If that's the case, then I will do everything in my power to defend them," she replied firmly. "I believe in justice, and I will fight for it, regardless of the circumstances."

Richard smiled, impressed by her determination. "I have a positive feeling about David's case," he said. "Let's give The Smiths best shot."

"Yes, Richard." Sophia gave a small smile. "Where is the appointed Secretary by the way, haven't seen me since I came back." She looked at the Secretary table inside her cabin.

Richard took a quick glance around the room before responding, "I believe she's on a lunch break. Should be back soon though."

Sophia nodded, turning her attention back to the papers spread out in front of her. Richard went back to his Cabin. He settled into his chair, taking a deep breath and feeling the tension ease from his shoulders. The familiar scent of pine and fresh air filled the room, reminding him of the peace and tranquillity that came with being in the woods.

Richard glanced out the window, watching as the sunlight filtered through the branches. He felt a sense of contentment wash over him, grateful for this secluded retreat that he had worked so hard to build.

As he sat there, lost in thought, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the solitude and serenity that his cabin provided. It was his sanctuary, a place where he could escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.

And as he sat there, surrounded by the sounds of the cars and the warmth of the sunlight streaming through the window, Richard couldn't help but feel a deep sense of peace and gratitude for the simple joys that his cabin brought him. It was a place where he could truly be himself, away from the chaos and noise of the outside world.

A faint knock landed on his office door, giving his confirmation he saw Vanesa Smith, Sophia's cousin entering his Cabin. She took a deep breath as she stepped into Richard's cabin.

The air was filled with the familiar scent of pine and woodsmoke, making her feel instantly at ease. She glanced around, taking in the cosy interior with Richard's office.

"Richard?" she called out, her voice echoing softly in the quiet cabin. "Would you like to get lunch together?"

Sophia was working as the Data Analyst in The Smiths.

"Hey, Venesa, it would be lucky of me," he said, turning to smile at her. "I was just about to go for lunch, how about The Ether, I heard they have the best Asian food."

Vanesa nodded, "I agree, we should definitely try out that Restaurant, heard a lot about it,"

"Great, let's take a walk then," Richard said.

"Sure, Richard," Venesa said softly.

Venesa and Richard were each other's first friend in the company, when Venesa joined her Uncle's company, Richard was working as an unpaid intern and they bonded from the very first day.

They reached the Restaurant, settling on the Table by the window Richard placed the order, while keeping the menu back his hands touched Venesa's and a spark flew in their body.

Richard and Venesa locked eyes from across the table, a silent understanding passing between them. Their gazes held for a moment, a spark of connection igniting between them. It was as if they could read each other's thoughts, their unspoken bond palpable in the air. Despite the noise and chaos around them, in that moment, it was just the two of them, lost in each other's eyes.