Chapter 3 Sophia.

SOPHIA'S POV.

It didn't take long for me to become the talk of the company. My red-haired desk mate, Lisa, told me that the Asian dude; whose name I still don't know, has a habit of gossiping, and now everyone point and stared at me wherever I go in the company.

The ladies even gave me nasty looks. Not that it offends me, it just makes me feel uncomfortable.

However, three days passed without a word from Lucas and the buzz was finally dying down. It made me relieved and sad at the same time. Relived because everyone's attention was no longer on me, and sad because I secretly hoped that Lucas might have developed some kind of interest in me.

I looked down at my 'nun' skirt and plain white blouse, and I scoffed at myself.

Who would develop interest in someone as ugly and unattractive as me? Certainly not Lucas Sullivan.

Even as I said that, a sleek black SUV stopped right in front of me, and the tinted windows rolled themselves down to reveal the object of my thoughts. Lucas Sullivan in all his handsome glory.

"Let me give you a ride home Sophia," he offered.

My eyes widen involuntarily and I was lost for words. Some of the other employees were also leaving in that moment and they were paying attention to us.

This would only stir up more hatred towards me.

"I-It's fine sir. I'll just take a taxi."

"Save your money and get in Sophia. I insist." I hesitated, glancing at some of the employees who had stopped to stare. They were whispering to themselves. "I'm waiting," Lucas reminded gently, but there was a bit of impatience in his tone.

Timidly, I climbed unto the passenger side of the car, and Lucas leaned towards me to help me fix my seat belt. My heart was beating painfully in my chest as I caught a whiff of his expensive cologne.

It was nice, but strawberry is my favorite scent.

After adjusting my seat belt to his satisfaction, he settled oh his seat and smiled at me, "so, what's your home address?"

Without missing a beat, I ratted it out to him and he punch it into the GPS before zooming off.

For a second, there was an awkward silence in the car, but Lucas broke it. "So Sophia, how do you like your job so far?"

I gulped down my nerves, "it's great. I'm actually enjoying myself."

He gave me a sideways glance, "are you sure? There is no discomfort in any direction I suppose?"

I thought about the annoying Asian dude, but decided that he was not worth mentioning to Lucas. "No, there is no area that makes me uncomfortable."

Silence fell again, and neither of us seem to know what to do to fill the silence. Lucas was the one who spoke again, "how is your hand?" He asked in concern, "I have been so busy that I couldn't find time to come check up on you."

I stared down at the fading bruise, "It's fine. You shouldn't worry about it anymore, though I really appreciate your kindness and concern."

He nodded at me, and soon we arrived at my place. I instantly felt ashamed at the old and worn apartment building that seem to be falling apart.

The paints were peeling off with most part broken, but it was the cheapest I could find in New York. I already have plans to move after getting my first paycheck anyway.

I got down from the car and thanked my boss, "thank you so much sir. I really appreciate your help."

He didn't reply and just kept staring fixedly at me, and it made me a bit self conscious.

Was he judging me?

As I turned to go, he spoke quickly, "aren't you going to invite me in for some coffee or tea Sophia?"

My heart leaped at the informal way he always says my name. "D-do you want to come in?" I couldn't help asking. Someone like him wouldn't want to come into a place like this.

He shrugged, "well, I won't mind if you invite me in."

I rubbed the back of my neck shyly. I have never invited a man into my house, but this is Lucas Sullivan we are talking about.

"If you don't mind, then you are invited to come in sir."

He smiled, and I swear, he looks a million times more handsome than usual.

He got down from his car and I had to admit, he looks mighty fine in his all black suit. I figured that maybe black is his favorite color.

"Lead the way Sophia."

I blushed shyly, a bit ashamed at my thoughts about him. "S-sure sir." I walked ahead of him, heading for the entry.

Lucas followed behind me and it made me nervous.

I wonder what he must be thinking. Was he disgusted at me for living in a place like this? I quickly shook away the thought. Lucas isn't like that.

The inside of the apartment building was even worst than the outside. The lobby at the first floor was extremely dirty, and there were disgusting stains on the wall, because most of the occupants couldn't make it outside to throw their refuse in the trash can, so they use the lobby as a refuse dump.

Lucas and I had to walk carefully to avoid stepping on dirt. Sometimes I do clean up the place myself, but it's very tiring, so I rarely do it.

"I'm sorry about this sir," I apologized feeling very embarrassed at the state of the place.

Lucas shook his head, "it's fine Sophia."

The elevator in the building was broken, so we had no choice but to take the stairs to the fifth floor. I kept apologizing because I knew Lucas was uncomfortable in his surrounding even though he tries to hide it.

Eventually, we arrived at my room. My neighbor was a loud mouthed drunk, and I was glad he wasn't home today.

I took out my key and unlocked the door to my apartment. I walked in and held it open for Lucas to come in as well. He walked in past me, looking around as I shut the door behind him.

My room was a simple self contain with a bedroom, a kitchen on the side and a bathroom on the other side. There was a small book shelve beside my bed with neatly arranged books, and my bed was dressed in neat pink sheets.

Thank God I took time to clean up today before going to work.

"Nice place," Lucas commented and walked deeper into the room. He casually took a seat on my bed, because there was no seat in my room.

"Thanks." I walked closer to my bed and pulled off my bag, placing it on the bed far from where Lucas sat. "I'll just make you some coffee really quick."

"What's the hurry? I want us to talk a little." He patted the space beside him, silently asking me to sit down. Timidly, I sat, "do you live alone?" He asked gently, but my eyes remained glued to the floor and my hands fidgeting.

"Y-Yes sir. I am an orphan. I grew up in an orphanage. I don't have any relatives or friends."

He hesitated for a moment, and I wondered what he was thinking. Then he asked again, "What about a boyfriend?"

The question got me giggling, "I'm sorry sir, but your question was a bit funny to me. Who would want to date someone plain and ugly like me?"

"Don't call yourself ugly Sophia. You are anything but ugly." I lifted my head and stared into his intense grey eyes that were also staring back at me. They look so sincere. "You are beautiful" he added softly. My heart pounded in my chest, butterflies danced in my stomach and I suddenly found it difficult to breath.

I looked away from him bashfully, but he grabbed my jaw gently and tilted my head to stare at him again.

"I like you Sophia. I want to be your boyfriend, if you'll let me."

My heart exploded in my chest.

What the hell?! Lucas Sullivan just told me that he likes me, and it's just my fifth day of working in the company.

Is this a dream? Jesus please tell me its not.

"I'll give you tonight to think about it. Tell me your answer tomorrow." With that, he leaned forward and kissed me gently on the lips.

It was a short and simple kiss, a peck even, but it was my first kiss and it still left my heart throwing somersaults in his chest.

That night, alone in my room, I thought about it. He likes me and I like him a lot too. So what's there to think about?