Con
Con 29

CHAPTER 29

Sophia’s POV

“Sophia, you look amazing!” Kayla exclain, her eyes widening in surprise, as soon as I answered her video call. “I can’t wait to see you again when I go back to Paris.”

Sitting at my desk in Urban Next, I smiled and thanked my best friend. “Gosh, it’s been three years!”

“I know. Three years in Paris have made you confident, stylish, fashionable… I just love it!”

Her words made me laugh. “Thanks, Kayla. Perhaps it’s the inner joy and peace. I’ve come a long way from that last time we saw each other, when I just got out of the hospital…”

Mentioning the hospital suddenly reminded me of that day when I got discharged. and had to be rushed back again because of abdominal pain. Luckily, it turned out to be nothing serious and I only needed more rest.

“Gosh, I’m really glad that part of your life’s over now.” Kayla exclaimed. “But at least. you drove him away. Look how everything turned out to be.”

“I know. It was worth it.”

I changed the subject then, showing her some of my recent designs. “I’ve been applying some of your tips!” I shared excitedly.

“You’re so talented, Sophia. Those are wonderful!”

We chatted some more about our respective design projects, even exchanging ideas. It was just like how we did our artistic ventures back in college.

Eventually, we put the phone down and I went back to work. Later on, a colleague of mine named Anna came up to me. She used to be in one of my classes, but she was immediately hired here after her graduation.

“Hey, Sophia, are you excited for your graduation tomorrow?” she asked with a gleam. in her eyes.

I was so engrossed with my projects lately that it almost slipped my mind. “Oh, my gosh!” I exclaimed, realizing that the big day was already tomorrow. “I’m really graduating already, am I?”

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CHAPTER 29

+25 BONUS

“Yes, you are! And I won’t be surprised if you’re awarded with some distinction, Gosh, I’d love to have your natural talent, you know.”

I smiled widely, grateful for her compliment. Thanks so much, Anna, but you know you’re just equally good, and you have taught me a lot too since we started working together here.”

“Well, I’m glad we’re both able to inspire one another,” Anna replied. “I’ve always admired your excellent work, and even your work ethics and friendliness. I mean, you’re one of the few who truly get along with everyone here!”

When she said that, she glanced toward the other desk where Julia was busy retouching her makeup.

“Well, there’s Julia who’s always Miss Congeniality,” she added, referring to how Julia has always had amazing people skills even though she had a tendency to prioritize unimportant things like hanging out with friends, shopping, and dancing in bars.

“Yes, I know,” I said with a smile. “Julia’s friends with everyone, so it’s not only me.”

“But you’re a rare breed,” Anna said, chuckling. “You’re not just friendly, but your work is impressive too!”

Before I could respond again, she had to excuse herself because a client was looking for her. Meanwhile, I found myself gazing at Julia and remembering the few times Chris had come to talk to her before.

During those incidents, I had to keep myself hidden because I didn’t want him to replace out I was an intern here too. Although I was curious, I never asked Julia what he wanted from her. But I noticed how she often became agitated when he was around.

Finally, one day, he just stopped coming. Maybe he finally realized Julia isn’t interested in him? But I don’t think he wanted to date her or anything like that. It seems like something more…

My thoughts were interrupted when Trevis came up to me. “Well, well, I wonder who’s graduating tomorrow,” he said teasingly. “Congratulations, Sophia! There’s no one else who deserves it more.”

“Thanks so much,” I sincerely said as we exchanged a hug. We have definitely grown closer to each other over the past years since I began interning here. He was like the big brother that I never had, always looking out for me and helping me become better in my work.