Sophia and Matthew made the most of their time bonding with her parents. Fortunately, her parents acknowledged Matthew as her boyfriend.
His father became more at ease with Matthew seeing how he took care of Sophia. He could see that Sophia was happy because of Matthew.
Before Matthew and Sophia left her hometown, she got to talk to her parents for one last time.
"Sophia, my daughter. Your father and I are happy for you. We can see that you found a good guy. Matthew is a gentleman," Sophia's mother said while glancing at the door.
They could see Matthew talking to their neighbors. They were fond of Matthew because he was approachable and easy to talk to.
To show their appreciation, they brought some fruits and native delicacies that Sophia and Matthew could bring as they returned to the City of Empire.
"Thank you, mother… father… for accepting Matthew despite the difference of our age and social status."
Sophia held her parents' hands as she talked to them, heart to heart.
"Hmm, as long as you are happy… that's the most important thing for us," Sophia's father mumbled with a gentle smile on his face.
The three of them hugged each other before saying goodbye.
Matthew promised Sophia's parents that they would visit again. Next time they would stay longer to spend more quality time with Sophia's parents.
They were glad to know that they would get to see Sophia more often because of Matthew. Before, Sophia was saving lots of money, sending them to her parents.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThat's why instead of spending her money for the transportation and fare going back to her hometown, she chose to give all of her savings to her parents.
Matthew and Sophia were now traveling back to the City of Empire when he proposed something to Sophia.
"Sophie, I heard that you have lots of part-time jobs. This is your way to support your studies and other financial needs…"
Sophia didn't let him finish first as she cut him off immediately.
"Matt, I hope you understand. Please don't ask me to stop working. I will punch you if you tell me that you will support me financially. I want to be independent. I don't want others to think that I am taking advantage of you because you are rich."
Matthew stopped the car and glanced in her direction. He reached out to caress her face before shaking his head.
"Sophia, don't misunderstand. As much as I want to support you, I know you will not accept it. But you are right. I want you to stop working with those different part-time jobs."
Sophia was about to complain and scold Matthew when he stopped her from talking by pressing his finger on her lips.
"Let me finish first. What I am saying is… I am proposing that you should work with me under the Heavenly Star Enterprise. Instead of accepting different part-time jobs, why don't you work for Heavenly Star?"
"Your duty hours are flexible. It will not affect your studies. Besides, the Heavenly Star pays a high salary even to their trainees. I hope you will consider this, Sophie."
Matthew already asked Tristan for a vacant position. With this, he could see Sophia every day. He would not worry too much. He knew how tiring it was for her to work with several part-time jobs.
Zhen-Zhen also raised her concern before. She was also thinking of helping Sophia and offering her a job under the Heavenly Star Enterprise.
"Please, Sophie. Don't reject my proposal. Can you please accept this job which Tristan will offer you?" Matthew asked Sophia helplessly.
He was very anxious right now. What if Sophia would not accept this job? Would she prefer to keep those part-time jobs?
After contemplating for a while, Sophia finally made her decision.
"Alright, I will accept it. I will work in the Heavenly Star Enterprise, together with you."
Matthew's face brightened up when he heard that. He even punched the air from too much happiness. He was rejoicing. He was so excited to see her working in the same company as him.
On the other hand, Sophia didn't want to be stubborn. She knew that Matthew was doing this for her sake and because he was concerned about her.
If she was in his shoes, she would probably do the same thing. She would do anything to help Matthew. So she would not erase that opportunity from him.
She was determined to work so hard to prove her worth. She would work hard so that no one would question her relationship with Matthew. She wanted to show others that they both deserved each other. This was how she would fight her love for Matthew.
She didn't need to be very prideful. She knew her limits. Besides, working under the Heavenly Star Enterprise was already a great opportunity and privilege. She would not waste that opportunity because of her pride. She had to play smart, be more realistic and practical.
"Thank you, Sophia! Thank you for not rejecting this job!"
Matthew pulled Sophia into a warm hug. He couldn't contain his happiness. He was really excited about this.
"No need to thank me. Actually, Lillie, I mean Zhen-Zhen already mentioned this to me before. She also offered me a job in the Heavenly Star Enterprise…"
"I said to her that I would consider it. So, why should I refuse you? I know you are both doing this for my sake. I really appreciate this. All I can do is to prove that I deserve this job. I will not let you down."
Matthew nodded his head with a wide grin on his face.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"By the way, what is the position you are referring to?" Sophia asked him expectantly.
Matthew smiled sheepishly before answering her.
"Since you are still studying, we decided to give you a job with minimal workload. Your position will be… Tristan's secretary."
Sophia: "..."
'Secretary? I thought Matthew is already Tristan's assistant slash secretary?'
"Are you sure about this? How about you? Don't tell me you resigned as his assistant? Are you leaving the Heavenly Star Enterprise?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Matthew let out a soft chuckle. "Of course, not. I will still remain as his assistant. I have lots of workload serving him as both assistant and secretary. Now, we will divide the task! And we will get to see each other every day and spend more time even at work. Don't you like it?"
Sophia just heaved a deep sigh while looking at him helplessly.
"Hmm, I knew it! You have ulterior motives for doing this."
Sophia pinched Matthew's cheeks when he bobbed his head as a response. He didn't deny it. He really had an interior motive.
"Do you hate me? For being so clingy? What should I do? After spending time with you, I feel like I can't stand not to see you every day! I feel so helpless not seeing you."
Matthew put on a puppy-eyed look while biting his lips. He was using his charm again and it was effective.
"Of course, I don't hate it! I also like it! Don't worry. I will not back out. I can start working there anytime!"
Matthew could only smile from ear to ear. He was satisfied with Sophia's response.