Next One Is a Babe

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Raking a hand through his hair, Zack chortled. “I’m really anxious when I see the two of you at such an impasse.” Then, he left the room with the documents.

John chuckled lightly. Who isn’t anxious? I myself am anxious, but some things can’t be resolved in haste. I’ve done a few foolish things in the past, which is why I end up boxing myself into a passive state of affairs now. Sighing, he then lowered his head and started perusing the documents.

Meanwhile, Sophia plopped onto the chair for a rest after having bustled around. She was feeling crummy, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint what exactly was ailing her. My head seems to be spinning, but it then feels as though it’s gastric reflux, and at the same time, it also feels like a stomachache. Anyway, it feels complicated.

Robin was sitting beside her, but her exuberance earlier had all but vanished. Instead, she appeared a tad distracted. After a while, Sophia turned and looked at her. “If it’s too busy in the afternoon, you can just close up. I’m going home first. I don’t feel quite good.”

Robin was startled, making it glaringly obvious that she’d zoned out just now. Staring at Sophia, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

Thumping her chest, Sophia answered, “I can’t quite explain it, but I just feel worn out. I probably didn’t get enough rest yesterday, so I’ll just go home and catch some Zs.”

Her remark of not getting enough rest had Robin’s imagination running wild. John stayed overnight at Sophia’s place last night, and she didn’t get enough rest… Robin pursed her lips. “Did you and John—”

Truly bone-tired, Sophia didn’t catch what she said. Getting to her feet, she waved at Robin. “I’m going home first. Just close up if you can’t handle things. It’s fine.” Thus, Robin couldn’t do anything else but nod.

Sophia then left and hailed a taxi, but her head felt heavy throughout the ride. Even when she arrived home, she had no idea how she made it into the house. Anyhow, the moment she caught sight of the sofa, she staggered over and lay down. Then, she slumbered until someone tried waking her. While she was feeling woozy, she felt someone helping her up before touching her forehead. Disgruntled, she reached out and slapped the hand away. “Go away.”

After a moment’s contemplation, John scooped Sophia up and went upstairs with her in his arms in a few strides. Her temperature feels normal to me. He then placed her on the bed. “What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?” However, she merely turned over without responding at all. Subsequently, he sat down beside her. It truly seems as though something’s wrong with her. She didn’t even notice it when I entered the house, nor did she respond even after I’d called her name several times. After sitting for a while, he glanced at the time and went downstairs again.

Meanwhile, Sophia had a truly good sleep. When she next woke up, it was already afternoon. My mind feels much clearer now. She got up and stretched before going downstairs, only to be greeted by the sight of John standing downstairs with another man. Shocked, she demanded, “Why are you here again, John?”