Chapter 57
Chapter 57:
Sophie typed back quickly: “Well, isn’t that a coincidence! Guess I can call you Mr. K then p>
The reply came short and clipped: “Sure p>
She began tapping out her next question. “Do you have any special preferences for the materials or craftsmanship of the ring p>
Before she could even finish, another bubble popped up: “Does your husband know about this p>
Her fingers froze on the keyboard. What kind of question was that?
She erased her half-typed message and cautiously asked, “I’m not sure what you mean by that p>
The answer came instantly: “Does your husband know you’re pouring this much thought into a wedding band for him p>
Sophie frowned at the screen. It was a strange question, but she answered honestly. “I haven’t told him p>
The typing dots appeared again, and another message followed: “And what do you think he’ll do when he finds out the ring you designed for him ends up on someone else’s hand p>
Her jaw went slack. Where did that even come from? She rubbed her temple, ready to close the chat entirely.
But then she thought of the bonus—eight hundred thousand dollars. Her mother’s treatment depended on this job. So she forced herself to swallow her irritation and replied politely: “Mr. K, maybe you’re not very familiar with how our industry works. It’s completely normal for a design to be purchased and worn by clients other than the inspiration behind it p>
𝖢h𝘪ոe𝘀𝖾 ոo𝗏e𝗹𝘀 tr𝖺𝗇𝘀𝗅𝘢te𝖽 оn
Almost as an afterthought, she quickly added, “But if you’re unsure about the idea behind the design, I’d be glad to walk you through it in detail p>
The reply was a single, flat word: “Oh p>
Sophie exhaled, her shoulders finally dropping. At least the awkward part was over.
She leaned in, typing fast. “So, about the details—do you want the centerpiece to be a diamond or another stone? And for the band, do you have a preferred width or thickness p>
After confirming everything with the client, Sophie shut her laptop and slumped into her chair with a long sigh.
The timing couldn’t have been better. That bonus of eight hundred thousand would not only cover her mom’s medical bills but also leave her enough to breathe a little easier. No more dragging herself between random part-time jobs. She could finally put all her focus into design, where she belonged.
For the first time in weeks, Sophie felt her chest lighten. She even left the office on time and didn’t hole herself up in her study after getting home.
Humming under her breath, she made her way to the kitchen, light on her feet, only to find Adrian already in the middle of cooking.
Cheerfully, she offered, “Want me to give you a hand p>
Adrian slid her a sideways glance, his voice calm but edged with something she couldn’t quite read. “Looks like you’re pretty busy yourself. I wouldn’t dare add more to your plate p>
Though his tone sounded casual, Sophie couldn’t shake the feeling there was a bite of sarcasm behind it.
She blinked in confusion. “Wait, are you upset that I’ve been leaving all the chores to you lately p>
She patted her chest and assured him, “Don’t worry, I’m free starting today! I’ll make it up to you. Tomorrow, you won’t have to lift a finger p>
Adrian didn’t so much as glance at her. He carried the dishes to the table, his face expressionless.
She lingered awkwardly in the doorway until his voice cut through. “Are you planning to just stand there, or are you going to wash your hands and eat p>
Only then did it click. Adrian was actually mad. But for what reason?