Chapter 1: Sophie
Sophia "Sophie" Williams woke up before dawn, her heart racing with excitement. Today was the day she had been waiting for - the interview at Eclipse Gaming Company. She had been searching for a job for over a year, and this opportunity was a beacon of hope.
As she got dressed, her eyes lingered on the old suit her mother had loaned her. It was a reminder of her mother's struggles, working tirelessly at the small bakery to make ends meet. Sophie's determination to secure this job grew stronger.
She headed to the kitchen, where her mother was already preparing breakfast. The aroma of freshly baked cupcakes filled the air, and Sophie's stomach growled in anticipation.
"Good luck today, sweetie," her mother said, handing her a cupcake and a kiss on the cheek.
Sophie smiled, feeling a surge of love for her mother. "Thanks, Mom. I'll need it."
After breakfast, Sophie grabbed her bag and headed out the door, her heart filled with a mix of nerves and excitement. The bus ride to the city was long and arduous, but Sophie's mind was preoccupied with visions of success. She arrived at the company, her eyes widening as she took in the sleek, modern building. This was it - her chance to prove herself.
As she entered the elevator, her anxiety began to simmer. What if she didn't get the job? What if she failed? She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on her passion for graphic design.
The waiting area was filled with tension. Two males and a female, all seemingly around her age, sat with their eyes fixed on their phones or the floor. Sophie attempted a friendly wave, but it was met with indifference. She felt a pang of disappointment but refused to let it deter her.
Finally, her name was called. Sophie stood up, smoothing her suit and taking a deep breath. The interviewer, a middle-aged man with a large stomach, greeted her with a firm handshake.
The room was filled with an array of graphic design equipment, and Sophie's heart skipped a beat as she took in the familiar sights. This was her domain.
The interviewer explained the task - create an image for a chapter of a webtoon displayed on the screen. Sophie's fingers flew across the keyboard, her creativity flowing. But as the minutes ticked by, she began to feel a sense of unease. The interviewer stood too close, his breath on her neck, his hand on her leg.
Sophie's heart raced as she tried to brush him off, but he persisted. His hands roamed over her body, his intentions clear. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she realized the true nature of this interview.
With a surge of adrenaline, Sophie pushed him away, her voice firm. "I will not continue with this interview."
The interviewer's smile was predatory, his eyes gleaming with a sickening intensity. "You know it's hard to get into a company like this, Sophia. A little...reinforcement...would go a long way."
Sophie's tears spilled over as she stormed out of the office, her dignity intact but her heart heavy. She collided with a man in a suit, apologizing hastily as she rushed past him.
The elevator doors closed behind her, and Sophie let out a sob. She had been so desperate, so blinded by her desire for this job. But she had refused to compromise her values.
As the elevator descended, Sophie wiped away her tears, her determination renewed. She would find a job, on her own terms, without sacrificing her integrity.
As Sophie rushed out of the elevator, tears streaming down her face, she collided with a man in a suit. Apologetic, she barely looked up, her eyes fixed on the floor.
"Sorry, sir,I'm so sorry" she muttered continuously, hastening her pace.
The man's bodyguard tried to stop her, but the man himself intervened. "It's okay, let her go."
Sophie didn't even glance back, her eyes fixed on the pavement as she quickened her pace. She didn't want to be near that building, near that man who had tried to take advantage of her.Too bad he couldn't get a glimpse of her face.
The man, watched her retreating figure for a moment, his eyes narrowed in concern. Something about her demeanor struck a chord within him.
Shrugging it off, he turned and continued into the elevator, his mind already focused on the next business deal.
The doors closed behind him, and Sophie was left alone on the sidewalk, her tears falling freely as she disappeared into the crowd.