Sofia's POV

My heart kept pounding in my chest as I approached my boss's office. I don't know the mixed feelings that surrounded me. For a second, I felt like the ground should open and swallow me, or I should even disappear into thin air. I felt like I knew what he would ask in exchange for what I wanted, and I dreaded the thought so much. I've been thrown into different shades in life, and this stage was something else I don't even want to imagine.

I wouldn't even go, but with rent and bills pinning me in a tight corner, I've got no other choice than to meet the ruthless boss of mine. 

"Good day, sir." I greeted; the nervousness in my appearance wasn't even hidden for a moment. He looked up at me; I can't quite fathom, but his eyes lit up instantly.

"What do you want!" Without even spearing another glance, he said through gritted teeth. 

How wicked could he even be?

So rude. 

"I would love to get an advance payment from my salary." I muttered, hoping he would easily oblige. The sly smirk that appeared on his face made whatever hope I had crumble.

"Are you willing to whine to my offer?" He asked as his smirk got wilder and I arched to clear it off with a punch. I clenched my jaw, fighting back the tears as I shook my head. "No, sir, I'm sorry, but I can't."

His smile vanished and his expression hardened as he looked at me with hatred flashing in his eyes, "Then you won't get the advance payment." He muttered curtly, turning his attention back to his computer screen.

What sort of rollercoaster is this? How do I even survive this?

I'm at a loss on what to do or where to start from. I stood there motionless for minutes unsure of what to do with myself, ashamed and defeated and hating myself for being in this situation. Finally, I turned and left his office and returned to my job of serving customers. Plastering a fake smile on my face, I tried my best to hide the distress I felt. 

Some men that were already drunk and rowdy saw my smile as an invitation. I swear that I would punch any of them now. The hours dragged on, each passing moment seeming to last an eternity. I felt exhausted both physically and emotionally. My feet ached from standing all day, and my head was pounding from the noise of the bar. Damn! I feel like today was even the loudest day ever. But I couldn't let my guard down—no with the way some of the men were eyeing me, giving me the weird urge of plucking their eyes out. 

As the night wore on, the wasted and crazy-looking men became Bolde and started making crude remarks and even trying to grab me as I passed b6. I did my best to deflect their advances, using gentleness and firm warnings to try to keep them at bay, but was that even working? 

Finally, the bar closed for the night, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Although my trouble would start tomorrow. I made my way to the back room and grabbed my things, eager to escape the confines of the bat and the lecherous customers.

But as I round the corner, I was

Finally, the bar closed for the night, and Sofia breathed a sigh of relief. She made her way to the back room to grab her things, eager to escape the confines of the bar and the lecherous customers.

But as I rounded the corner, I got startled by the sound of footsteps behind me. Before I could even react, a hand clamped down my mouth, therefore stopping whatever noise I was going to make, and I muffled under the hand. I felt myself being pulled back into a dark alleyway. Panic seized me. I struggled again against the attacker's grip, but he was way too strong. 

"Don't scream, or I'll hurt you."

I felt my heart pounding against my chest, but I didn't make a sound. Instead, I focused on the hand on her mouth. It was sweaty, and I could feel the rough callouses on the man's fingers.

My mind kept racing as I struggled to stay calm. I knew that I had to do something, or I might never escape. My attacker pushed me against the wall, his hand clamped over my mouth. He leaned in closer like he wanted to say something but pushed himself back immediately and leaned in again.

Is this some kind of game or something?

Slowly, carefully, I began to work my way out of the man's grip. I twisted and turned, using my body weight to shift his balance just enough to loosen his hold on me.

Finally, I felt his hand slip away from my mouth.

I screamed, loud and piercing, and the man cursed under his breath as he let go of me. Instantly, I took the opportunity to dart away, my feet pounding against the pavement as I ran. I didn't stop running until I was back on the main street, far away from the alleyway and my attacker.

My heart was still racing as I hurried back to my apartment. I didn't know if the man was following me or if he had given up, but I wasn't taking any chances.

He wouldn't dare either.

I locked my door behind me and leaned against it, my body shaking with fear and adrenaline.

"Could this day get any worse?" I mumbled as I nibbled my lips.

I knew that I needed to call the police, but I also knew that they might not believe me. Ive heard stories of women who had been attacked, only to be dismissed or even blamed for their own assaults. I didn't want to go through that, no, not in this state of my life.