Tuesday arrived with the same steady rhythm that had come to define Sofia Mirano's life since she started working at Rivera Group.
The morning air was cool when she stepped out of the taxi and walked toward the tall glass building. People hurried around her, coffee cups in hand, conversations already starting before the workday had even begun.
Sofia entered the lobby, greeting the receptionist with a polite smile before heading toward the elevator.
Her phone buzzed.
Lucy.
Sofia smiled as she opened the message.
Lucy:
Morning.
Lucy:
I have exciting news.
Sofia stepped into the elevator.
Sofia:
What kind of news?
Lucy replied quickly.
Lucy:
Someone bought the blue dress.
Sofia's eyes widened slightly.
Sofia:
The one I tried on?
Lucy:
Yes!
Lucy:
But honestly… it looked better on you.
Sofia laughed quietly as the elevator doors opened.
Sofia:
Lucy…
Lucy:
Just saying.
Sofia slipped her phone back into her bag as she reached her desk.
Leo Rivera was already in his office.
Sofia could tell by the faint sound of his voice through the door—he was on a phone call.
She quickly began organizing the morning schedule, placing the necessary documents in neat stacks.
Just as she finished preparing his coffee, the office door opened.
Leo stepped out, ending the call.
His gaze immediately landed on her.
"Good morning, Sofia."
The name came naturally this time.
No hesitation.
Sofia looked up.
"Good morning, Mr. Rivera."
She walked into his office and placed the coffee on his desk.
Black.
No sugar.
No cream.
Leo sat down and glanced at the schedule she handed him.
"You have the board meeting at eleven," Sofia said. "And the client dinner tonight at seven."
Leo paused slightly.
"Ah, yes."
He looked back at her.
"You'll be attending."
Sofia blinked.
"I will?"
Leo nodded.
"I need someone there to manage the documents and take notes during the discussion."
Sofia hesitated.
"I've never attended a formal client dinner before."
"You'll manage."
His voice was calm and confident.
And for some reason, hearing that made Sofia feel a little more reassured.
"Alright."
Leo studied her for a moment before returning to his coffee.
"Wear something appropriate for the setting."
Sofia nodded.
"Yes, sir."
But as she walked back to her desk, one thought immediately popped into her mind.
Lucy.
Her phone buzzed the moment she sat down.
Almost as if Lucy had sensed something.
Lucy:
You look suspiciously quiet this morning.
Sofia typed quickly.
Sofia:
I need your help.
The typing bubble appeared instantly.
Lucy:
Oh this sounds interesting.
Sofia:
I have to attend a business dinner tonight.
Lucy replied with dramatic enthusiasm.
Lucy:
WITH YOUR CEO?
Sofia sighed.
Sofia:
Lucy…
Lucy:
I'm coming over after work.
Sofia tried to protest.
But Lucy had already sent another message.
Lucy:
We're choosing the perfect dress.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of preparation.
The board meeting went smoothly, and Sofia handled the documents efficiently as always.
But every now and then, she felt a small wave of nervousness thinking about the evening.
Leo seemed completely unfazed by it.
For him, formal dinners and business negotiations were routine.
For Sofia…
It was something entirely new.
At six o'clock that evening, Lucy burst into Sofia's apartment carrying a large garment bag.
"I came prepared."
Sofia laughed nervously.
"You didn't have to bring an entire collection."
Lucy hung the garment bag carefully near the mirror.
"Oh, I absolutely did."
She unzipped it dramatically.
Inside hung a beautiful black evening dress.
Simple.
Elegant.
Timeless.
Sofia's eyes widened.
"Lucy…"
"You're wearing this."
Sofia touched the soft fabric carefully.
"It's beautiful."
Lucy crossed her arms proudly.
"Of course it is. I designed it."
Twenty minutes later, Sofia stood in front of the mirror wearing the dress.
It fit perfectly.
The soft black fabric flowed gracefully, and the subtle neckline added just enough elegance without being too bold.
Lucy clapped her hands.
"Perfect."
Sofia looked at herself nervously.
"Do I look professional enough?"
Lucy laughed.
"You look stunning."
At exactly seven o'clock, a sleek black car pulled up outside the restaurant.
Sofia stepped out of the taxi and paused for a moment.
The restaurant was beautiful—soft lights glowing through tall windows, quiet music drifting through the evening air.
A moment later, another car arrived.
Leo stepped out.
His suit was perfectly tailored as always, but tonight he looked even more refined under the soft evening lights.
He turned toward the entrance.
Then he saw her.
For a moment, Leo Rivera—who was rarely surprised by anything—stood completely still.
Sofia walked toward him slowly.
The black dress moved gently as she walked, and her hair fell softly over her shoulders.
She looked elegant.
Graceful.
Beautiful.
"Good evening, Mr. Rivera," she said softly.
Leo took a moment before responding.
"Good evening… Sofia."
The name sounded different now.
More personal.
He glanced at the dress again.
"It suits you."
Sofia felt her cheeks warm slightly.
"Thank you."
Leo gestured toward the restaurant entrance.
"Shall we?"
They walked inside together.
The hostess greeted them politely and led them toward a private table where two clients were already waiting.
As the evening continued, Sofia did exactly what Leo had asked.
She managed the documents.
Took notes during the discussion.
And remained quietly professional throughout the meeting.
But several times during the dinner, Leo noticed something.
The clients kept glancing between the two of them.
And at one point, one of the men smiled knowingly.
"You and your wife make an impressive team, Mr. Rivera."
Sofia nearly dropped her pen.
Leo looked completely calm.
But his eyes briefly flicked toward Sofia.
Then he replied smoothly,
"She's not my wife."
The client laughed lightly.
"My mistake."
But Sofia could feel the warmth in her cheeks for the rest of the evening.
And strangely enough…
Leo didn't seem particularly bothered by the misunderstanding.