Chapter Text
Despite all the bad things that happened to Sophie Baek throughout her life, she knew she was pretty damn lucky to get a job like this.
Whether the universe decided to have some mercy on her or a fairy godmother gave her a blessing, Sophie didn’t care how she somehow managed to get it. She was just grateful she had it. Being the secretary for Anthony Bridgerton was the best job she’s ever had.
Sure, her standards were fairly low and that didn’t mean it was always easy. In the six months she has been working for him, she learned that Anthony could be a workaholic and a perfectionist. Bridgerton, Danbury & Associates was the firm his father founded with his lifelong friend Agatha Danbury, and maintaining his father’s legacy was crucial to him. Anthony held the entire weight of the company upon his shoulders and it was Sophie’s duty to help relieve some of that weight.
It could be a demanding position answering what felt like answering a million calls a day or preventing Anthony’s calendar (and in turn hers) from exploding. But she would happily answer each and every call or spend late nights — for which she always got paid overtime for — filing hundreds of documents over ever working for Araminta ever again, the mere thought making her cringe.
And for all his idiosyncrasies, Anthony was a good boss to her. He was considerate and always curious about her life beyond work. Not that she would ever give him any details beyond simple small talk. Oftentimes they argued over who should have the heavier workload as Anthony would insist that he was perfectly capable of handling every task on his own, while Sophie would have to remind him the whole point of having an assistant is to pass along the more menial workload to someone else.
According to his family, many of whom were also his coworkers at the firm, he used to be much more domineering and irritable before he met his wife, Kate. Now his top priority was to be a good husband and a good father to their children, which Sophie couldn’t help but admire about him… even when she felt like ripping her hair out due to his overbearingness.
“Did you discuss with Kate her caseload for the quarter?” Anthony asked as he and Sophie walked through the office, coffees in hand.
Sophie nodded. “Yes, but she told me she already discussed it with you? That she doesn’t—”
“—plan on lowering his workload before she goes on maternity leave. I know,” Anthony groaned, as though he wouldn’t take a bullet for Kate or move the heavens and the earth to make her happy. “I was hoping that hearing it from you would make her realize how stubborn she’s being.” He took a sip of his coffee, scowling into it.
“I don’t think she is being stubborn, sir,” Sophie laughed. “I think she's just being realistic about what she can handle. This isn’t her first pregnancy in case you didn’t know.”
“Wow, I had no clue.” Anthony rolled his eyes, though his face quickly softened as he clearly thought about his sweet son Neddy and how his wife was pregnant with their second.
It wasn’t hard for Sophie to understand why Anthony was so enamored by his wife. From the moment she stepped foot at the firm, Kate welcomed her with open arms, offering to help her in any way she needed. “Um, but isn’t my job to help Mr. Bridgerton?” Sophie awkwardly laughed, to which Kate only shrugged and said she was still happy to support her in any way.
Anthony continued, “Very well, I will speak with her again. We did agree that we both will go on leave once she gets to eight months so be sure to block my schedule accordingly.”
“Very well sir,” she said, adjusting the coffee in her hand so she could write in her notebook. It basically was her second brain—or Anthony’s depending on how you looked at it.
“Besides, it sounds like we’ll be getting a new director soon enough so neither Kate nor I will have to handle as much of the client relations work anymore,” Anthony said as they approached his office.
“A new director?” Sophie asked. She hadn’t seen or heard of any search for a new staff member, let alone a director.
Anthony shrugged, his face tense. “Well, we’ll see anyways. I have to jump on a call. Get the contracts for the Cowper case printed out for me by the time I’m done please,” he said as he closed the door behind him.
“Right,” Sophie faltered.
It was odd how Sophie seemingly had no clue about a new director possibly joining the firm. When would Anthony have the time to do any interviews? There was nothing on his calendar suggesting he was meeting candidates, Sophie would know, she's the one who arranges every detail of his worklife. She very much admired her boss and thought he was an intelligent man—that didn’t mean she was confident that he was capable of setting up a job listing all on his own.
Sophie settled into her desk located nearby Anthony’s office. She still found herself amazed by how opulently decorated the office was. It was no secret how successful the firm was and the building reflected that with its floor to ceiling glass windows that Sophie would stare out of during a particularly long workday or the modern furniture adorning every corner, even where the lowest workers were.
She started up her computer and took a sip of her coffee as she started to get back to work, when her thoughts were interrupted about the voice of the matriarch of the Bridgerton clan.
“There you are Sophie!” Violet said as she approached Sophie’s desk. Despite having eight kids, Violet always seemed perfectly put together. Her hair was up in an elegant French twist and her seemingly simple outfits of a sweater and linen was elevated by the fact that they were clearly from the most expensive brands and tailored to fit her perfectly.
She never allowed her affluence to stop her from being kind, however, surprising Sophie. All the Bridgertons were uncharacteristically kind for being a part of the “English elite.” Violet only held a small role at the firm now, mostly for symbolic reasons rather than practical, as a member of the directors board.
“Hello Mrs Bridgerton. How may I help you?” Sophie asked, straightening her posture. Despite the fact that Violet regularly stopped by the office to visit her children and remind them the importance of “work-life balance.” Still, Sophie always felt slightly nervous every time she popped by.
“Please, Sophie, I’ve asked you to call me Violet,” Violet smiled.
“Yes, of course. I apologize Mrs—I mean Violet.”
“I actually have a favor to ask of you,” Violet said as she pulled a spare chair up to Sophie’s desk. “You’ve met my youngest two, Gregory and Hyacinth, right?”
Sophie nodded. The youngest Bridgertons were still in secondary school, years away from even considering joining the firm like their eldest brother, but like their mother, visited frequently. They were incredibly witty for their age and charmed Sophie from their first meeting with her vivacious nature.
Violet continued. “You see, both of them are well, failing their French classes to put it bluntly. I’ve been looking for a tutor for both of them, and I think you would be perfect for it!”
“Me? Mrs—Violet, I’m not sure I’m qualified enough to tutor your children. I didn’t even—“ she cut herself off before bringing up the elephant in the room. It was no secret her resume was missing a college degree or really any professional experience. It wasn’t like she could put Araminta or Rosamund down as a reference.
“Of course you’re qualified.” Violet said with a wave of her hand. “Alfie told me that you’ve studied French since primary school. You’re quite proficient at it, so I’ve been told.”
Sophie held back a groan, unsurprised that Alfie let his mouth run once again. “Yes, I have.”
“Both of them adore you, especially Hyacinth,” Violet laughed. “The last tutor was certainly meticulous and, well, more disciplinary, shall we say, which I thought would be good for them, but it only seemed to make them rebel more. Plus, Anthony insisted that he needed to be replaced when he yelled at Gregory.”
Sophie slowly stood from her chair, reaching towards the files scattered across her desk. “Violet, I truly appreciate the offer it’s just—”
“I know you’re busy, but I promise I’ll pay well! And I will discuss it with Anthony, I’m sure he would let you leave early if you were their tutor.”
Sophie hesitated. Truthfully, she was surprised over how persistent Violet was over this. She’d become accustomed to how determined — or stubborn — a Bridgerton could be when they set their mind on something. But seeing how desperate Violet was to have Sophie as her children’s tutor was something else entirely, and left Sophie feeling unsettled. She could get the best tutor money could buy for God’s sake!
The money. Sophie didn’t doubt that Violet could pay well. It wasn’t like she was paid poorly as Anthony’s assistant. It was the first time in her life that she wasn’t constantly worrying about whether or not she’d have enough money to pay rent for her shitty apartment. She wanted to finally pay off her credit card debt or start a savings account. Every dollar mattered.
Violet sighed softly. “Just promise to think about it. Ok?”
Sophie paused for a moment before nodding. “Ok, I promise to think about it.”
The smile on Violet’s face somehow grew even bigger. “Wonderful!” Violet said, clasping her hands together. “Well I’m off to lunch with Daphne, but let me know when you make up your mind.”
Sophie offered a small smile. Once she was confident that Violet was out of sight, Sophie exhaled sharply. She grabbed the flashdrive from her computer and made her way over to the copyroom.
As she entered, she found Alfie standing over a copy machine.
“I hate you,” Sophie groaned, making her way over to the printer.
Alfie laughed. “I know you do, but what did I do this time?”
Alfie quickly became one of Sophie’s closest friends at Bridgerton, Danbury & Associates. He started a few months before her, working as Kate’s assistant, and quickly told her that they should form an alliance as the assistants to the “most intimidating Bridgertons.”
“You told Violet Bridgerton about me knowing French. How did that even come up?”
“I, ah, don’t remember it just sorta come up I guess.” He fidgeted with his collar, his face slowly turning red.
Sophie’s eyes narrowed “Alfie…”
“Ok fine!” He raised his hands up in surrender. “Kate was murmuring about how Anthony had fired his siblings' French tutor and I just couldn’t help myself when I saw Violet, so I told her that you were fluent in French and how you—”
“Alfie!” Sophie gasped.
“I’m sorry I brought it up,” Alfie added. “I promise I wouldn’t have said anything if I knew you didn’t want that info to spread.”
Sophie shook her head. “No, no. I’m sorry. I’m overreacting.” Sophie sat on the counter, rubbing her temples. “I just need to now figure out a way to politely turn down tutoring Violet’s kids.”
“Why would you do that? I know they’re a bit… over-the-top, but they’re sweet kids. And you really would be perfect at it.”
“Alf, I’m barely qualified enough to be here. Why would Violet trust me with tutoring her kids?”
“No, no, no, Sophie. None of that self-depication talk.” Alfie moved in front of her, grasping her hands into his. “Soph, I’m saying this one assistant to another, but you deserve better than this.”
“It’s really not that bad,” Sophie sighed.
“You’re right, it isn’t. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be the person being served, not the one serving.
“I don’t know, Alfie. I think this is the best opportunity that could possibly be out there for me.” Sophie smiled, though it didn’t reach her eyes.
“You’ve been stressed, Soph. Is everything alright? Is it your inheritance—“
“It’s nothing, Aflie. I promise,” Sophie said a bit too quickly. “Really. Anthony can be a complete idiot sometimes, but I like working for him. I like being an assistant.”
Alfie nodded, though she saw in his face that he didn’t quite believe her. Sophie hopped off the counter and started printing out the files Anthony requested when an idea came to Alfie.
“Let’s go out tonight!” Alfie blurted out.
“What?” Sophie turned towards him.
“Let’s go out Sophie! You deserve a break, or well, at least I do. Come on, we could go get a couple drinks, sing some karaoke, flirt with some guys. Oh! We could invite Hazel too.”
Sophie thought about it for a moment. “I’m not sure I have the time.”
“This might be the only day where we do have the time. You know that the firm is picking up multiple new cases this month. We might as well enjoy our last days of freedom while we still can.”
“I can’t possibly… right?”
Alfie gave her a knowing smile. She knew he had a good point. Looking at her calendar for the next month was going to give her an aneurysm, but her only plans for that night was just to microwave some ramen and watch a romcom before calling it an early night,
Plus, though she would never admit it, she really was stressed out.
“Fine, let’s do it! One night of fun wouldn’t hurt.”
“Yes! I knew you couldn’t resist.” Alfie wrapped his arms around Sophie in a tight hug. “I promise we won’t keep you out too late. Especially if we find you a nice man for you to have an even longer night with.”
Sophie rolled her eyes. “Just a couple of drinks, OK?”
She was still young and it was a Friday night. She wanted just one night where her only job was to enjoy herself. Not to worry about anyone or anything, except for what she was going to wear and what drink to order first.
It would only be one night of fun for herself.
It wasn’t often that Sophie had the time to go out, but every time her friends convinced her to spare one of her few free nights, they would always go to the Mondrich’s pub just outside of Mayfair.
It was a small traditional pub always filled to the brim with people, drinks in hand, attempting to talk over the booming music while they danced. People would debate how old the pub was with some saying it was originally founded all the way back in the 1810s.
When Sophie first started working with Alfie, he soon insisted that they come here. He’d hoped that she too would be charmed by the dark wood paneling and the barstools made out of old barrels — and he was right. It always felt full of life, yet cozy enough that you could relax into your chair as you rambled on with friends.
“Sophie!” Hazel yelled as she walked into the pub. “It’s been too long. I started to wonder if those Bridgerton’s were keeping you hostage.”
Sophie shook her head and she wrapped her arms around Hazel. “I promise you that’s not the case.”
“Well, I need you to tell me everything about your fancy job. Both of you!” She turned towards Alfie. “I’m so jealous that you both work for the Bridgertons.”
Sophie had met Hazel years before when they worked shitty waitress jobs together in a run-down cafe. The work was hard and their bosses were insufferable, but Sophie couldn’t help but be grateful for the experience since it led her to meeting Hazel.
When Sophie decided to take the dangerous risk of introducing her old best friend to the new one, she was terrified that it would blow up in her face and she would have to say goodbye to both of her friends. Though that was far from what actually happened.
“I’m keeping my promise, Hazel! So is Sophie,” Alfie said, referring to the promise they both made that the moment another assistant spot opens up that they will beg their bosses to give it to Hazel.
“You better! I’m sick of cleaning hotel rooms. I’m alone with my thoughts most of the day and, trust me, that’s terrifying.”
“Of course it is, with your visions.” Sophie wiggled her fingers like a witch.
“Oh shut it, Soph.” Hazel smacked Sophie’s arm. “You owe me a drink, you know.”
“I know, I know. I’ll go get us some drinks.” Sophie glanced at Alfie as he pouted his lip. “All of us drinks.”
Sophie made her way through the crowd to get herself to the bartender, who was preoccupied talking to someone else. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a man approach her.
“I’ve seen around here before, haven’t I?” The blonde man looked over towards Alfie and Hazel, who were laughing about something. “Those are your friends there, over there, right?”
Sophie nodded. “I’m surprised you recognize me. I don’t actually come here that often.”
“Oh, I certainly remember you. Hard to forget a pretty girl like you.”
Sophie laughed nervously. “I’m just trying to get some drinks for me and my friends.” She glanced towards the bartender, hoping he would hurry up his conversation with the other customers and notice her.
“Let me buy you a drink instead. I’m sure your friends would hardly even notice if you stayed and talked with me for a bit,” he smiled.
“You know what, I actually promised that—”
“—that she would play a round of billiards with me after we got some drinks for our friends,” a man interrupted.
Sophie turned towards the voice, and the world seemed to still. Her gaze met his pale eyes that were neither blue nor quite green. When his mouth tilted into a crooked smile, she felt a thrill go through her body.
She blinked, startled at how quickly her pulse had picked up. “That is… true,” she admitted, her voice slightly breathless.
The blonde man lingered for a moment, disbelief flickering across his features, then nodded and moved away to find another lady to flirt with. Almost at once, the dark-haired man claimed the space he left behind.
“What is your name?” he asked, his voice had a hint of amusement in it.
“You didn’t need to help me. I’ll have you know I was doing rather well fending him off on my own.”
“Oh, I have no doubt about that,” he laughed. If his laugh wasn’t the most beautiful sound Sophie had ever heard, she wasn’t sure what was. “Besides,” he added with a smile, “it gave me an excuse to be useful for once.”
“Is that so?” Sophie arched an eyebrow.
The man shrugged before gesturing to the bartender to come over.
“So, what will it be? I insist on a drink, as your… temporary chaperone?”
“Oh no, you don’t need to get me anything. Like I said, I’m just grabbing drinks for my friends,” she said, gesturing again. “I wasn’t planning on staying long.”
His face fell. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to intrude.” He began to step away from the bar.
“Oh no, I didn’t—” Sophie placed her hand on his shoulder, the warmth of his body sending a shiver down her spine. “I’m not trying to scare you away. I’d like you to stay,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
She should have let him walk away, just like the other man. She had no intention of talking to any man that night; the mere thought of flirting gave anxiety. Plus, Alfie and Hazel would soon wonder what was taking her so long, or at least wonder where their drinks are. Yet, she couldn’t help but wish that she could talk to this man for just a little bit longer.
He studied her for a second, then smiled. “Don’t worry, I am not easily scared.”
“No?”
He shook his head. “No,” he said softly.
Sophie laughed softly. “Well, I’m impressed.”
“Good.” He leaned a fraction closer, eyes glinting with mischief. “Now, may I have your name?”
“I believe you should tell me yours first.”
“Why so?” He tilted his head. “I asked you first anyways.”
The more they talked, the more his smile seemed to grow. Sophie wanted to trace every smile line on his face, or perhaps with her lips.
God, what was she thinking? It was unlike her to think of a man in such a vulgar way especially after only just meeting him. But every time she even considered pulling away, it felt as though something was pulling them closer and closer.
“Because,” she thought for a second. “I insist.”
“Because you insist?” he echoed, raising an eyebrow.
She nodded, a sly curve to her lips.
He grinned. “Alright, then… I suppose I’ll have to play along,” The man laughed, before extending his hand out. “Bridgerton. Benedict Bridgerton.”
Sophie felt her heart stop. “Fuck."