#102 “I Know You Said No.”
“Your plan was good; I’m not surprised it worked,” Alexander complimented with a smile as they walked side by side.
Sophia acknowledged his words with a grateful nod, but her mind was already racing with the myriad tasks that awaited her now that the plan was in motion. The investigation had gained momentum, and although relief washed over her for the clearing of her name, she knew there was much work ahead.
As she mentally organized the upcoming challenges, Alexander’s voice cut through her thoughts, “I have a surprise for you at the hotel.”
Sophia turned to him, astonishment lighting up her features. “Really?” she asked, a smile playing on her lips. ” What’s the surprise?”
“You’ll have to wait to find out,” Alexander teased, adding an air of mystery to the moment.
As they strolled through the city revealed itself in fragments. The distant hum of traffic, the occasional laughter spilling out from nearby pubs, and the distant chime of Big Ben marked the passage of time. Sophia and Alexander didn’t notice when they arrived back at the hotel.
Returning to her suite at the hotel, Sophia found herself pleasantly surprised by the transformation that awaited her. The room, once a sanctuary from the outside world, now bore the imprint of Alexander’s thoughtful touch. It was as if he had woven an enchantment, turning the space into a haven of respite and solace.
The soft glow of strategically placed candles cast a warm, flickering light, creating a dance of shadows on the walls. The air carried the rich aroma of red wine, its deep, velvety scent intertwining with the delicate fragrance of the bouquet of flowers that adorned the side table. The colors in the room seemed to come alive, infused with the vibrancy of fresh blooms.
A carefully curated selection of snacks, arranged with precision, awaited her. The visual symphony of colors and textures mirrored the care that had gone into every detail. From the inviting plushness of the couch to the inviting spread on the sideboard, the suite had been transformed into a sanctuary of comfort.
Taking in the thoughtful setup, Sophia couldn’t help but smile. “This is quite a surprise, Alexander. You went all out.”
He grinned, “I thought you deserved a bit of indulgence after everything. Let’s enjoy some wine and talk about things other than investigations and conspiracies. How about sharing your experiences as a rising violinist in London? Or perhaps, enlighten me on how you became the muse of Maestro Paus.”
Sophia hesitated, glancing at the contracts that awaited her attention. ” As much as I appreciate the effort, Alexander, I have contracts to review. There’s a lot on my plate right now.”
As Alexander stood in the elegantly appointed suite, the air carried a subtle tension. The soft glow of the ambient lighting played on the rich textures of the room, casting shadows that seemed to dance with the unspoken emotions in the air. There was a moment of hesitation before Alexander responded.
“I understand, Sophia,” Alexander said, a hint of disappointment flickering in his eyes. “Work comes first.”
Sophia, aware of the delicate atmosphere, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. She knew the significance of Alexander’s gesture, offering companionship in a city that still held echoes of recent turmoil.
“I’m sorry, but I know if I don’t finish this, I’ll just sit and worry and not be able to relax,” she admitted to him. She sensed his disappointment, and for a moment, the weight of her responsibilities felt heavier.
“Do you want me to stay? I won’t distract you, but at least you won’t be alone.”
“Why should it be a problem to be alone?” Sophia asked, genuine confusion in her eyes.
“I’m a little worried after everything that happened. And I don’t want you to wake up next to a corpse again.”
Sophia couldn’t help but chuckle at his concern.
“Your room is a few meters from mine. I’m sure if anything happens, you’ll be the first to hear, and I have to concentrate,” she reassured him, her words a delicate balance between gratitude and independence.
“Okay, if you need anything or change your mind, I’m just a call away.”
Sophia met his gaze, seeing the sincerity that lingered beneath the surface. “Thank you, Alexander. I appreciate it.”
The door closed behind Alexander, leaving Sophia alone with her thoughts and the contracts that demanded her attention. Yet, as the silence settled in, Sophia felt that she missed Alexander’s company.
Since her arrival in London, he had been helping her and taking care of her. He was always around to keep her company and now that she was alone she was quite bored.
She shook her head to banish those thoughts and decided to focus on her work. There was so much to do anyway.
The night advanced, and Sophia delved into the intricacies of the contracts. The legal language, the clauses, and the obligations they entailed blurred into a sea of words. Occasionally, her mind drifted to the surprise that awaited her -a testament to Alexander’s effort to bring a moment of solace amid the chaos.
As Sophia immersed herself in her work, Alexander found himself pacing back and forth in his room, just a few meters away from Sophia. There was a restlessness within him, a desire to ensure Sophia’s well-being even as he respected her need for space. He debated whether to check in on her, to see if she was truly okay.
Eventually, he sent her a message: “I know you said no, but I can’t help worrying. If you change your mind, I’m just a few steps away. Take care.”
Sophia, engrossed in her tasks, glanced at her phone and read the message. A soft smile tugged at her lips. Despite the complexities of their relationship, Alexander’s concern was genuine, and she found comfort in that.
She decided to reply with a quick message. “I’m fine, thanks for checking. Don’t worry I’ll definitely eat all these snacks later.”
As the night wore on, Sophia reached the end of her contractual obligations. The weight of the tasks lifted, and a sense of accomplishment settled in. She stretched, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease.
The suite, now devoid of the anticipation that had filled it earlier, seemed both spacious and empty. Sophia contemplated the events of the evening, the surprising turns that had unfolded. Despite her initial reservations, she couldn’t deny the growing fondness she felt for Alexander.
