#110 “Sophia’s Part of the Collateral Damage.”
The morning sun streamed through the office windows. Sophia, usually composed and focused, couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that gnawed at her. Despite her claims of indifference, the news about Alexander and Megan’s escapades had invaded her thoughts, refusing to let go.
The first blow came as she scrolled through her social media feed, expecting the usual mundane updates. Instead, she was met with a barrage of posts about Alexander and Megan. Candid photos of them together, cozy dinners, and hashtags like # PowerCouple flooded her screen. Sophia’s fingers froze over her phone, her heart rate quickening.
Megan, never one to shy away from publicity, had confirmed the rumors with a post of her own. A carefully crafted caption accompanied a photo of her and Alexander’s smiles plastered on their faces. “Exploring the depths of love and considering a forever,” it read. Sophia’s jaw tightened, and a bitter taste settled in her mouth.
The office break room, usually a haven for coffee breaks and light banter, had transformed into a breeding ground for gossip. Colleagues huddled in small groups, whispered conversations punctuating the air. Sophia couldn’t escape the murmurings about Alexander and Megan. It felt like a relentless buzz, a constant reminder of a reality she tried to dismiss.
As she poured herself a cup of coffee, she overheard snippets of conversations.
“Did you see the post? Megan and Alexander are practically inseparable!”
“They’re talking about marriage already. Can you believe it?”
Sophia decided to leave because she had enough of this marriage thing. As she returned to her desk, the echoes of her own words haunted her.
The unsettled feeling lingered. She replayed the scenes of Alexander and Megan’s newfound public romance in her mind, each image etching itself into her consciousness. The weight of the gossip and the constant scrutiny bore down on her, leaving Sophia questioning the foundations of the relationships she had held dear.
In Alexander’s office, the atmosphere buzzed with a peculiar tension that mirrored the chaos now unfolding in his personal life. Laura, his secretary, known for her efficiency and discretion, entered the room carrying a stack of papers. The air seemed to thicken as she closed the door behind her.
“Alexander, have you seen what’s all over the news?” Laura asked, her eyes betraying a concern.
Alexander, sitting behind his desk, looked up with a calm demeanor that hinted at the storm beneath. “Yeah, Laura, I’ve seen it. But don’t worry, it’s all part of the plan.”
Laura arched an eyebrow, her gaze probing. “The plan? Care to fill me in?”
Alexander leaned back, his fingers intertwined. “I need this news to circulate. It’s a strategic move to get what I want.”
Laura took a seat across from Alexander. “So, what’s the endgame here? Turning a lie into the truth?”
“Exactly,” Alexander confirmed a glint of determination in his eyes. “I need everyone, including Megan, to believe in this ‘relationship.’ It’s the key to unlocking the information we need.”
Laura nodded, her mind quickly processing the implications. “And what about Sophia? How is she taking all of this?”
A flicker of emotion passed through Alexander’s eyes, but he quickly composed himself. “Sophia’s part of the collateral damage, Laura. She’ll understand later. Right now, my focus is on Megan and Horizon Media Holdings.”
As the two delved into the intricacies of the plan, the hum of the office outside seemed distant. Laura, accustomed to navigating the complexities of Alexander’s professional life, offered insights and suggestions, making the conversation a collaborative dance of strategy.
The door to Alexander’s office swung open, and in walked Megan, an air of triumph surrounding her like an invisible halo. Alexander, seated behind his desk, met her entrance with a curt nod. He rose from his chair, and they exchanged a perfunctory handshake, sealing their newfound cooperation.
“Alexander, my dear, I knew this was the beginning of something extraordinary,” Megan purred, her voice dripping with satisfaction.
Alexander, his face betraying no emotion, cut straight to business. ” Let’s get to it then. I’ve already instructed the legal department and my personal lawyer to draw up the business cooperation contract and the marriage contract.”
Megan, undeterred by the formalities, leaned in, her movements calculatedly intimate. She traced a finger along the edge of Alexander’s desk. Unfazed, he maintained a steely composure.
“I can’t wait for the world to see us as a power couple, Alexander. This is just the beginning,” Megan whispered, her lips dangerously close to his ear.
Alexander, swallowing his discomfort, resisted the urge to push her away. Instead, he nodded curtly. “It’s all part of the plan, Megan.”
She grinned, her confidence unwavering. “And what a plan it is. Now, why don’t we celebrate? Let’s go back to the villa and share the good news with your mother.”
Alexander, his mind already strategizing the next steps, held up a hand. “Hold on. I need to call my mother first.”
Megan, slightly taken aback by the sudden pause, raised an eyebrow.” What for? Let’s surprise her in person. She’d love that.”
Alexander’s expression remained inscrutable. “I need to prepare her for the news, Megan. Give me a moment.”
As Megan reluctantly retreated from his personal space, Alexander picked up his phone. The moment Alexander dialed his mother’s number, he wasn’t prepared for the whirlwind of emotions that would come crashing through the phone.
The call connected, and before he could even say a word, Caroline’s voice, laced with disbelief and outrage, erupted on the other end.
“Alexander! What is going on? Why are there rumors about you and Megan all over the media? Tell me this is some kind of sick joke!”
Alexander winced at the intensity of Caroline’s screams. He tried to find the right words, but the torrent of questions and accusations made it challenging to get a word in.
“Mom, calm down.” he attempted, but Caroline wasn’t having any of it.
“To calm down? Alexander, I’ve spent my entire morning fending off calls from relatives, friends, and nosy neighbors! They’re all asking if my son is getting married to Megan, that woman I’ve never trusted.”
The weight of Caroline’s disappointment hung heavy in the air.
“I won’t accept this, Alexander. I won’t have Megan as a part of this family. The only person suitable for you is Sophia.”
Megan, who had been standing nearby, initially wearing an air of confidence, suddenly found herself in an awkward situation. She shot a glance at Alexander, a hint of discomfort flickering across her face.
