#111 “This isn’t the Time for Your Games.”
The walls of Sophia’s office seemed to close in as she stood in front of the panoramic window, gazing out over the cityscape below. The familiar skyline, usually a source of inspiration, now felt like a backdrop to the chaos unfolding within her professional world.
Her fingers absentmindedly scrolled through the news on her phone, and the headline that greeted her sent shockwaves through her system. ”
Alexander and Megan Forge Unlikely Alliance – Business and Romance Collide.”
Sophia wondered why she kept watching the news about them as she absorbed the implications of the headline. She grew frustrated with herself for caring. Her phone buzzed with an incoming call. The screen displayed Benjamin’s name.
“Benjamin, can you believe this mess?” Sophia exclaimed once she answered the call.
Benjamin’s deep chuckle came through the phone. “Sophia, my friend, it seems like we’ve got ourselves a wild twist in this plot. Alexander teaming up with Megan? That’s a curveball.”
Sophia sighed, the weight of the situation settling in. “I never saw it coming. We need to reassess our strategy, but we can’t let it derail our plan.”
Benjamin agreed, his tone serious now. “Exactly. We stick to the plan. This is just a bump in the road. We need to keep our eyes on the prize.”
Sophia nodded, even though Benjamin couldn’t see her. “Agreed. We can’t let Alexander’s change of alliances throw us off course. What’s our next move?”
Benjamin paused for a moment before suggesting, “How about taking a break, Sophia? Clear your mind.
Coincidentally, I’ve got a small case in Boston. You’ve been thinking about establishing a new office there, right?”
Sophia, appreciating the timely suggestion, considered the offer. ” Boston could be a good change of scenery. Let me think about it. We’ll stay the course, Benjamin, no matter what.”
They exchanged a few more words of reassurance before ending the call. Sophia leaned back in her chair, contemplating the whirlwind of events. A break sounded tempting, and the idea of exploring business opportunities in Boston seemed like a silver lining amidst the chaos.
Later that day, Sophia found herself immersed in thoughts about Boston. The city held the promise of new beginnings, a chance to escape the tangled mess of relationships and alliances that now defined her professional life. She mulled over the idea of taking a break from the intense drama and diving into a fresh venture.
As Sophia was thinking her phone’s sudden ring interrupted the rhythm of her thoughts. Caroline’s name illuminated the screen, casting a shadow of uncertainty on the newfound ideas of a break and a fresh start.
Swallowing the unease that crept into her stomach, Sophia debated whether to answer the call. She hesitated for a moment, unsure of what news or developments might be waiting on the other end.
“Hello, Caroline. How are you?” Sophia greeted cautiously, her voice reflecting a subtle tension.
Caroline’s voice, usually warm and welcoming, sounded a bit strained. ” Sophia, dear, I was wondering if you’d join me for dinner at the villa. There’s something important we need to talk about.”
Sophia furrowed her brow in surprise. Caroline’s invitations were usually filled with warmth and joy, but today, there was an air of solemnity that left Sophia intrigued and apprehensive. “Of course, Caroline. I’ll be there. Is everything okay?”
Caroline hesitated before responding, ” We’ll talk when you get here, dear. It’s about Alexander and this engagement business. I really don’t like this.”
Sophia’s mind raced with questions, but she held back, not wanting to press Caroline over the phone. “Alright, I’ll head over soon.”
Once the call ended. Sophia was curious. Why Alexander’s mother would want to talk to her about his marriage? The unexpected invitation and Caroline’s cryptic mention of Alexander’s engagement news left Sophia with a sense of foreboding.
Sophia approached the villa nervously. She still didn’t know why she agreed to come here so easily. Little did she expect the scene that awaited her at the doorstep. As she reached for the doorknob, there stood Alexander and Megan, side by side, Megan shamelessly clutching onto Alexander’s hand. The unexpected encounter caught Sophia off guard, freezing her in a moment of surprise.
“Hey, Sophia!” Alexander greeted, a forced smile playing on his face. Megan, on the other hand, wore a triumphant grin that could rival a cat that got the cream.
“Surprise, surprise!” Megan chimed in, her tone dripping with insincere cheer. “Alexander brought me to have dinner with Caroline. We thought we’d give her a taste of what’s to come since we’ll soon be family.”
Sophia’s eyebrows shot up at the audacity of Megan’s proclamation. The air buzzed with tension as Megan continued, proudly asserting herself, ” I’ll soon be the new mistress of the villa, you know.”
Sophia, not one to mince words, responded with a coldness that sliced through the boastful atmosphere.”
Good for you, Megan. I’m not particularly interested in who Alexander decides to consider as his family member in the future.”
She shot a pointed look at Alexander, her expression conveying disappointment and indifference. Without waiting for a response, Sophia brushed past them, ignoring the awkwardness that hung in the air like an unwelcome guest.
Alexander found himself caught in a crossfire of emotions. The air became heavy with unspoken words, and the strained atmosphere demanded resolution.
Alexander could not ignore the coldness that emanated from Sophia. The casual indifference in her demeanor felt like a sharp contrast to the intricate dance of emotions within him.
Alexander, unable to contain the turmoil within, shot a cold glare in Megan’s direction. “Megan, enough. This isn’t the time for your games,” he scolded, his voice cutting through the strained atmosphere.
Megan, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected rebuke, tried to salvage the situation with a feigned innocence. “I was just trying to lighten the mood, Alexander. No need to be so serious.”
But Alexander, his attention fixated on Sophia’s indifferent facade, was unmoved. He felt a tormenting turmoil within, a nagging question that echoed in his mind: What does it take to enter Sophia’s heart?
