#147 “For You, it was Worth It. Shall We?”
Soon, Alexander and Sophia arrived at their destination. Sophia surveyed the building’s exterior, finding it unfamiliar.
“It was constructed recently,” Alexander responded as if reading her thoughts. “In fact, it hadn’t even had an official opening yet. We were the first visitors.”
Sophia’s eyes widened in amazement. ” What was this place, a mall or a business building?”
Alexander, leading her inside, responded, “I wasn’t entirely sure, but I thought you’d like it. Let’s find out together.”
As they entered the building, the grand reception area greeted them. The interior was impressive, reflecting a tasteful and modern design.
Sophia couldn’t help but express her awe, “It’s huge. What was this place?”
“Patience,” Alexander said with a mysterious smile. “All would be revealed.”
The reception area was only the beginning. As Alexander guided Sophia through the building, they entered a luxurious elevator that swiftly ascended to the top floor. The doors opened to reveal a breathtaking sight – a private rooftop space, elegantly arranged with a romantic dinner set up under the moonlit sky.
Sophia gasped in astonishment, her eyes widening at the enchanting scene before her. The soft glow of fairy lights adorned the area, casting a warm and intimate ambiance. A table for two was beautifully set, adorned with flowers and candles, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of the night.
Alexander grinned, pleased with Sophia’s reaction. “I thought we could have a private dinner under the stars. What did you think?”
Sophia was speechless, her heart swelling with appreciation for the thoughtful gesture. “Alexander, this was… incredible. You went through all this trouble?”
He pulled out a chair for her, a charming smile on his face. “For you, it was worth it. Shall we?”
Alexander guided Sophia to their table overlooking the city, the skyline adorned with glittering lights.
They took their seats, the city lights sparkling beneath them. Sophia, unable to contain her curiosity, asked, ” What was on the menu?”
Alexander leaned in with a playful smile, “Burger and beer, just as I promised. And, of course, some candy for a sweet ending.”
Sophia’s face lit up with joy, “You remembered!”
“Every detail,” Alexander affirmed. ” That night was about what made you happy.”
“Thank you,” Sophia replied, her eyes reflecting genuine appreciation. ” Everything was wonderful.”
“I never asked you before, what made you want to become a lawyer?” Alexander asked, genuinely curious.
Sophia chuckled and sighed, a hint of nostalgia in her expression.
“There were several reasons. One was that injustice always made me angry. I remember when I was little, a boy kept bullying me on the playground, and I ended up filling his mouth with sand. Naturally, he cried, and I came out as the guilty one. It pissed me off, and to this day, I think that’s what gave me the initial push.”
Alexander burst out laughing, charmed by the unexpected turn of events in Sophia’s childhood.
“Wrestling since you were little,” he grinned, enjoying the camaraderie. ” And what was the other reason?”
“I was very good at talking so that things were in my favor,” Sophia grinned mischievously.
“Yeah, that mouth sure was very persuasive,” Alexander responded, his eyes gleaming with playful admiration.
“But to be honest, my grandfather was a very good-natured person. He always protected the weak and helped anyone in need. He instilled those values in me, and I think the most natural thing that followed was becoming a lawyer,” Sophia shared.
Alexander smiled, captivated by the sincerity in her words, and took a sip of his beer.
“And you? How did you decide to do business?” Sophia inquired, genuinely interested in Alexander’s story. Alexander smiled, appreciating the warmth of the evening as Sophia shared the story of her journey into law.
“Well, my path to business wasn’t as colorful as filling someone’s mouth with sand,” he chuckled. “As you know, there was a period in my life when I didn’t have much. I decided that I was still young, I could try to create something big, and if I failed, I would have time to try again. When you’re in your twenties, you don’t have many responsibilities like children and a wife, and you don’t have such a problem with risking everything.”
Sophia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ” So you were always headfirst?”
Alexander nodded, “More or less. I saw the opportunities life provided, and the challenges it posed. It fascinated me. Plus, I’ve always been drawn to creating things, making deals, and, of course, the thrill of success.”
Sophia smirked, “So, you were in it for the thrill?”
Alexander grinned, “Partly. But, like your grandfather, there was a sense of responsibility too. Business wasn’t just about making money; it was about making a difference, shaping things, and, in a way, helping people achieve their goals.”
Sophia’s eyes lit up, “That’s a surprisingly noble perspective on business.”
Alexander raised his beer, “Well, I believed that success was meaningful when it was shared. It wasn’t just about personal gain; it was about creating a positive impact on the world, even if it was one deal at a time.”
Sophia clinked her glass with his, “To make a difference, then.”
“To make a difference,” Alexander echoed, and they shared a toast, the city lights below mirroring the spark in their conversation.
