#18 “I Can Assure You She Meant No Harm.”
The maître d’ gracefully approached, trailed closely by Emily. He swiftly arranged the table adjacent to Sophia’s, meticulously placing the silverware and pulling out the chairs.
Reluctantly, Alexander moved towards the table, his eyes shooting daggers at Emily. Sophia let out a weary sigh, gathering her belongings and taking a seat at the new arrangement, while Benjamin settled in next to her, a mischievous grin still playing on his lips.
Once everyone was settled, Steven cleared his throat politely and smiled. ” I really feel we must apologize. I hope we’re not intruding on your date, Ms. Johnson.”
Sophia choked on her wine for a moment, then managed a smile. “Oh, no. Benjamin is my dear friend. We actually grew up together in Europe. You won’t find a kinder and more genuine person than Benjamin Thompson,” Sophia said, shooting a cold glance at Alexander.
“Thompson, Ben Thompson,” Alexander mused aloud.
“I’ve heard of your remarkable achievements across the pond. Impressive write-up about you in The Economist last month. You’re doing great things.”
Benjamin graciously acknowledged the compliment, a touch of humility in his voice. “Thank you, Alexander. I’ve also heard quite a lot about your work here at Stone Enterprises. Your reputation precedes you.”
Sophia fidgeted with her napkin, her gaze shifting between the three men. The tension in the air was palpable, each word and gesture laden with unspoken meaning. Ever the observer, Emily sensed the underlying unease and couldn’t resist injecting her perspective.
“Well, well, well, a world-renowned business entrepreneur and a powerful lawyer. Quite the power duo, wouldn’t you say, Alex?”
Emily remarked with a playful smirk. Her voice carried a hint of teasing but also a pang of envy. Sophia’s ability to effortlessly captivate attractive men had not gone unnoticed.
Sophia glanced at Benjamin, her eyes silently pleading for him to diffuse the situation. Benjamin tightened his grip on Sophia’s hand with a soft, understanding smile, offering her a silent reassurance. He then turned his attention to Emily, his voice measured and calm.
“Emily, while we appreciate your observations, it’s essential to respect the boundaries of our friendship. Sophia and I share a deep bond that goes beyond even the deepest of romantic entanglements. We support and cherish each other as dear friends, and that is something truly special.”
Alexander’s brows furrowed slightly. Emily leans forward, studying Sophia and Benjamin with a probing gaze. “It seems there’s more to your connection than meets the eye,” she comments.
Sophia sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of the anxiety of the lunch pressing against her chest. She locks eyes with Alexander, defiance in her gaze.
“There are things that go beyond the surface, Mr. Stone. Complexities that aren’t easily explained or understood. Benjamin and I have a bond forged through shared experiences, trust, and unwavering support. It’s a connection that transcends conventional labels. Something that I do not think I can put the appropriate words to.
“But still,” Emily persisted, “there must be more to this than just good buddies.”
Sophia turned to Benjamin, rolling her eyes with an air of exhaustion. She had grown weary of Emily’s persistent attempts to pry into her personal life..
With a calm yet firm tone, Sophia addressed Emily directly, “Emily, at this point, I would appreciate it if you could refrain from being such a busybody, especially when it comes to my private matters.”
Turning to Alexander with an innocent expression on her face, Emily quickly interjected, “Oh, Alex, I truly am just trying to help a fellow woman out. Honestly! You have my word, Sophia. My intentions are purely good.”
Alexander glanced at Emily and then shifted his gaze to Sophia, assessing the situation. He responded, “If Emily guarantees that she meant no harm, then I can assure you she meant no harm.”
Before Sophia could respond, Benjamin interjects, his voice filled with conviction, “Regardless of intentions, if Sophia feels that Emily is overstepping boundaries, then Emily needs to respect Sophia’s wishes.”
“Perhaps Emily simply wants to see Sophia happy,” Alexander chimed in, a tinge of irritation lacing his words.
Benjamin leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Alexander, and replied firmly, “Perhaps, Sophia is happy right where she is at this very moment.’
The room fell silent, the words hanging in the air, as each person grappled with their own thoughts and emotions. The lunch continued, but thoughts, suspicions, and accusations were forming beneath the polished facade of polite conversation.
Feeling tensions rising, Sophia quickly turns to Benjamin. “I think I am finished, and I really do need to get back to the office.”
Benjamin nods and stands. He quickly pulls Sophia’s chair out for her and whispers something in her ear. Sophia smiles, allowing a soft chuckle to escape as she gathers her belongings.
“Well, it was lovely having this impromptu lunch, but as I said, I really must get back to the office,” Sophia graciously replies. As they turn to leave, Alexander watches as Benjamin places his hand on the small of Sophia’s back to escort her through the busy restaurant.
At the front door, Alexander observes the playful banter between Sophia and Benjamin, their easy camaraderie evident to all, including himself. He couldn’t help but notice how Sophia leaned her head gently against Benjamin’s shoulder, a gesture of undeniable closeness.
Meanwhile, Steven remained silent throughout the lunch, keenly aware of the true dynamics between Alexander and Sophia. He understood the importance of keeping his own observations concealed, not risking accidentally exposing Sophia’s hidden identity.
“Steven,” Alexander interrupted abruptly, startling him out of his thoughts. “You haven’t said much. What’s going on?”
Steven, taking a final sip of his wine, replied with a casual nonchalance, “Oh, nothing out of the ordinary, Alexander. Just a lot of work on my mind.”
“Steven, I have never known you to stay silent for more than five minutes, let alone for an entire lunch,” Alexander continues. Steven nervously looks around the restaurant letting his eyes settle anywhere but on Alexander’s. The situation was remarkably awkward and uncomfortable.
Alexander chuckled, his eyes narrowing as he studied his lawyer intently. He knew there was more to the situation than met the eye.
Was there something Steven was deliberately concealing about the previous night’s meeting? Or could there be another unspoken connection between Sophia and his trusted attorney?
