#35 “Men and Their Delusions.”
While they were in the car, Sophia suddenly grabbed her head. Startled, Alexander instinctively shifted slightly, ready to support her if she were to falter. However, he was quick to respond, wrapping his arms around her to steady her.
“Are you okay?” he asked, concern evident in his voice. “Yes, everything is fine. It happens from time to time,” she reassured him, her voice holding a touch of frustration.
“What’s going on? Are you feeling unwell?” he inquired further.
“I’m just overtired, and the sleepless hours are catching up with me. It’s nothing out of the ordinary. I’ll be fine by the time we get to the office.” He didn’t seem convinced. “No chance. I’m taking you home so you can rest.”
“I’m really fine, Alexander,” Sophia replied, her annoyance palpable. He looked into her eyes, a frown creasing his forehead. “Sophia, I know what it’s like to work non-stop but trust me, it’s not sustainable. Going without proper rest will only worsen things. Go home, get some rest, and come back tomorrow with renewed energy.
Realizing the position they were in, she shuddered from him. As much as she wants to admit it, he’s right.
“Okay, I’ll go home.”
“Good girl,” he praised her with a smirk. Sophia hoped that the shiver that ran down her spine was due to fatigue and not Alexander’s words. As they arrived at her apartment, Alexander escorted Sophia inside.
“Come on, let’s get you settled,” he said gently, guiding her to the living room. “Your apartment is great,” he replies.” I wish I had bought in this building too. Sophia rolls her eyes. “Good thing you didn’t. I would have to watch you all day.”
Alexander laughed at her comment. What a horror, Sophia, to share a wall with me.”
She smirked in response. “I can only imagine the horrors I would have heard. He raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “What did you think you were going to hear?”
“Who knows, screams of innocent souls,” she teased. Alexander chuckled. He leaned back, looking around. “Where is your kitchen?”
She pointed in a direction. “Over there.”
She took a seat on the couch, and he went to the kitchen to fetch a glass of water and some medicine. Returning, he handed them to her.
“Here, take these,” he commanded. Sophia hesitated but eventually complied. “Thank you,” she murmured, sipping the water and swallowing the pills. He took a seat across from her, leaning forward slightly. “Feeling any better?”
She nodded, managing a weak smile. ” Yeah, the water and medicine should help.”
“Good.”
Sophia looked at him. “You sound like a concerned parent.”
Before Alexander could answer, the doorbell rang, interrupting their conversation. Sophia glanced at the door, her curiosity piqued. Just as she was about to head over to answer it, Alexander swiftly moved past her, opening the door to reveal a delivery person holding a package. “Delivery for Miss Sophia Johnson,” the person announced.
Sophia’s surprise was evident, and she stepped closer to see what was being delivered. “Thank you,” Alexander said to the delivery person, taking the package. Sophia raised an eyebrow, puzzled by his involvement. “What’s this?”
Alexander’s frown deepened as he saw the sender’s name on the package – Michael.
“Rubbish,” he replied, his tone dismissive. Sophia’s curiosity grew, and she reached out to take the package from him. “Who is it from? Give it to me.”
Alexander raised his hands above his head, keeping the package out of her reach. She tried to jump up to catch him, but his height advantage made it impossible for her to reach him.
“You’re acting like a child,” she scolded him.
He smirked. “Was I a worried parent?”
Frustrated, Sophia crossed her arms. ” Give me the package.” “It’s from Michael. Whatever it is, it’s rubbish,” he stated matter-of-factly, his expression unimpressed. With a swift movement, he walked over to the trash can and tossed the package inside.
“You’re impossible,” Sophia grimaced. Alexander turned back to her, his expression surprisingly calm. “Sit down, you need to rest. And if you really want it, you can rummage through the trash later.”
Although she didn’t want to admit it, the dizziness was getting to her. She sighed and went to the couch, lying down and rubbing her temples. As she closed her eyes, Alexander’s voice broke the silence. “What is this between you and Michael?”
“What do you care?” she scolded, her eyes still closed as she gave him a brief sideways glance. His response was calm. “I’m curious. You have lunch together, he gives you gifts.”
Sophia sighed again, not in the mood to discuss this. “He helped me with the case. I have no intention of being in a relationship with him.”
“Interesting,” Alexander replied, his tone neutral. Inwardly, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. He had always found Michael distasteful.
Sophia opened her eyes and regarded him with a raised eyebrow. “Why the sudden interest in my personal life?”
Alexander leaned against a nearby wall, his arms crossed. “Just making conversation.” Sophia didn’t buy his casual response. There’s more to it, isn’t there?”
Alexander leaned against the wall, his expression contemplative. He glanced at her before finally admitting, “Fine, you caught me. I find it perplexing why Michael is so eager to get close to you, given his apparent dislike for me.”
Sophia’s brow furrowed. “You think his intentions might not be as innocent as they seem?”
“It’s strange. He believes I have some special feelings for you. I don’t know where he got that idea.” Alexander admits. Sophia’s eyes widened in surprise.” What? That’s ridiculous.”
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Alexander’s lips. “That’s what I said.”
She rolled her eyes, clearly exasperated. “Men and their delusions.
Alexander laughed.
“Are you better?” he asks.
“Yes, thank you,” Sophia replies. Alexander felt reassured that she was on the path to recovery. With a nod of goodbye, he left her apartment, the events of the day swirling in his mind. He headed down to the street and answered a phone call from an unknown number. To his unsurprising irritation, it was Michael on the other end of the line.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Alexander Stone,” Michael’s voice oozed with a smugness that made Alexander’s jaw tense. “I hope you enjoyed your time with Sophia today.”
“What do you want, Michael?” Alexander’s tone was cold and impatient. “I just wanted to let you know that this time, you’re going to lose,” Michael’s words were dripping with confidence.” I’ve got something you don’t.”
Alexander rolled his eyes. “You’re being incredibly immature, Michael. Our relationship with Sophia isn’t some kind of competition.”
“Oh, but it is, Alexander. She’s mine now,” Michael’s tone turned triumphant. Alexander’s patience was running thin. “You’re delusional. But go ahead, try your luck.”
Michael laughed, a sound that grated on Alexander’s nerves. “We’ll see about that, won’t we? Enjoy the struggle, Alexander.”
“What struggle? I think it’s time for you to grow up and start focusing on your own life,” Alexander retorted, his patience wearing thin. “Sophia is a lawyer, and she’s not someone who can be easily fooled. She’ll see right through your intentions.”
With that, Alexander decided he had had enough of Michael’s childish games. He ended the conversation. not willing to waste any more of his time.
When Sophia woke up, she felt a bit more refreshed. As she was getting her bearings, her phone rang, displaying Benjamin’s name on the screen. She answered the call, and his concerned voice greeted her.
“Sophia, are you safe? Have you been affected by all the public attention surrounding this case?”
Sophia laughs at his sudden burst of questions. “I’m fine, Benjamin. The situation has been resolved, and I’m working on clearing my name.”
Benjamin let out a sigh of relief. “I’m glad to hear that. This whole situation has been quite strange. The news spread like wildfire, and I can’t help but think that there’s something more behind it.”
Sophia nodded, even though Benjamin couldn’t see her. “I agree. It’s been bothering me too. I’ve decided to personally investigate how this information got out and who might be behind it.”
Benjamin sounded supportive. “That’s a good idea. Let me know if you need any assistance. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
“Thank you, Benjamin. I appreciate your support,” Sophia replied sincerely. “I’ll keep you updated on any developments.”
With that, they ended the call, and Sophia felt a renewed determination to get to the bottom of the situation. She knew she couldn’t let this matter rest until she uncovered the truth and ensured her reputation remained untarnished. Sophia already knew who she should start with. Alexander’s seemingly innocent partner Emily.
