#37 “I Look Like Her Ex-husband.”
When Sophia returned to the table, she was relieved to find that Alexander had seemingly forgotten his last question.
“You know, Sophia, I could help you get revenge on your ex-husband,” he offered, his intention genuinely well- meaning.
Sophia couldn’t help but burst into laughter at his obliviousness. She found his suggestion amusing, considering her true knowledge of the situation. “There’s really no need for that,” she responded, a playful glint in her eyes.
“But he treated you so poorly,” Alexander persisted. Sophia chuckled. “Mr. Stone, you seem unusually invested in the affairs of the men around me this morning. It almost gives the impression that you have some… rather strong sentiments towards me.”
Alexander appeared taken aback for a moment before breaking into a smile that matched her own. “Oh, nothing of the sort. I simply wanted to offer my assistance.”
“And why would you want to do that?” He offered a straightforward explanation. “You’ve helped me before, and now I wish to return the favor.”
Sophia responded with a teasing tone. truly hope so. Nonetheless, I have no intention of tarnishing our already fragile relationship with questionable intentions.”
Alexander smiled at her candidness.” Your message is quite clear, Miss Johnson. Yet, I don’t understand your overwhelming desire to push me away all the time.”
She met his gaze with a knowing smile. “Well, let’s just say you share quite a few traits with my ex-husband, particularly a maddening level of stubbornness.”
He defended himself good-naturedly. ” I don’t consider that a negative quality. “In the world of business, perhaps not. But when it comes to romantic relationships, stubbornness often becomes a barrier,” she explained.
“I understand your perspective, though I still think it is not very reasonable to refuse me,” he remarked. Sophia raised an eyebrow. “And there’s that stubbornness again.”
Alexander chuckled, realizing he was indeed demonstrating the trait they were discussing.
“Maybe you’re right,” he finally admitted. Sophia returned his smile. Glancing at her watch, she realized the time. “I need to head to the office now. Thank you for the coffee.”
Alexander grinned. “For nothing. Have a productive day, what was it? Cutting heads, Mrs. Johnson.”
She rolled her eyes. With a small wave, she picked up her bag. As Sophia gracefully left the cafe, Alexander couldn’t help but find his gaze following her. The way she moved, with an air of self-assuredness, intrigued him. He admired the way she carried herself, a mixture of confidence and independence that was undeniable.
Yet, it wasn’t just her demeanor that captured his attention; he found himself entranced by her physical presence as well. A slight smile played on his lips as his thoughts took an unbidden turn.
“This woman is a real devil when she decides,” he mused to himself. “But this body is divine,” he couldn’t help but acknowledge, his eyes tracing her figure as she disappeared from view.
Shaking himself from his reverie, Alexander found himself trotting out of the cafe, his steps quick and purposeful. A part of him recognized that it might not be a bad idea to focus on work and put his musings about Sophia on the back burner.
After all, she had made it quite clear that she wasn’t interested in pursuing anything beyond a professional relationship with him.
As he made his way to the car, Alexander’s thoughts drifted towards his ex-wife. It was a topic he had managed to suppress for a long time, but Sophia’s mention of her own failed marriage had stirred something within him.
He realized that he had also been ignoring his ex-wife. He hadn’t once decided to visit her in all their years of marriage, nor had he thought about how she felt about it. Sighing deeply, he muttered under his breath. “Maybe Sophia is right; I look like her ex-husband.”
With that, he started the car, the engine’s gentle purr a backdrop to his thoughts. As he pulled away from the cafe, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt towards his ex-wife. As he settled into his office, he realized that it was time to address the lingering animosity.
“Laura, could you come in for a moment?” Alexander called his secretary.
“Of course, Mr. Stone,” Laura replied, entering his office. Alexander leaned back in his chair. ” I’ve been thinking about the investigation into my ex-wife. I think it’s best if we halt it for now.”
Laura nodded, taking notes. “May I ask why, sir?” Alexander sighed. “I don’t think the personal question goes in your job description..”
“I am really sorry, Mr. Stone. I’ll make the necessary arrangements to pause the investigation,” Jane assured him.
Meanwhile, Emily had been busy piecing together information on Sophia’s true identity. She had managed to uncover the truth, confirming her suspicions. Determined to remove any obstacles in her way, she approached Alexander for a conversation.
“Alexander, can we talk?” Emily asked as they found themselves alone in his office. Alexander looked up from his work. Sure, Emily. What’s on your mind?”
Emily studied him for a moment before speaking. “I’ve noticed a change in your attitude towards your ex-wife. Is there a reason for this shift?”
Alexander leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “I’ve been doing some thinking, Emily. I don’t think I was fair with her.”
Emily nodded, her gaze steady. “It’s a mature decision, Alexander. Interestingly, this change seems to align with your growing connection to Sophia.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow, a touch surprised by her observation. “My relationship with Sophia is strictly professional, Emily. It has nothing to do with my personal matters.”
Emily smiled knowingly. “Are you sure about that? Your actions and the way you speak about her suggest otherwise. Sometimes emotions can influence our decisions without us realizing.”
Alexander narrowed his brows. “I assure you, Emily, my feelings towards Sophia are purely work-related.” Emily’s smile remained, but there was a glint of determination in her eyes. “If that’s the case, then there’s nothing to worry about.”
As the conversation ended, Alexander was left with a lingering sense of unease.Emily leaves the office. No matter how much he denied it, she felt that Alexander was starting to like Sophia. She wasn’t going to leave the situation like that. With the new information she had, that Sophia was his ex-wife, Emily decided to put her own plan into motion. So that Sophia leaves their lives forever.
