#60″I Accept Your Apology.”
Alexander invited Sophia to sit on the couch in a quieter part of the corridor. She obliged, taking a seat and turning her attention to him.
“I’m listening, Alexander,” Sophia said, her expression attentive, urging him to speak. Alexander sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. “I wanted to apologize to you, Sophia. I feel like you’ve been keeping your distance from me, and I think I remain misunderstood in my intentions.”
“What are you talking about?”
He took a deep breath and began, “For everything about the Emily situation. I know it looked to you like I was taking matters into my own hands, but that’s not the whole truth.”
Sophia remained silent, allowing him to continue. She decided it was best to hear him out before passing judgment. Because she knew that if she opened her mouth they would fight again.
“Understand that I did what I thought was right, and I believe they faced consequences, albeit in a milder form. But I felt it was something I owed them. I also realize that your friend Evelyn suffered greatly, and if I had known, I would never have let it happen.”
Sophia couldn’t help but scold him, You should have let me handle the situation alone.”
Alexander nodded, acknowledging her point. “I’m sorry, Sophia. I did what I felt I had to do. I also want to apologize for our marriage as well,” he added.
Sophia stopped him firmly. “Enough, Alexander. We can’t change anything now. You made a decision, and now I make mine.”
He sighed, frustration evident in his voice. “I feel like you always misinterpret what I say when I talk to you.” Sophia’s response was stern. “I think your actions speak louder than words, Alexander.”
He fell silent, unsure of how to make her understand. Sophia remained resolute, unwilling to waver in her stance.
“I took no interest in you when I found out you were Sophia Johnson, the lawyer,” Alexander confessed, his voice filled with regret. “I showed interest when I got to know you as a person. My mistake was not coming to meet you while we were married.”
Sophia’s tone remained cool as she replied, “As I’ve already said, we can’t change the past.”
She observed the change in Alexander’s expression, his genuine remorse, and the hint of sadness that crossed his features. “But I understand what you’re saying,” she continued, “and I accept your apology.”
A small, genuine smile tugged at the corners of Alexander’s lips, and Sophia couldn’t help but notice how handsome he looked when he smiled.
She gently shook her head, as if to clear her mind, and decided to infuse a touch of humor into their conversation. ” Well, if you’re really determined to make me accept your apology, then I wouldn’t say no to the piece of land you just acquired today,” she teased playfully.
While she laughed, Alexander’s mind raced. He considered the implications of her words. Did she really want the land? Was she just teasing him?
He is feeling a bit like a confused dog, as Sophia’s laughter filled the air. There was something intriguing about her unpredictable nature, and he couldn’t deny the attraction he still felt towards her.
Alexander took a moment to collect his thoughts. “Well, if you want it, it’s yours,” he finally replied with a serious tone.
Sophia was taken aback by Alexander’s unexpected offer. Her playful remark had been meant in jest, and she certainly hadn’t anticipated him taking it seriously. The surprise was evident in her eyes as she looked at him.
“You’re serious?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. She couldn’t fathom why he would willingly give up such a valuable asset, especially after the intense bidding war they had just witnessed. Alexander’s response was a stern nod.
“No, Alexander, I was just joking,” she said, her smile deepened. “I can’t accept the land. It was your hard- earned victory in the auction, and I wouldn’t take it from you.”
Alexander’s initial confusion had transformed into frustration. He felt like Sophia was mocking him with her jokes about the valuable land. His offer had been a genuine attempt to make amends, and he didn’t appreciate her dismissing it as a jest.
“No, Sophia,” he said firmly, his tone laced with irritation. “I’m serious about this. I won that land, but I want you to have it. Consider it a gesture of goodwill.”
“Alexander, I truly appreciate your offer, but I won’t accept the land,” she said, intrigued by Alexander’s earnest while frustrated reaction.
With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she couldn’t resist teasing him further. “Besides,” she continued, her eyes sparkling with delight, “if I were to accept it, I would transfer it to Evelyn as compensation for the pain she endured.” Her tone was flippant, but there was no room for further maneuver.
“Fine,” he finally conceded, his voice tinged with exasperation. “If that’s what you want, then so be it.”
Alexander’s frustration grew as he realized that Sophia was adamant about her decision. He had hoped to make amends, but it seemed his offer had only complicated matters further.
Sophia nodded, relieved that the issue was resolved, at least for now. She didn’t want their conversation to take a negative turn after they had managed to clear the air about some of their past misunderstandings.
Benjamin approached, his attention firmly fixed on Alexander. It was clear that their rivalry and competitive spirits were far from resolved.
“Sophia, shall we go?” Benjamin’s question was directed at her, but his gaze remained locked on Alexander.
Sophia nodded and responded, “Yes, of course,” her voice carrying a sense of finality. She grabbed her bag and coat, preparing to leave the venue.
Throughout this interaction, Alexander maintained his composure. He met Benjamin’s intense gaze without flinching. It was evident that he wasn’t fazed by the warning and threat conveyed by Benjamin’s unyielding stare.
As Sophia headed for the exit, the unresolved tension between Alexander and Benjamin lingered. Sophia and Benjamin exited the venue, the cool evening air greeted them. Benjamin couldn’t help but notice the upbeat mood in Sophia’s demeanor, and he decided to inquire about it.
“Sophia,” he began, “you seem to be in quite a good mood. Is there something I missed at the auction?”
Sophia smiled, her eyes reflecting a hint of amusement. “Oh, nothing special, Benjamin. We get what we planed so we can conclude it was a very productive day.”
“That’s right,” he replied. Benjamin couldn’t resist asking about her impression of Megan. “By the way what do you think of Megan Sterling?” he inquired. “I found her to be quite interesting’ and not so easy to deal with.”
Sophia nodded thoughtfully. “You’re not entirely wrong there, Benjamin. She’s not one to underestimate.”
Benjamin, treading carefully, ventured a comparison. “You know, Sophia, I couldn’t help but notice that she reminds me a bit of you, in a way. But of course, you’re in a league of your own.”
Sophia frowned at him. “Interesting observation,” she replied thoughtfully.
