#95 “You’re Pampering Me.”
In the soft morning light filtering through the hotel curtains, Sophia awoke, luxuriating in the comfort of a proper bed. The absence of the usual soreness that accompanied her nights at the police station brought a genuine smile to her face. The plushness of the hotel mattress felt like a reprieve, a stark contrast to the cold, unforgiving surfaces of her recent accommodations.
After a blissful stretch, Sophia indulged in a quick shower, the warm water washing away the lingering shadows of the previous day. With her makeup expertly applied and dressed in a fresh ensemble, she felt ready to face whatever the day held. The anticipation of another classic English breakfast, this time in the hotel restaurant, added a touch of excitement to her morning routine.
As she reached for her bag near the hotel door, a sudden knock interrupted her thoughts. Instinctively, she called out, “Who is it?”
“Room service,” came the familiar reply, a voice that brought a smile to Sophia’s face. Opening the door revealed Alexander standing there, two steaming Starbucks coffees in his hands. Sophia couldn’t help but laugh at the unexpected delight of his visit.
“I was sure you would go out without breakfast,” he confessed, setting the cups on the table beside the couch.
“Actually, I was just going to breakfast, “she admitted, settling onto the couch. “What did you get me?” she asked, a hint of impatience in her voice.
“What do you think I took?” Alexander teased, a playful smile on his lips. Sophia didn’t bother with a reply; Alexander, knowing that Sophia would not play along with his teasing, instructed the waiter, “Come in.”
A waiter pushed in a silver, classical dining cart, set up the table, and uncovered the dish. Sophia found exactly what she had been craving for- a classic English breakfast.
“Thank you,” she expressed her gratitude, motioning for him to join her in her seats. “You’re pampering me.
“At the risk of spoiling your mood,” Alexander began, biting into a piece of fried egg, “did you hear the news this morning?”
“No,” Sophia responded with a mock frown. “What is it this time? Did I unknowingly commit murder? Did I rob a bank? or…”
Alexander reached for the remote control on her table, turning on the TV to the morning news. The newsroom buzzed with the latest scoop, and the chatter of reporters echoed through the airwaves. The headline flashed on screens across the city: “Sophia Johnson Released Amidst Controversy.”
As the news of Sophia’s release permeated the media, the uninformed public, quick to speculate and eager to form opinions, embraced a narrative of power plays and backdoor dealings.
The prevailing sentiment was one of discontent, a collective murmur that rippled through the city. Alexander, aware of the brewing storm, watched the news coverage unfold on the television in Sophia’s hotel room.
“They make it sound like I’ve pulled strings to get you out,” Alexander remarked, a tinge of frustration in his voice as he gestured toward the screen.
Sophia, her expression calm and collected, observed the news coverage with a detached air. “Public dissatisfaction is the least of my concerns at the moment,” she replied, her tone measured.
“It’s not just about public opinion,” Alexander emphasized, pacing the room. “This complicates things. People will question your innocence, doubt the legitimacy of your release.”
Sophia sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. “I knew there would be backlash. The public loves a good conspiracy, and this, my friend, is too tempting for them to resist.”
Alexander paused, his gaze locking onto Sophia’s. “We need to control the narrative. Prove your innocence beyond a shadow of a doubt.”
Sophia raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing on her lips. “And how do you propose we do that? Hire a team of PR specialists to spin a tale of a falsely accused lawyer navigating the treacherous waters of a corrupt system?
Alexander chuckled, appreciating Sophia’s wry humor even in the face of adversity. “Maybe not that dramatic, but we do need a strategy. We can’t afford to let public opinion sway the course of the investigation.”
Their conversation, while laced with a hint of tension, carried an undercurrent of shared determination. The challenges ahead loomed large but so did the unwavering resolve to unearth the truth.
“What are your plans for today, Sophie? “Alexander inquired.
“I have a meeting with Benjamin,” she replied. “I’m aware of your opinion on the matter, so let’s not discuss it again.
Alexander frowned, a subtle disapproval evident, but he nodded without unnecessary protest.
“Let me accompany you. It seems a bit risky for you to be out on your own right now. People aren’t pleased about your release from the police station,” he offered.
“I can handle it,” Sophia began.
“I know, I know. You’re capable of handling it yourself. Just do it for my peace of mind,” he interjected. She realized that she owed Alexander a debt of gratitude for his assistance with her case. Although accompanying her wouldn’t entirely settle that debt, she decided to agree.
“Fine, come with me,” Sophia conceded, a muted acknowledgment of his concern.
Alexander and Sophia go down to the first floor of the hotel. Outside, it is full of people who are shouting Sophia’s name, dissatisfied with the turn of events. Sophia doesn’t let this keep her in the hotel as a prisoner and walks out closely followed by Alexander.
The air outside was charged with tension as Sophia stepped into the world beyond the confines of her hotel. The public, fueled by the media frenzy, viewed her release with suspicion and disdain. They saw a murderer walking free, and their reactions were far from welcoming.
As Sophia tried to navigate through the crowd, the atmosphere grew hostile. The accusing glares and hushed whispers followed her every step. The weight of public judgment bore down on her shoulders. She tightened her grip on her bag, determined to ignore the piercing gazes and the harsh comments thrown her way.
However, some took their disdain a step further. A few aggressive individuals, fueled by misguided anger, confronted Sophia. Their words turned into accusations, and their hostility escalated. Sophia, maintaining her composure, tried to push through the crowd. She didn’t want to engage with those who only sought to harm her.
Amidst the escalating tension, Alexander stepped forward, acting as a shield between Sophia and the aggressive crowd. His tall frame and unwavering presence served as a barrier against the hostility. He spoke firmly, trying to diffuse the situation, but his attempts were met with heightened aggression.
Sophia, feeling gratitude and concern for Alexander’s safety, pleaded with him to step back. However, his commitment to protecting her remained resolute.
In the midst of the chaos, a scuffle broke out. Sophia, realizing the danger, urged Alexander to leave, but in the process, he got injured, a casualty of the crowd’s misplaced anger. Someone was able to make a deep cut on Alexander’s arm.
Sophia acted fast. She took her scarf and wrapped it around Alexander’s arm. They managed to break free from the chaotic scene, retreating to the relative safety of a waiting car.
Now behind the wheel, Sophia glanced at Alexander, who was nursing a wound on his arm.
“I told you I could handle it,” Sophia said, a tinge of frustration in her voice. ‘ ‘What were you thinking? Now you are hurt.”
“And I told you I’m not letting you face this alone,” Alexander replied. The car sped away from the tumultuous scene, leaving the hostile crowd behind. Sophia’s hands gripped the steering wheel, her jaw clenched in frustration. She didn’t want anyone else getting hurt because of her.
Alexander, though nursing his wound, spoke with a reassuring tone, “I’ll be your support, Sophia. No matter what happens.”
Sophia, glancing at him, felt a surge of conflicting emotions-gratitude for his unwavering support, frustration at the situation, and a touch of vulnerability she seldom allowed herself to acknowledge.
They arrived at the hospital, where Sophia insisted on taking Alexander in for medical attention. As he was treated for his injury, their conversation took a reflective turn.
“You’re tougher than you let on,” Alexander remarked, his gaze studying Sophia.
“I had to be,” she replied, her tone revealing a hint of the resilience that had been her armor throughout life.
Alexander nodded a newfound appreciation in his eyes. “But there’s a softness beneath that toughness, isn’t there?”
Sophia, caught off guard by the observation, hesitated before nodding. “Maybe.”
The hospital room, with its antiseptic scent and muted lighting, became a momentary refuge from the chaos outside. As the medical staff tended to Alexander’s injury, the unspoken understanding between Sophia and Alexander deepened.
They left the hospital together, the city outside quieter now. Alexander, his arm bandaged, but determination unwavering, looked at Sophia.
“Are we going to Benjamin’s house?” Alexander asks.
“You’re hurt…” Sophia begins.
“”The wound is small, and we don’t have time. We have to decide how we will act.”
Sophia looks at him and when she makes sure that he is okay, she nods.
