#99 “Let’s not Turn This into A Battlefield.”
The food had been served to them and Sophia was more than pleased with the look of all the dishes. She sensed that Benjamin and Alexander were no longer in the mood despite the banter they had exchanged so far.
Sophia, attempting to lighten the mood, initiated the conversation. “I must say, after all the plotting and scheming, I’ve worked up quite an appetite. I’m glad we got outside and I can get away from everything that’s going on for a little bit.”
Benjamin, however, seized the moment to assert his own agenda. He turned his gaze toward Alexander, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Speaking of appetites, Alexander, I’ve always wondered how your taste in certain matters has evolved over time.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow, his expression guarded. “And what might those matters be, Benjamin?”
Benjamin leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. “Well, let’s talk about your pursuit of Sophia. I remember a time when you were relentless in trying to win her back after your divorce. What changed?”
Sophia, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation, exchanged a perplexed glance with Alexander.
Alexander, however, remained composed, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “Ah, Benjamin, you always had a way of digging up the past. But I thought we agreed to focus on the present.”
Benjamin persisted, his tone edged with subtle mockery. “Oh, we can focus on the present, but it’s hard to ignore the echoes of the past, especially when they involve Sophia.”
Sophia, sensing the brewing conflict, interjected, “Okay, okay. Let’s not turn this into a trip in the past. We’re here to enjoy a meal, remember?”
But Benjamin, fueled by a mixture of jealousy and a desire to assert his standing, pressed on. “Alexander, I’ve always wondered if your pursuit of Sophia was driven by genuine feelings or just a way to win at everything, including relationships.”
Alexander’s gaze sharpened, his patience wearing thin. “Benjamin, I’ve never claimed to be perfect. Yes, I made mistakes, and my pursuit of Sophia after our divorce is none of your business. Sophia and I have moved on, and so should you.”
Benjamin, undeterred, continued the verbal sparring. “Moved on, you say? But here you are, still entangled in her life. I can’t help but wonder if your presence endangers her.”
Alexander’s jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with irritation. “Endangers her? That’s quite an accusation, Benjamin. I’ve been there for Sophia when she needed support, and I’ll continue to do so. If you have concerns, address them directly instead of insinuating.”
Sophia, feeling the tension escalate, attempted to mediate. “Guys, let’s not ruin this lunch with old grievances. Benjamin, your concerns are appreciated, but Alexander has been nothing but supportive.”
But Benjamin, unwilling to back down, pushed harder. “Supportive or possessive? I’ve seen the way you hover around her, Alexander. It’s not healthy, and it’s certainly not in her best interest.”
Alexander’s restraint wavered, a sharp retort on the tip of his tongue. “I don’t need your approval or your assessment of what’s healthy for Sophia. She’s a grown woman perfectly capable of making her own choices.”
Sophia, sensing the escalating tension, intervened with a firm tone. “Enough, both of you. This is not the time or the place to rehash old arguments. We’re here to enjoy a meal, and I won’t tolerate any more bickering.”
After the meal, as they stood outside the restaurant, Alexander suggested, ” Sophia, I think it would be wise for you to stay at the hotel where I’m currently staying. It’s centrally located, secure, and it would ensure your safety.”
Benjamin, ever the competitor, interjected, “Or, Sophia, you’re more than welcome to stay at my place. It’s quiet, comfortable, and you won’t have to deal with Alexander’s overbearing presence.”
Sophia caught between the conflicting offers, hesitated. She appreciated both gestures, but a decision needed to be made. After a moment of contemplation, she turned to Alexander. “I appreciate your concern, Alexander. I think I’ll take you up on your offer. It makes sense, considering the central location and the safety aspect.”
Benjamin, masking his disappointment with a forced smile, conceded, “Well, if that’s what you think is best.”
As they left the restaurant, the night had fully descended on London. The city’s lights glittered, casting a surreal glow on the cobblestone streets. The trio made their way to Alexander’s hotel, the air heavy with the unresolved dynamics between them.
Once in the lobby, Alexander accompanied Sophia to the front desk to arrange her stay. Benjamin, feeling like an unwanted spectator, hovered at a distance, his frustration simmering beneath the surface.
As Sophia completed the check-in process, Alexander handed her the key card with a reassuring smile. “You’ll be safe here. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.”
Sophia thanked him and made her way to the elevator, leaving Benjamin and Alexander alone in the lobby. The silence that followed was filled with unspoken words.
Finally, Benjamin couldn’t contain his frustration any longer. “Why are you so insistent on having her stay with you? It’s not like she can’t take care of herself.”
Alexander, his expression unwavering, replied, “I’m concerned about her safety, Benjamin. This city can be unpredictable, and I want to make sure she’s secure.”
Benjamin scoffed, his irritation evident. “Secure? Or is it just another move in your game to win her over? You always have to be in control, don’t you?”
Alexander, his patience wearing thin, retorted, “This is not about control, Benjamin. It’s about looking out for someone I care about. Perhaps you should try it sometime.”
The tension escalated as the two men stood in the hotel lobby, the unspoken rivalry between them reaching a boiling point. But before the verbal sparring could escalate further, Sophia reappeared, diffusing the charged atmosphere.
“Okay, let’s not turn this into a battlefield,” she said, a hint of weariness in her voice. “Alexander, thank you for your concern. Benjamin, your offer was appreciated, too. Now, can we please move past this and focus on the reason we’re here?”
“Okay,” Alexander says. “Well, I’m going up to my room. If you need me, you know where to find me.”
He brandishes his room key, which says number 6. Alexander heads for the elevator, and Sophia and Benjamin send him off with a look.
“Benjamin, can we talk?” Sophia asked once the elevator doors closed.
“Sure,” Benjamin replied, turning his whole attention to her.
“Benjamin, I know things got tense back there. But please, try not to adopt such a hostile tone when speaking to Alexander. It only makes things more complicated. Let’s focus on the case and not let personal conflicts interfere.
Upon hearing this, Benjamin’s frustration, which he had been nursing since their heated exchange at the restaurant, only intensified. He felt torn between his genuine concerns for Sophia’s well-being and the mounting tension with Alexander.
Benjamin decided to take a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. After a couple of seconds, he sighed, a heavy exhale that betrayed the weight on his shoulders. “I will try.”
