Thank you' Isabella responded, her gaze lingering on Alexander. I really missed these events. It was always fun coming here with you. There was a vulnerability in her tone that made Sophie uneasy. She saw Alexander's expression shift, showing a flicker of nostalgia.
Suddenly, the crowd around them shifted, dancing and celebrating, which eased the tension a bit. However, as Alexander continued to talk with Isabella, Sophie noticed his demeanor softening.
'Sophie, can we take a moment? he asked, glancing at her with searching eyes.
'Of course, she replied, trying to stay composed while her heart raced. They moved to a quieter corner of the gallery, away from the crowd's gaze.
'What's going on, Alexander?' Sophie asked, folding her arms to hide her insecurity.
I didn't expect to see her tonight,' he admitted, running a hand through his hair. 'It's all so unexpected. We had a history, and I loved her dearly at one point in my life.'
Sophie felt her heart drop. I understand you had a past with her, but we have a future together now, right?'
I do love you, Sophie' Alexander insisted, his voice steady.
Sophie looked into his eyes, searching for reassurance. I need to know this doesn't change how you feel about me. I want to understand how you see our future.
I do love you, Sophie, he assured her, his voice thick with emotion. But it's hard to let go of the past, especially with someone who meant so much to me for so long. Seeing Isabella again brought back feelings I thought I had moved on from.'
The knot in Sophie's stomach tightened. I can't compete with your memories of her. She's beautiful and charming, and you have a history. How do I know she won't try to win you back?
I can promise you one thing, he said softly, stepping closer. You are my present and future. I only want to build a life with you.There was sincerity in his eyes, but Sophie couldn't shake off the unease within her.
Sophie tried to remain composed, forcing a smile as she watched Isabella effortlessly slip back into the workspace like she belonged there. It wasn't just her beauty; it was her confidence, the way she navigated conversations, the genuine interest she seemed to spark in others, including Alexander.
Later that evening, after the office quieted down, Sophie confronted Alexander. I thought you said you wanted things to be different. Why is she always here?
She's just being friendly, he replied, catching the tension in her voice. I think she genuinely wants to support the program.
Sophie threw her hands up in frustration.It feels more like she's trying to come between us! You can't deny that you two share a history; it makes sense for her to want to revive that.
Alexander sighed, running a hand through his hair, irritation mingled with concern. Sophie, I promise you, it's not like that. I see her as someone from my past, but I recognize that I'm in love with you, and I've built my future around that.
Despite her words, Alexander's easy banter with Isabella continued. She appeared at their favorite coffee shop, casually bumping into them when they were on a date, and even attended their team meetings. Each time, Sophie felt her patience wearing thin, struggling with the insecurities that wormed their way back into her mind.
One evening, as Sophie visited Alexander, she found Isabella sitting on the couch in his leaving room, laughing and chatting with Alexander as if they'd never broken up. The sight ignited a fierce wave of indignation within her.
What's going on here? Sophie demanded, her voice steady yet edged with frustration.
Isabella turned, eyes wide with feigned innocence. Oh, hey! I was just catching up with Alex. We were reminiscing about old times!
"Don't you have your own life to get back to? Sophie shot back, feeling her confidence waver but refusing to back down. I thought this was my home, not a reunion for you two.
I invited her, Alexander interjected defensively. "We were just talking, Sophie.There's no reason to get upset.
Alexander said, trying to keep the peace.
Sophie felt heat rising in her cheeks, a mix of anger and hurt. You invited her into your home while we're trying to build a life together? This doesn't feel like just chatting, Alexander. It feels like she's trying to reclaim a place in your life.
Isabella, ever the skilled charmer, tilted her head and flashed a demure smile. I didn't mean to intrude, Sophie. I just thought we could all be friends. After all, we have a shared interest in supporting this company program.
Sophie narrowed her eyes at Isabella, her resolve strengthening. That's rich coming from you. This isn't about supporting the program. You're here to get back in his life, and I won't stand for it.
Let's take a step back, alright? Alexander said, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. Sophie, you know I love you. Isabella is part of my past, but yes I realize that she's struggling hard to move on, I do not want to hot her feelings by leaving her alone.
Sophie snapped, her emotions boiling over. "You don't see that? Every time you entertain her, I feel like I'm competing for your affection. The moment you give her attention, it feels like you're pushing me aside.
The tension in the room was palpable, and for a moment, silence hung between them, each person processing the weight of the moment. Alexander ran a hand over his face, looking frustrated and guilty."I never wanted you to feel that way. I just thought we could be civil about this.
Sophie crossed her arms, shaking her head in disbelief. Civil? You don't need to be civil with someone who's trying to come between us. I need to know if you want me, or if you're still tangled up in her web.
Isabella's gaze shifted between them, but she remained silent, enjoying the drama.
I want you, Sophie, Alexander said firmly, stepping closer, his intensity returning. You're the one I proposed to. You're the one I want to marry. I'm here with you right now!
But Sophie felt a shadow lingering, an uncertainty that hung in the air. Then why haven't you made it clear to her that this is over? That you've moved on?
He opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by a sudden ringing phone cutting through the tension. Isabella, ever the opportunist, broke the silence. I should probably take this. It's work, she said, picking up her phone and walking to the other side of the room, leaving Sophie and Alexander to continue their discussion.
Once she was at a distance, Sophie leaned closer to Alexander. she said, I need to be sure I can trust you. I can't enter into a marriage if I feel like I'm always looking over my shoulder.
I understand, and I'm sorry, he said, taking her hands in his. I'll talk to her. I'll be clear that this is over, and I'm fully committed to you. But you need to trust me, Sophie.
Sophie nodded, though uncertainty still churned within her. This can't last. Either she goes, or I do. I can't handle this constant reminder of your past.
Just then, Isabella returned, her smile faltering slightly as she sensed the tension between them. Is everything alright? she asked, her tone feigning concern.
Yes, everything is fine, Alexander said, his voice strained. We were just discussing the program.
Good, Isabella said smoothly. I'll leave you two. I have something to attend to,She shot Sophie a knowing look before heading toward the door. I'll text you later, Alex.
Sophie felt a glimmer of triumph as Isabella walked out, but the relief was short-lived. What are you going to say to her? she asked Alexander, her voice low.
I'll make it clear to her that I have moved on with my life, he promised, determination in his eyes. You're the woman I want to marry, and Isabella needs to understand that.
Sophie searched his face, hoping to see the resolve she needed. You must mean it. I can't keep coming second to her.
I mean it, he said fiercely. You're everything to me. Just give me a chance to make this right.
As the night wore on, Sophie couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered, but a part of her wanted to believe in Alexander's commitment. They had both faced the past in this moment, and now it was time to let go of the weight it carried.
But as the evening cooled, Sophie couldn't shake the thought that Isabella would not just give up.
after her discussion with Alexander
she went back to her apartment.
Sophie tried to push the unease aside as the day turned into night, focusing on the plans for the mentorship program's upcoming event.
But just as she started to settle into a routine, her phone buzzed, shaking her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen: it was a call from Alexander.
Hey, is everything okay? "she ask trying to keep her voice upbeat.
Isabella just called, he said, his tone shifting from the usual warmth to something more serious. She said a thief broke into her house, and she's so scared. I need to go check on her.
Sophie's heart dropped, a mix of dread and frustration flooding her senses. Alexander, are you serious? You're going to drop everything for her again?
Just for a moment, he replied, his voice strained. She's in a vulnerable state. I can't just ignore her.
Can't you see how this looks? Sophie shot back, her frustration boiling over. What if she's manipulating you?
I get it, but I can't just leave her after hearing that, he replied firmly. I'll be back as soon as I can.
Reluctantly, Sophie ended the call, feeling the weight of frustration and worry. The image of Isabella crying and desperate lingered in her mind. is she really in some kind of trouble ? or is she lying.
As Alexander rushed out of the office, Isabelle paced nervously inside her home. She had set the stage perfectly for her plan to unfold. After spending weeks observing Alexander and understanding the weaknesses in his affections, she was ready to execute her scheme.
The moment he arrived at her house, she opened the door, her face pale and her eyes wide with fear. Alexander! she gasped, feigning panic. I was so scared! I heard noises, and I thought that the thief's is here again...