Chapter 168

168 “You’re Pushing Me Away.”

Sophia’s nerves were frayed all day, her mind consumed by thoughts of her tumultuous relationship with Alexander. Despite her desire to remain angry with him, she couldn’t shake the understanding of why he had acted as he did. However, she knew deep down that their relationship couldn’t thrive on unspoken truths, no matter how well -intentioned they may be.

Throughout the day, Sophia and Alexander exchanged biting messages, each word laden with the weight of their unresolved conflict. As the evening approached, Sophia made her way to Alexander’s apartment as they had agreed upon.

She knocked on the door, and Alexander opened it, inviting her inside with a weary expression. Without hesitation, Sophia launched into the conversation.

“Alexander, we can’t go on like this,” she stated firmly.

“I agree,” he replied, gesturing for her to take a seat at the table.

“I want to be able to trust you,” Sophia continued, her voice tinged with frustration.

“Don’t you believe me?” Alexander questioned, his tone defensive.

“Not when you hide the truth from me, “she shot back.

“I think you did the same, Sophia,” he countered.

“It’s not the same at all. I was acting to save my best friend, and I didn’t have time to think about whether or not to call you. Because that wasn’t important right now.”

“And you think that justifies it?” Alexander challenged.

“I think if your friend was in trouble, you would go and help him without even thinking to call me,” she asserted. “But the important thing is that you knew about Kyle for a week or so and you didn’t say anything.”

“You know why I kept quiet, Sophia,” Alexander replied.

“And you don’t even think you were wrong to do it? Because once you didn’t apologize.”

“I don’t think I should apologize for wanting to protect you.”

“You’re playing the hero again, Alexander,” Sophia scoffed. “If you want to be with me, you should know that I’m not a woman who needs saving. I am a woman who can work in a team if something goes wrong. And that you don’t trust me…”

“I didn’t say I didn’t trust you, Sophia, “Alexander protested.

“You didn’t say it, but you show it,” she declared.

“And what have I shown it with?”

“By hiding things from me. You’re so afraid of losing me that you don’t realize that with your excessive protection, you’re pushing me away.”

“And how can I not be afraid, Sophia,” Alexander shouted, his voice breaking with emotion.

Sophia was startled by his outburst, her anger momentarily overshadowed by his raw vulnerability.

“I lost you when we were married because I was too stupid to realize that everything I wanted was right in front of me. Then a thousand more times I almost lost you because you despised me. You’ve been kidnapped a few times, you’ve been involved in a murder scandal, and I know you can handle it, but I’m afraid the world is too cruel and they could hurt you. You still don’t tell me you love me, and I’m starting to believe it’s true. And no matter how confident I am, I die every time I don’t know if you’ll be okay with me today. And because I know you can handle yourself, I don’t know if you’ll ever need me and just walk away.”

Sophia’s heart ached as she absorbed his words, realizing the depth of his fear and insecurity. Her anger dissolved, replaced by a profound sense of compassion for the man before her.

“I’m sorry, Alexander,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “I didn’t realize…”

“It’s okay, Sophia,” Alexander interrupted gently, his tone softening.” I didn’t mean to explode like that.”

“Alexander, let me tell you that a relationship should not be built out of need. Because I may not need you, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with you. Because when it’s needed, it’s control, and I don’t want you to control me, and I don’t want me to control you. I want to be together because we chose each other. And I won’t stop choosing you, not because I need you, but because I love you.”

As Sophia spoke, she felt a weight lifting from her shoulders, a sense of clarity washing over her. She knew she loved him, but for the first time she allowed herself to say it out loud and it felt right.

As Sophia finished speaking, Alexander’s heart swelled with admiration for her strength and honesty.

Without hesitation, he leaned in and gently pressed his lips to hers, his kiss a tender expression of his love and devotion.

Sophia’s breath caught in her throat as she melted into his embrace, the warmth of his lips igniting a spark of passion within her. In that moment, all their doubts and fears melted away, replaced by a deep and abiding connection that bound them together.

Their kiss lingered, a silent promise of the love and understanding that they shared. And as they pulled away, their eyes met, filled with a newfound sense of trust and unity.

“I love you, Sophia,” Alexander whispered, his voice soft but unwavering.

“I love you too, Alexander,” Sophia replied, her voice filled with warmth and affection.