Chapter 212

#212 “Nervous, Worried, and Most of All, Missing You.”

As Sophia sifted through the myriad details of Audrey Thompson’s online presence, she couldn’t help but be drawn into the opulence and mystery that seemed to envelop her. Audrey’s life was a carousel of high society events, from art gallery openings to charity balls, each photograph showcasing her amid the glitterati of London.

Yet, amid the glamour, there was a conspicuous absence of any mention of her professional life or the origins of her wealth, which piqued Sophia’s curiosity even further. She pondered over the lavish lifestyle Audrey led, wondering about the secrets that might lurk behind those polished smiles and the clinking of champagne glasses.

The buzz of her phone snapped Sophia out of her contemplation, her heart leaping at the sight of Alexander’s name on the screen. She quickly answered, eager for the comfort of his voice in the midst of the chaos swirling around her.

“Hello,” she greeted warmly, despite the whirlwind of events surrounding her.

“Hello, love,” Alexander’s voice came through, a hint of fatigue laced with an attempt at light-

heartedness. “I saw you on the news, you dodge journalists quite well,” he chuckled, trying to lift the mood.

Sophia exhaled, a mix of relief and frustration in her voice. “God, Alexander, it’s all just so overwhelming. Seeing those journalists swarm around us…”

Alexander’s tone turned somber, reflective of the gravity of their situation. “I know, love. My father’s antics have really thrown us into the deep end,” he sighed.

“How are you holding up?” Sophia inquired, concern evident in her voice.

“Nervous, worried, and most of all, missing you,” Alexander confessed, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity.

Sophia’s heart ached at his words. “I miss you too. It sounds like you haven’t slept?”

“I haven’t,” Alexander admitted. “I’ve been up all night, trying to figure out our next move. My mother’s been digging through everything she can find, but we’ve come up empty- handed. How about you? Any luck on your end?”

Sophia recounted her meeting with Jeremy, sharing the little she had learned and her uncertainty about contacting Audrey next.

“So, you’re considering reaching out to Audrey?” Alexander summarized, understanding the dilemma.

Sophia hesitated, her thoughts drifting to Benjamin. “I think I should talk to Benjamin first, but after how we left things, I’m not sure how he’ll react.”

Alexander offered his support, his voice firm. “He said he loved you, Sophia. If he truly does, he’ll want to help, regardless of the past.”

“I just don’t want to exploit his feelings,” Sophia countered, her morals clashing with her need for answers.

“You’re not exploiting anything. You’re seeking truth, for both of your sakes.

Besides, he’s your brother, Sophia. It’s time to mend that bridge,” Alexander encouraged gently.

“You’re right,” Sophia conceded, a resolve settling over her. “I’ll call him.”

“Good. I have to go now, love, but please keep me updated. I’ll call you as soon as I can,” Alexander said, his voice laced with affection and a hint of urgency.

“Good luck, Alex.”

“You too, Sophie.”

With that, they ended the call, each carrying a piece of the other’s strength as they faced their respective battles.

Sophia took a deep breath before dialing Benjamin’s number, her heart racing with a mix of apprehension and determination. As the phone rang, she rehearsed what she wanted to say, hoping to bridge the gap that had formed between them. When Benjamin finally answered, his voice was cool, and distant, a stark contrast to the warmth she had hoped for.

“Benjamin, it’s Sophia,” she started, trying to inject a note of casualness into her tone.

“Sophia,” he acknowledged, his voice flat, guarded. “What do you want?”

Sophia winced at the briskness of his question but pressed on. “I’m in London, and I thought… I thought it might be time for us to talk. Face to face.”

There was a pause on the line, long enough for Sophia to wonder if she had made a mistake in calling him. Finally, Benjamin spoke, his voice still measured, but with a hint of curiosity. ” Talk about what?”

“About everything, Benjamin. Us, our family, the past… There’s a lot we haven’t said to each other, and I think it’s time we did.”

Another pause, then a soft sigh from Benjamin. “You’re right. There is a lot we haven’t said. Alright, Sophia, we can talk.”

Sophia felt a wave of relief wash over her, mixed with a surge of nervous energy. “Thank you, Benjamin. That means a lot to me. Is it convenient for you if we meet for dinner? I thought it might be a good time for a proper conversation.”

Benjamin took a moment before answering, his tone slightly warmer but still guarded. “Dinner, huh?

Okay. You can come here, to my place. It’s probably the best spot for a private conversation.”

“Thank you, Benjamin. That sounds good. What time works for you?”

“Let’s say 7 PM. I’ll text you the address, though I’m sure you remember where it is.”

“I do, but thank you. I’ll see you at 7 then.” Sophia felt a cautious optimism. This was a step, however small, towards mending their fractured relationship.

“Yeah, see you then.” Benjamin’s voice was still cool, but Sophia thought she detected a slight softening in his tone.

As they ended the call, Sophia allowed herself a moment to process the conversation. She was stepping into a situation fraught with emotional landmines, but it was a necessary step. Benjamin’s distant demeanor was a clear indication that the path to reconciliation would be challenging, yet Sophia felt a resolve to face whatever came their way.