Chapter 213

#213 “I See. I Won’t Impose Any Further.”

As Sophia stood at the doorstep of Benjamin’s home, the moment he opened the door, his expression was a clear testament to his reluctance. His gaze, devoid of warmth, seemed to assess her as if she were a stranger rather than a sibling. Sophia, however, had braced herself for this. The lack of a welcoming smile did not deter her; the opportunity to mend fences was worth enduring the initial chill.

“Come in,” Benjamin said, stepping aside with a curt motion. His tone was as cool as the London air swirling in from behind her.

Sophia stepped inside, her heart pounding but her resolve steady. Thank you for agreeing to see me, Benjamin. I know this might be awkward, but…”

Benjamin cut her off with a terse wave of his hand. “Let’s not do this in the doorway. I have someone else coming. Wait in the living room.”

Despite the brusqueness of his invitation, Sophia was grateful for the chance to have this conversation.

She nodded and moved to the living room. As she sat down, her eyes were drawn to the TV, where a news report was playing. The focus was on Alexander, and the anchor was not holding back.

“With the recent developments swirling around the Stone family, questions are now being raised about Alexander Stone’s motives in marrying Sophia Johnson. Critics argue that this union is nothing more than a strategic move to consolidate more power and influence in the business world. Is this a genuine relationship, or are we seeing a calculated alliance designed to outmaneuver rivals and secure a greater share of the market?”

The reporter on the scene didn’t hesitate to confront Alexander with intrusive questions: “Mr. Stone, can you tell the public what the real reason behind your marriage is? Is it love, or is it a merger of convenience between two powerful families? How do you respond to allegations that your marriage is just a facade to cover more ambitious business strategies?”

Sophia felt a surge of indignation. The media’s portrayal was far from the truth, and the speculative nature of the questions only served to distort the public’s perception of their relationship. She knew the love between her and Alexander was real, untainted by the Machiavellian insinuations being broadcast.

Before she could dwell further on the report, Benjamin re-entered the room, his demeanor slightly softened by what seemed to be a mix of curiosity and cautious interest in her reaction to the broadcast.

“Ridiculous, isn’t it?” Benjamin remarked, nodding toward the TV. ” The lengths to which people will go to spin a narrative.”

Sophia turned off the television, her expression solemn. “It’s far from the truth. Alexander and I…”

Benjamin held up a hand, signaling her to stop. “I didn’t bring you here to talk about your boyfriend or defend your marriage to the press. But since it’s clear you’ve got a lot on your plate, let’s sit down and address the real reason you’re here.”

The ice in his voice had cracked slightly, giving way to a hint of willingness to engage, Sophia sensed this was her opening, a precarious opportunity to delve into the heart of their familial estrangement and perhaps uncover a pathway to reconciliation.

As Sophia and Benjamin made their way toward the dining room, the front door creaked open to reveal a young woman stepping into the entrance hall. Her presence was immediately commanding, with a confident air about her and curves that she seemed all too aware of how to accentuate. The woman caught sight of Sophia and her initial neutral expression quickly shifted to a discernible frown.

“Benjamin, I was just leaving,” the woman said, her tone taking on a notably warmer, almost affectionate quality as she addressed him. She turned to Sophia, offering a brisk nod. ” I’m Becky.”

Sophia returned the nod, trying to mask her surprise at the sudden chill in the air. “Sophia,” she replied, her voice steady despite the palpable tension.

Becky’s eyes lingered on Sophia for a moment longer, her lips curving into a semblance of a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Nice to meet you,” she said, though the politeness felt forced. Turning back to Benjamin, her demeanor shifted dramatically; she was all smiles and gratitude. “Thank you for having me over, Benjamin. It was… enlightening.”

With that, Becky made her exit, her departure leaving a lingering question in the air. Sophia couldn’t help but wonder if Becky’s less-than-warm reception of her was influenced by the media reports circulating about her and Alexander. It was an unsettling thought, one that Sophia couldn’t shake off as easily as she would have liked.

Once Becky’s footsteps had faded away, Sophia’s curiosity got the better of her. “Was Becky being cold because of what she’s heard in the news?” Sophia couldn’t help but ask.

Benjamin, who had been watching Becky leave with an unreadable expression, turned to Sophia. His features softened slightly, a sign that perhaps he was warming up to having a genuine conversation.

“Becky? Oh, she’s my new secretary,” he explained, his tone casual, almost dismissive. “As for her attitude, let’s not worry about that. People react in all sorts of ways to the news. It’s best not to take it personally.”

Sophia nodded, understanding the futility of dwelling on the opinions of others, especially when those opinions were shaped by sensationalized reports. However, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease that Becky’s demeanor had sparked within her.

Seeing Sophia’s contemplative state, Benjamin cleared his throat, signaling a desire to steer the conversation away from the topic of his secretary and the awkward encounter. “Anyway, let’s not get sidetracked. You wanted to talk, and I’m here. Let’s get back on topic.”

Sophia took a deep, steadying breath and began. “Benjamin, I’m here for several reasons. First, I want to clear the air between us. Regardless of everything, we’re family. And it pains me that we’ve allowed this awkwardness to distance us. Remember how we used to be? I miss that. I’d like for us to find a way back to some kind of understanding, to be able to communicate openly again.”

Benjamin’s response was immediate and sharp, slicing through the hopeful atmosphere Sophia tried to create. ” Sophia, things can’t just go back to how they were. Especially not now,” he said, his tone laced with a cold finality that seemed to settle between them like an unbridgeable chasm.

Sophia’s heart sank. She sat in silence, grappling with the rejection. It stung, reminding her of all the complex layers of their fractured relationship. She respected his stance, painful though it was to accept.

Benjamin had every right to distance himself if he chose to; she couldn’t force a reconciliation.

Feeling a mixture of defeat and resolve, Sophia slowly rose from her seat. “I see. I won’t impose any further,” she said quietly, not wanting to overstay her welcome or add to the tension. It was then, just as she was about to walk away, that Benjamin’s voice stopped her.

“Wait,” he said, and there was something new in his voice, a hint of something that wasn’t there before.” After everything, you’re still my sister, Sophia. And I don’t want to lose you from my life, not after what we’ve been through together. Things may never be the same between us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to understand each other again, to find a new way forward.

Sophia paused, turning to face him, a spark of hope flickering in her heart. His words, unexpected yet sincere, reached her in a way she hadn’t anticipated. She smiled, genuinely touched by his concession.

“Thank you, Benjamin,” she said, warmth flooding her voice. “You’ve always had a big heart. I appreciate you giving us a chance to mend things.”

“Now that we’ve agreed on that. Tell me the other reason you came for,” asked Benjamin.