Chapter 27

#27″She would be Mine, Not Yours.

“I saw your performance tonight,” Michael says, a warm smile crossing his face as he sits beside Sophia. “It was quite impressive.” The compliment makes Sophia slightly blush, but she musters a grateful smile and replies, “Thank you.”

“I was immediately impressed by the way you can navigate the fingerboard with such fluidity, and your bowing technique is equally impressive,” Michael continues. Surprised by his knowledge of violin playing techniques, Sophia asks, Really? Do you play?”

He chuckles softly. “No, but I have spent a great deal of time in Prague, which I am sure you know is where the Smetana Hall is.”

Sophia nods, impressed that he knows the prestigious classical music festivals held there. “Yes, I’ve attended some of those concerts before,” she admits. Their conversation flows, and time flies. by as they talk about music and their shared fondness for classical performances. But as the minutes pass, Sophia notices that the once bustling ballroom is gradually emptying, and the staff is starting to clean up the room.

“Well, it looks like the party is over,” she remarks, glancing around at the dwindling crowd. “It appears so,” Michael agrees. ” Perhaps I can walk you to the door.”

“Yes, I told my date I would let him. know when to pick me up,” Sophia states as she gathers her purse.

Sophia is charmed by his politeness. With a soft smile, Sophia nods, accepting the arm he offers, and they begin to make their way toward the entrance.

Sophia spots Alexander standing near the coat check room as they reach the front door. She can feel her heart race slightly, hoping to avoid another conversation with him tonight. But before Sophia can figure out a way to slip away unnoticed, Michael asks her for her check number and offers to get her coat. Relieved, she hands him the ticket.

Sophia walks towards the door, and as she opens it, a gust of wind and rain greets her. It’s pouring outside, and she’s glad she won’t face the downpour without her coat.

However, as Michael gathers their coats, Alexander hovers near him. ” Michael, I see that you and Sophia seem to be getting along,” Alexander says with a tinge of suspicion. Michael holds a calm look and replies, ” Yes, Ms. Johnson and I had an enjoyable conversation.”

Alexander presses on, “And I suppose that has nothing to do with the situation between you and me?”

Feigning innocence, Michael retorts, Alexander, I have no idea what you are talking about.” Alexander shifts closer to him, his voice quiet and intense, “I see no reason to involve Sophia in our situation.”

“I assure you,” Michael responds firmly, “Ms. Johnson and I had a lovely conversation, and I am simply seeing her off.” He steps away from Alexander and approaches Sophia. “Besides,” he adds, “look at this weather. It’s important that Ms. Johnson gets home safely.”

With an unyielding resolution, Alexander states, “I think I should have my driver take Ms. Johnson home. My apartment is very close to hers. It just makes more sense.”

Sophia’s heart sinks at the thought of being alone with Alexander, and she quickly replies, “Benjamin has offered to drive me home. Thank you, though.”

But Alexander is persistent, and his following words are firmer than he intended, “No, I mean, no need.

With this weather, driving us home would be much safer with my driver. Plus, Benjamin lives all the way uptown; he would need to drive an extra hour back afterward.”

As much as Sophia dreads spending more time with Alexander tonight, she knows he’s right about the weather and the practicality of the situation. Reluctantly, she nods in agreement.

“Let me call Benjamin and tell him the plan,” Sophia says, stepping away to make the call. Over the phone, she explains the plans change to Benjamin, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice. She knows he’s a caring friend who worries about her and doesn’t want him to sense her unease.

“Soph, are you sure you’re okay?” Benjamin asks, picking up on the anxious undertone in her voice.

Sophia takes a deep breath, trying to soothe him, “Yes, I assure you I am perfectly fine.”

But the memories of her father’s tragic car accident resurface, and apprehension grips her heart.

Tonight’s weather, so reminiscent of that fateful day, brings back the haunting memories. Since then, whenever the weather turns bad, she can’t help but feel uneasy.

Benjamin senses that something is off and persists, “You sound edgy. I’m a little worried about you.”

Sophia hesitates momentarily, torn between opening up to her friend and keeping her emotions guarded.

“I’ll be honest,” she finally admits, 11 this weather… it brings back memories I’d rather forget.” What she doesn’t add to the conversation is that her father had a terrible car accident on a day like this. It was traumatic, and now, dread she can’t shake the feeling of every time it’s stormy. She takes a moment to collect herself, feeling vulnerable but grateful for Benjamin’s concern.

“I appreciate your offer to drive me home, but I think being with Alexander’s driver might be safer,” she says, trying to find some comfort in the alternative.

Benjamin’s tone softens with kindness, “I understand, Soph. If you think it’s best, do what makes you feel safer. Just promise you’ll call me when you get home, okay?”

Sophia manages a small smile. “I promise,” she replies, her voice steadier now. “Thank you for understanding.”

As Alexander’s car pulls up, he swiftly hustles Sophia into the back seat, shielding her from the pouring rain with an umbrella. As she settles in, he says, “I’ll be just a moment. There’s something I forgot to tell Michael.”

Sophia watches anxiously as Alexander and Michael huddle closely under the awning of the building.

Despite the rain, she strains to hear their conversation, but their words remain muffled and incomprehensible.

She is sure she heard Micheal say “my brother” to Alexander right before the car door shut. Her mind begins to wonder curiously. However, the tension in their body language is evident, and it’s clear that the conversation is far from pleasant.

Alexander approaches Michael with a stern look on his face. “Don’t forget what I said. Stay away from Sophia,” he warns.

Michael chuckles, almost mocking, and replies, “I didn’t realize until now how interested you are in Ms.

Johnson. It’s pretty clear that you have feelings for the lady.”

“That’s not true,” Alexander insists. But Michael’s expression shifts from friendly to defiant as he looks directly at Alexander. “If you were Alex, I would date her just so you couldn’t have her. She would be mine, not yours.”

Alexander bristles at Michael’s words, Sophia is a person. Stop referring to her as a possession. I’ve cut you a lot of slack in the past, Michael, because we both were victims, but I caution you, my patience is wearing thin.”

With a dismissive laugh, Michael retorts, “Oh, please don’t bother doing me any favors. Here’s my promise to you-rest assured that I will make you and everyone you love pay for what you did to me.

You owe me.”

Alexander’s anger reaches a boiling point as Michael continues his vicious remarks. Michael’s words cut deep, and it’s clear that he’s struck a nerve.

“You should be used to this though, Alex. Isn’t that what your mother did? Stealing someone else’s man was a talent she certainly possessed. As the son of a mistress, shouldn’t you be used to this kind of thing? What is that expression? Turnabout is fair play?”

Michael taunts.

Unable to control his fury any longer, Alexander lunges at Michael, grabbing him by the collar. “Shut up!

Shut up right now!” he seethes.

But Michael laughs, breaking free from Alexander’s grasp with a smug look. He knows he’s hit a painful mark and revels in the satisfaction of getting under Alexander’s skin. With a curt smile, he says, “Nice running into you, Alexander. I’m sure we’ll meet again soon.”

As Michael turns to walk away, Alexander storms back to the car, his rage still palpable. He slams the door shut, and Sophia can sense that the conversation with Michael did not go well. She decides not to pry, not wishing to get involved, and sits quietly beside him.

The car starts to pull away, and as they leave the scene, Emily emerges from the shadows of the awning with her mother, Barbara.

“I’m not surprised,” Barbara comments with a sneer. “After that pathetic performance of yours tonight, Emily, it’s no wonder he would choose to leave with someone far superior.”

Tears well up in Emily’s eyes as the weight of her mother’s disapproval and witnessing Alexander driving off with Sophia crushes her. Barbara continues to berate Emily, her voice dripping with disdain.

“It’s utterly disgraceful that you couldn’t even manage to do a decent job.”

Emily’s heart seethes with a mixture of rage and sadness. “I know, mother,” she replies through gritted teeth.

“That woman has ruined everything for me. It’s all because of her that Alexander has been treating me like this. I hate her. ”

Barbara pats Emily’s head condescendingly. However, Emily’s anger intensifies as she watches Alexander’s car disappearing down the road. Determination takes hold, and she looks at her mother with fierce intensity.

“Since she walked into our lives, Sophia has been making a spectacle of herself,” Emily declares, her tone laced with bitterness. “She’s stolen all the spotlight and everything that was rightfully mine, including Alex.”

Barbara leans closer and whispers, her voice filled with intrigue, “So what exactly are you planning to do about it?

As the car’s tail lights fade away, Emily’s expression hardens. “Trust me, “she replies in an icy tone, “I will stop at nothing to make Alexander mine.

Sophia Johnson will get exactly what she deserves.”