Chapter 53

#53 “One Date, and Nothing More.”

Sophia, sitting behind her desk, was surprised by Michael’s direct question about her divorce with Alexander. She wondered where he could have obtained this information, as it seemed that lately, there was a growing interest in her past relationship.

“Yes,” she replied calmly, not one to hide the truth about her failed marriage. However, the curiosity of those around her regarding her history with Alexander left her somewhat perplexed.

Michael settled into the chair across from her desk. “If it’s not too cheeky of me to ask,” he began, “why did you two break up?”

Sophia leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. “He had so many women around him,” she explained with a hint of resignation.”

He was too busy with them to care about me.” Michael raised an eyebrow, his perspective on the situation slowly evolving. “You know,” he said slowly, from what I’ve seen, Alexander actually likes you.

If he didn’t like you, he wouldn’t go to such lengths to keep me away from you, even trying to take away my business.”

Sophia sighed. “We were married for three years and never even met,” she admitted. “In the beginning, he didn’t even know who I was. It was only later, when he became interested in me.

Michael absorbed this revelation, a sense of clarity beginning to emerge. So, he didn’t even know who you were at the start of your marriage,” he mused.

“Exactly, but it’s too late now,” Sophia replied, her tone tinged with a sense of finality.

“I can’t believe Alexander treated you. like that,” Michael expressed. Sophia’s response was tinged with at sense of indifference as she replied, “It was his choice.”

Michael couldn’t help but smile slightly at her response. He found it intriguing how their conversation had taken this turn, and he couldn’t deny that he relished Alexander’s apparent failures.

“And you decided to end your relationship?” Michael inquired further, probing for more details. “He decided to divorce me,” Sophia clarified matter-of-factly.

Michael couldn’t contain his laughter, finding the irony of the situation rather amusing. He imagined Alexander’s face when he realized that his ex-wife was, in fact, the gorgeous Sophia Johnson.

“Alexander always made stupid mistakes. But this is probably his biggest,” Michael commented.

“It’s all in the past now,” Sophia replied. Michael, however, seemed to find amusement in the situation.

“I’m sure he’s pulling his hair out of anger right now, ,” he remarked, chuckling. “But I have no doubt that he’s eager to have you back.”

Sophia sensed that Michael was treading on a sensitive subject, one she wasn’t inclined to discuss at length. So, she decided to shift the conversation’s focus.

She couldn’t help but wonder why Michael was so intrigued by her past with Alexander and she decided to address his curiosity directly. “Why are you so intrigued, Michael?”

Michael leaned in slightly, his charming smile never leaving his face.” Well,” he began, his voice low and conspiratorial, “let’s just say you’re not indifferent to me, dear Sophia. In fact, I’d suggest going on a date, not only because you’re gorgeous, but also because I’m guessing you wouldn’t mind if we pissed Alexander off a little.”

Sophia shook her head. “I understand that you two have some drama,” she began, “but it’s one thing to make Alexander angry, it’s quite another to go out on a date, Michael.”

Michael’s smile remained undeterred.” Oh, come on,” he teased. “It’ll be fun.”

Sophia, however, was resolute. “Don’t involve me in your war with Alexander, Michael,” she stated firmly. “I also have no intention of committing to anyone soon.”

Michael chuckled, taking her response in stride. “No one says we have to start anything serious. Let’s try it and see where it takes us,” he suggested with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Michael, I don’t think that…”

As Sophia began to voice her hesitation, Michael abruptly got up from his chair and perched himself on the desk in front of her, effectively closing the distance between them.

“I don’t want you to think, I want you to go with the flow and see what comes out, Sophy,” he said with a certain assertiveness. Sophia didn’t have a chance to respond before he pressed further.

“You don’t still have feelings for your ex, do you?” Michael inquired, not one to back down easily.

Sophia quickly clarified, “No, it’s not that.”

Michael continued to probe. “So, you don’t think I’m right for you?”

Sophia couldn’t help but chuckle at his straightforwardness. “God, you should have become a lawyer,”

she teased, ” you sure know how to put pressure on someone.”

Michael, undeterred, responded with a smug smile. “If you go out on a date with me, I’d apply it to you, but you’ll surely like it this time.”

Sophia found herself in an unusual position, not accustomed to someone being so upfront with her.

Just as she was about to object once more, Michael reached out and added another layer to their agreement.

“And you also owe me a date for the help I gave you against Emily,” he reminded her, his tone playful.

Sophia recalled the promise she had made and relented. “Fine, one date, and nothing more,” she conceded.

Michael, pleased with the outcome, responded with a sly grin. “We’ll see. Maybe you will want a second one.”

Sophia rolled her eyes at him. Michael smoothly transitioned to a more professional topic, clearly satisfied that he had successfully persuaded Sophia to agree to a date.

“Speaking of Emily,” he began, “will you participate in the William’s family asset auction?” Sophia considered the question for a moment before responding, “No, I won’t be participating.”

Michael nodded in acknowledgment, and then he posed another question, What about helping me with the commission to review the related materials? As you know their business is not the cleanest in the world and legal issues can arise. I wish I had a strong ally like you to help me with them.”

Sophia, however, politely declined once again. “I appreciate the offer, Michael, but I’ve already committed to helping a friend with the same request.”

Michael accepted her decision with grace. “Understood. Well, in that case, I’ll handle it from here. See you at the auction, Sophia.”

Sophia watched as Michael exited her office with a simple yet confident declaration. “I’m looking forward to our date,” he said.

Alone in her office once more, Sophia leaned back in her chair and covered her face with her hands, feeling the weight of the various challenges and complications in her life pressing down on her like a relentless roller coaster ride. She let out a deep sigh, her mind racing with thoughts of the tasks and responsibilities ahead.

There was assisting Benjamin with the upcoming auction, being a pillar of support for Evelyn in her time of need, addressing the scandal caused by Enlighten Press, honoring her commitment to go on a date with Michael, and a plethora of other duties demanding her attention in her professional life.

As she contemplated the whirlwind of responsibilities that lay ahead, Sophia couldn’t help but fantasize about a well -deserved vacation.