Chapter 64

#64 “It’s Almost Like You Have Feelings for Me.”

Sophia sat there, gazing at the bustling carnival scene when she suddenly sensed someone approaching. Turning her head, she was met with the sight of Alexander. At that moment, understanding dawned on her. Michael’s abrupt departure had something to do with Alexander.

“Is the seat free?” Alexander inquired, looking at the bale of straw where Sophia had been sharing a moment with Michael just moments ago.

Sophia couldn’t help but chuckle and nodded. Alexander appeared a bit out of place amidst the carnival’s relaxed atmosphere, dressed in a formal suit, and it took him a moment to figure out how to sit without getting dirty or toppling over.

Seeing his awkwardness, Sophia couldn’t suppress her laughter. “No. need to be so cautious; it’s just a little straw. Go ahead and sit down.”

Alexander gave a grateful but awkward smile and gingerly settled onto the straw, patting his suit self-

consciously to ensure it remained presentable amid the rustic setting.

Sophia flashed a smile at Alexander, trying to ease the tension between them. “Relax, Alexander. I promise to pay for the dry cleaning of your suit if you stop squirming in the next two seconds,” she said, her tone lighthearted.

“Okay, sorry,” he responded, his earlier grim demeanor giving way to a more relaxed expression.

The two of them sat side by side, gazing ahead at the carnival attractions. Alexander’s mood had been soured by witnessing Sophia and Michael together, and he hadn’t spoken to her since that incident, especially after Michael played a trick on him, and Sophia overheard their entire conversation.

Sophia finally broke the silence. “What did you say to him that made him leave so quickly?” she inquired, her tone curious rather than accusatory.

Alexander was surprised that she wasn’t angry at him for interrupting her date with Michael. He looked at her with a hint of astonishment before responding, “Company database crash. I released a worm that ate the files.”

Sophia turned to him, now fully engaging in their conversation. “Why? “she asked, raising her beer bottle to take a sip, but Alexander stopped her.

“I had the seller replace your beer with apple juice,” he warned her.

“What?” Sophia chuckled. “I asked for a beer,”

“I didn’t want you drinking around Michael. I’m sure he would take advantage of any situation,”

Alexander replied with a hint of protectiveness in his voice.

Sophia burst into laughter. “Oh, Alexander, it’s just one beer. You’ve seen me drink champagne; I can handle myself.”

Alexander looked at her, puzzled. ” Isn’t it hard a drink?”

Sophia couldn’t help but find Alexander’s unfamiliarity with such a common beverage endearing. “Don’t tell me you’ve never had a beer before?”

Alexander shook his head, admitting his inexperience with the drink. Sophia rose from the hay bale and extended her hand toward him. “Come on, you should try it.”

He hesitated for a moment but ultimately agreed. Taking her hand, he noticed how much warmer hers was than his. Standing up, he released her hand, not wanting to overstep any boundaries. For now, he was willing to take whatever Sophia was willing to offer.

Alexander couldn’t help but wonder if Sophia’s surprisingly good mood had something to do with her meeting with Michael. He really hoped it didn’t. They stood in front of the drinks kiosk, and Sophia placed her order.

“I’ll have two beers, and no apple juice this time,” she grinned. The salesman glanced at Alexander, who nodded in agreement. The man chuckled and handed over two bottles of beer, making a show of opening the glass bottles in front of them.

“They’re our own production,” he emphasized as he handed them the beers.

“Thank you,” Alexander replied as he accepted the bottles. He passed one to Sophia and looked at it with a hint of uncertainty.

“Trust me, it’s not that bad,” Sophia reassured him, taking a sip from her bottle. Alexander cautiously followed suit, taking a sip and grimacing at the bitter taste of the beer.

“It’s an acquired taste,” Sophia chuckled. “You could say that again,” he said, trying to mask his discomfort as he took another sip.

They returned to their hay bale seats, and Alexander attempted to strike up a conversation. “I noticed you’re a good shooter,” he commented.

“Thank you,” Sophia replied. “My grandfather, the one who arranged our marriage, used to take me hunting. I learned from him.”

“He did a good job,” Alexander said with a smile. After giving the beer a second chance, Alexander began to tolerate the taste more.

“Now, will you tell me what this obsession with Michael is? Why don’t you want me to date him?” she asked. “I’ve told you, I think he’s dangerous, and he’s doing all of this just to annoy me,” Alexander replied.

“I actually agree with you,” Sophia admitted. Sophia had also noticed the lack of chemistry between her and Michael, and she felt that he was trying too hard to please her. His efforts were over the top and seemed driven by a desire to win her over at any cost, which led her to consider that Alexander might have a point.

“Really?” Alexander raised an eyebrow.

“He wouldn’t have called me on the phone to eavesdrop on your conversation if his intentions were innocent,” Sophia explained. “I’m not naive, Alexander, and being a lawyer, I’m trained to read people and their behavior.”

Alexander took a deep breath and began to explain himself. “I know my words can be taken out of context, and I probably sounded like a complete fool, but I want you to know that I have the best intentions. Michael has done terrible things to my family in the past, and I know he’s capable of anything to continue his revenge. What worries me the most is that he might hurt you in the process of seeking revenge on me, and I don’t want that to happen.”

She noticed the seriousness in his eyes and the sincerity in his voice. Despite the awkward circumstances of their meeting, she couldn’t help but appreciate his genuine worry for her safety.

“I appreciate your concern, Alexander, Sophia began, her tone softer than before. “I understand that there’s history between you and Michael, and it’s clear that you’re looking out for me. But I also need you to understand that I can take care of myself. I’ve dealt with my fair share of challenging situations in my career as a lawyer.”

Alexander nodded, acknowledging her words. “I know you’re capable, Sophia, and that’s one of the things I admire about you. But this situation with Michael is different. He’s unpredictable and holds a grudge against my family. I just don’t want you to be caught in the crossfire.”

“I promise to be careful, Alexander. I won’t take unnecessary risks. But I also want to make my own choices. If this date with Michael ends up being a mistake, it will be my mistake to make.” Alexander sighed, realizing that Sophia was determined to handle things her way. “I understand, Sophia. Just promise me that if things start to feel unsafe or uncomfortable, you’ll reach out to someone you trust.”

“I promise, Alexander. I’ll keep you informed if anything goes wrong.” Sophia says to make Alexander feel better. “But stop worrying so much.”

“I’ll try,” he replies, staring blankly. However, the atmosphere grew tense once more as Sophia considered her next question. She couldn’t help but voice the thought that had been lingering in her mind. “Alexander, I have to ask you something. Why are you so persistent in communicating with me?

Even after everything that’s happened between us, you keep showing up, offering your help, and now this apology. It’s almost like…”

She paused, her voice trailing off, hesitant to voice the thought that had crossed her mind. But curiosity got the better of her, and she continued, “It’s almost like you have feelings for me.”

The moment those words left her lips, there was a profound silence between them. Alexander’s expression shifted from vulnerability to something else, something unreadable.

Sophia’s heart began to race, and a sense of panic washed over her.His silence seemed to confirm her suspicion.