Chapter 51
“Emilia?” Sophie’s voice wavered as she stepped into Alex’s office. “It’s been years.”
Emilia turned, her eyes lighting up with surprise. “Sophie! Wow, it’s really you.”
Alex, standing behind his desk, rubbed his temple. He was as surprised as Emilia to see Sophie.
“Sophie,” he began sternly, “didn’t I just tell you to take a nap? What are you doing here?”
Sophie met his gaze unapologetically. “I was already on my way when I called. Resting didn’t feel right when I was bored.”
Alex sighed heavily.
Sophie’s eyes darted to Emilia. “What were you just saying about Adam?”
Before Alex could intervene, Emilia glanced at him briefly, caught his warning glare, and ignored it. “I was telling Alex about Adam’s request for help. He claims Brenda lied about everything and wants a chance to tell his side of the story.”
Sophie’s breath hitched. Her face twisted with a mixture of confusion and pain. “Did Adam… did he say anything about Brenda’s accusations being a mistake? That… he didn’t mean for any of it to happen?”
Emilia hesitated, her lips pressing together briefly before shaking her head. “He didn’t mention that exactly. But he did say he needed the truth to come out.”
Alex groaned, slamming a hand on his desk. “Why are we even entertaining this conversation? The man’s a liar, Sophie. He made his bed—let him lie in it.”
“Alex,” Sophie’s voice was sharp but trembling. “We don’t know the whole story.”
“We know enough,” Alex retorted. “He cheated. He dragged you into his mess, and now he wants sympathy? No way.”
Sophie turned to Emilia, ignoring Alex’s heated words. “What do you think? Should we hear him out?”
“I think it’s only fair to listen,” Emilia said cautiously. “At least to get the full picture before jumping to conclusions. People deserve to be heard, Sophie. Even Adam.”
“No!” Alex’s voice boomed across the room. He glared at Emilia. “Why are you defending him? Do you not remember how he broke your heart all those years ago? Or are we just sweeping that under the rug now?”
Emilia’s calm smile didn’t waver. “Alex, I’m happily married now. Why should I waste my energy hating him? Besides, this isn’t about me—it’s about Sophie. Don’t make it personal.”
Alex clenched his fists, pacing behind his desk. “Personal? He wrecked lives. He doesn’t deserve a second chance.”
“And who are we to decide that?” Sophie shot back, her tone firm. “Maybe he doesn’t deserve it, but shouldn’t the truth deserve a chance?”
Alex stopped in his tracks, meeting her gaze. “You’re seriously considering this?”
Sophie folded her arms, her voice quieter now. “Yes. I just… I want to know if he’s telling the truth. If Brenda lied, then what does that say about everything else?”
Alex exhaled sharply. “And if Adam turns out to be innocent, what then? Are you going to forgive him? Take him back?”
The room went silent. Emilia watched Sophie closely, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
“Well?” Emilia finally asked, breaking the tension. “Would you?”
Sophie opened her mouth, but no words came. Her hesitation was answer enough.
“That’s what I thought,” Alex said, his tone colder now. “You’re not going back to him, Sophie. End of discussion.”
“That’s not what this is about!” Sophie snapped. “This is about figuring out the truth, Alex. I’m not saying I’ll forgive him—I don’t even know if I could. But don’t I deserve to know the truth?”
Alex’s jaw tightened, and Emilia took the opportunity to step in. “Alex, what harm could it do to listen? If Brenda’s lying, shouldn’t the world know? And if Adam’s lying, then Sophie can move on without any doubts.”
Alex ran a hand through his hair, visibly torn. “I just don’t trust him. Not after everything he’s done.”
“I don’t trust him either,” Sophie admitted softly. “But that doesn’t mean I can ignore this. Please, Alex.”
Her plea was gentle but carried a weight that made Alex pause. He stared at her, the determination in her eyes, and let out a resigned sigh.
“Fine,” he muttered. “We’ll hear him out. But don’t expect me to believe a single word that comes out of his mouth.”
Sophie’s expression softened with relief. “Thank you, Alex.”
Emilia leaned back in her chair, satisfied. “I think this is the right call. Who knows? Maybe we’ll finally get some clarity. What do you say, Alex? Will you help him?”
“I’ll think about it,” Alex grumbled.
