Chapter 22
Alex wrapped a towel around his neck, his hair still damp from the shower, as he stepped out of his room. He got dressed for the night quickly and strolled to Sophie’s bedroom.
But his brows furrowed when he entered to see the neatly made bed without Sophie there.
“Sophie?” he called out, his voice echoing slightly in the large room, wondering if she was in the bathroom.
No answer.
Confused, he headed downstairs and found the head maid arranging flowers in a vase. “Have you seen Sophie?”
The maid looked up, a polite smile on her face. “Yes, sir. She’s outside, by the pool.”
Alex raised a brow. “By the pool? This late?” He glanced at the clock on the wall—it was well past 8 PM, and the chill of the evening was already creeping in.
“Yes, sir. She said she needed some air,” the maid replied, her tone calm but slightly curious.
He nodded. “Thank you.”
As he stepped out into the cool night, the sound of water gently lapping against the pool’s edge reached his ears. The area was dimly lit by soft garden lights, casting a serene glow over the scene.
And there she was.
Sophie sat at the edge of the pool, her feet dangling above the water. She hugged her knees to her chest, her hair slightly tousled by the breeze. Her silhouette against the shimmering water was almost melancholic.
Alex approached her quietly, his footsteps soft against the stone pathway. When he got closer, she glanced back and offered him a small smile.
“Hey,” he said, lowering himself onto the ground beside her.
“Hey,” she replied, her voice soft but steady.
For a moment, they sat in silence, the night enveloping them in its quiet embrace. The only sounds were the faint rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of crickets.
Finally, Alex broke the silence. “You know, it’s pretty chilly out here. You’re going to catch a cold.”
Sophie shrugged, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “I’ll survive.”
He chuckled. “Still as stubborn as ever.”
She turned to him, her gaze steady. “You knew that about me back in college.”
“I did,” he admitted, smiling. “But I hoped you might have mellowed out a little.”
“Not a chance,” she teased, her tone lighter now.
He looked at her, studying her face in the dim light. There was a vulnerability there, a quiet sadness she was trying to mask. He decided to tread carefully.
“So,” he began, keeping his tone casual, “why do you want to work with me?”
She tilted her head, considering his question. “I have nothing else,” she said simply. “No one else would employ me, Alex. You’re my only shot.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “That’s not true. You’re smart, capable. You could do anything you set your mind to.”
She gave him a wry smile. “You’re being kind, but we both know my situation isn’t exactly appealing to potential employers.”
Alex leaned back on his hands, watching her closely. “You’re selling yourself short. But if you want to work with me, I won’t say no.”
She looked at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you, Alex.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” he said with a grin. “You might regret it once you see how much I’ll make you work.”
Sophie laughed softly, the sound warming the chilly night.
Then, after a brief pause, she turned to him. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Are you married?”
The question caught him off guard, but he recovered quickly, laughing. “Would you really be here with me like this if I was married?”
She didn’t respond immediately, her gaze dropping to the water. “I suppose not.”
“And for the record, no, I’m not married,” he added, watching her carefully.
“What about a relationship?” she asked, her voice quieter this time.
He shook his head. “Nope. Single as can be.”
She nodded, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on the stone beside her. Then, almost hesitantly, she asked, “Do you know who I was married to?”
Alex blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in the conversation. He hesitated before replying, “No. Who?”
She lifted her head and looked him straight in the eye. “Adam.”
His brows furrowed in confusion. “Adam who?”
“Adam Monroe,” she said, her voice steady but laced with emotion.
Alex shot to his feet, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. “Adam Monroe?” he exclaimed loudly, staring at her as if she had just dropped a bombshell.
