Chapter 8
Alex accompanied Sophia to the art exhibit. She took the stage as a guest speaker, radiating confidence and poise, her gaze flicking to him again and again, seeking reassurance.
In the past, he would’ve met her eyes with a warm, easy smile.
But tonight, an inexplicabile unease gnawed at him. As he watched her speak, all he could see was Emily:
He remembered eighteen–year–old Emily–just as bold, just as electric. She once challenged one of Pinevale’s top violinists to a public duel. When she won, she leapt into his arms like wildfine, igniting something in him he never thought could burn.
No matter what stood in her way, she faced it head–on, always grinning, fearless. Her smile had a way of quieting his chaos, grounding him when nothing else could.
She didn’t love halfway–she either gave you nothing, or she gave you everything.
A smile tugged at Alex’s lips as the memories washed over him.
Ten years. Ten years with Emily felt etched into his bones.
The unease in his chest loosened
He turned his attention back to Sophia, who was still speaking This time, he smiled for real and held out a hand.
She beamed and rushed to his side. “How’d I do?”
“You were great, my little wildcat,” he said, tapping her nose playfully.
“I thought so too,” she replied with a smug little toss of her hair, then pulled him toward the exhibits.
Anything she paused to admire, Alex bought without a second thought.
Back at the penthouse, Sophia stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek, fingers trailing down his chest as she slipped off his jacket with a mischievous smile.
“Mr. Harrington,” she purred, “you’ve got me addicted.
Normally, her confidence turned him on it was exciting, refreshing.
But tonight, something felt off.
Alex stiffened. He caught her wrist, his expression unreadable.
Sophia blinked, confused. “What’s wrong?”
He didn’t answer right away, in his mind, he saw Emily again–her expression twisted in disgust as she gagged at the sight of him.
His stomach turned.
Emily thought he was reposive
His jaw tightened. He yanked at his the, frustrated. Why couldn’t he get her out of his head? And why did it feel like he was about to lose something he couldn’t replace?
Sophia, sensing his distance, pressed herself against him, teasing, “You’re not allowed to think about anyone else. If you’re with me, then I’m all you should care about.”
He didn’t say a word. Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was just exhaustion. But her whining eventually wore him down. He grabbed her and shoved her up against the shoe cabinet, talking her hard and fast.
For three straight days, they barely left the apartment, trying every position she could think of
But the more she gave, th
the less he wanted. Her eagerness started to feel desperate. Her touch, her voice–It all started to grate
On the morning of his anniversary with Emily, Alex had no plans to bring Sophia along.
He went to the office first, catching up on three days‘ worth of neglected work. While he was there, he instructed his assistant to oversee the banquet phparations.
He personally chose a dress and jewelry for Emily. He had a stack of gifts wrapped and delivered, and made sure the guest list was exclusive, the setup Blanciess.
He had it all worked out–after the celebration, she’d be his again.
Chapter
If she still wanted a child, they’d have one.
He was going to make things right.
