#82 “Aren’t You Trying to Steal My Mother’s Role?”
While Sophia was busy stuffing her belongings into a suitcase, Alexander couldn’t help but take in the details of her apartment. It was a reflection of her, a beautiful and meticulously organized space with a tasteful design. The cool colors and carefully selected decor made it a stunning place.
Alexander glanced at his watch, noticing the early hour. “It’s early, Sophia. Have you had breakfast at all?”
Sophia paused, looking at him through her partially filled suitcase, a playful smile gracing her lips. “Aren’t you trying to steal my mother’s role?”
Alexander raised an eyebrow and replied, “Was my question a yes or no, Miss Johnson?”
Sophia chuckled, shaking her head. ” No, I haven’t had breakfast, Mr. Stone. Now, may I proceed with packing?”
With a decisive nod, Alexander offered, “I’ll make you breakfast before I take you to the airport. That way, you’ll have time to pack and eat.”
Sophia arched an eyebrow in mock surprise. “You’ll make me breakfast?”
Alexander grinned. “What, do you think I’m incapable of cooking?”
Sophia let out a laugh as she folded a blouse. “No, but I thought you had cooks.”
Alexander chuckled as he made his way to the kitchen. “I do, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to deprive you of the pleasure of my infamous sandwich.”
Sophia couldn’t help but play along. Wow, a sandwich. Okay, I can’t wait to try it.”
As Alexander rummaged through the kitchen, he added with a hint of nostalgia, “I can tell you that this sandwich saved me during my college years, as it did for all my roommates who couldn’t cook.”
Sophia called from the other room, excitement in her voice. “I can’t wait.”
Sophia had efficiently finished packing her luggage and was ready to head to the kitchen. As she stepped inside, the tantalizing aroma of food enveloped her senses, eliciting a loud rumble from her stomach.
“My God, what did you put in that sandwich? It smells amazing,” Sophia exclaimed as she eagerly took a seat at the table.
Alexander handed her a plate bearing sandwiches that looked perfect at first glance. Sophia’s eyes widened as she noticed the layers of bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and a perfectly cooked egg.
Her appetite was thoroughly whetted. The table was beautifully set with orange juice and coffee, and there were even plates with ingredients from Sophia’s fridge that she had no idea were there.
“They look fantastic, Alex,” she complimented as she took a delicious bite of her sandwich. Alexander settled into a chair beside her, his eyes focused on her reaction. “I told you I saved a lot of people with that sandwich,” he remarked with a grin. Between bites, Sophia inquired, ” Where did you learn to cook?”
In response to Sophia’s curiosity, Alexander chose to reveal a part of his life that he hadn’t shared with many.
“Childhood wasn’t easy for me, Sophia, “he began. “I was an illegitimate child, and my mother eloped with Michael’s father right after I was born. That decision led to a life filled with poverty and struggle. My father never truly fulfilled his responsibilities as a parent, leaving my mother to bear the weight of our existence.”
Sophia listened intently, her expression a blend of sympathy and concern. “I had no idea, Alexander. I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”
Alexander offered a wistful smile. “No need for sympathy, really. It’s a part of who I am. But it’s also the reason why I can cook a mean sandwich. You see, there were times when my mother had to work for 14-15 hours to make ends meet, and that left me alone at home. I had to learn how to take care of myself, and that included preparing meals.”
Sophia’s eyes held a softness as she processed his revelation. “You’re a strong person, Alexander, to have endured all of that.”
He appreciated her understanding and then continued, shifting the conversation toward the matter that had been troubling him.
“I want you to understand why I don’t want you to have any further contact with Michael,” he began.
“You see, he and I are half-brothers. The affair between my mother and Michael’s father caused a lot of damage. Michael’s family fell apart, and his mother always blamed the Stone family for everything, which naturally led to his hatred for us.”
Sophia listened carefully, recognizing the significance of what he was sharing. “I see. So, your family’s choices had a profound impact on his life.”
Alexander nodded solemnly. “Yes, everything spiraled out of control due to the extramarital affair. My father was, in many ways, responsible for the tragedy that befell both of our families. That’s why my grandfather wanted to drive my and Michael’s father away. He saw the destruction my father’s actions had wrought.”
Sophia found herself even more sympathetic toward Alexander after hearing this deep-seated family history. “It’s a lot to carry, Alexander. And I’m grateful that you opened up to me about it.”
He managed a faint, grateful smile. “It feels good to share a part of my history with someone who truly understands.”
Sophia and Alexander sat in companionable silence. Sophia’s realization that Michael and Alexander had been affected by the actions of previous generations weighed heavily on her thoughts. It was a somber reflection on how family legacies could shape the lives of individuals who had no control over the choices made by their forebears.
As Sophia enjoyed the breakfast that Alexander had prepared, she couldn’t help but commend his culinary skills. ” You know,” she remarked, savoring a bite of her sandwich, “this sandwich is not just good; it’s extraordinary. Maybe I’m saying it for the millionth time.”
Alexander beamed at the praise. “I told you, my sandwich is legendary.”
The tension that had existed between them the previous evening seemed to have dissipated, replaced by a newfound understanding. Sophia had been silently sympathetic about Alexander’s challenging childhood, but he was quick to reassure her. “You don’t need to feel sorry for me, Sophia. I’ve long come to terms with my past.”
She nodded, recognizing the strength that he had developed over the years. That’s admirable, Alexander. Not everyone can overcome such hardships.
Alexander’s expression turned thoughtful. “I may have reconciled with my past, but I do admit that I have some marriage-related trauma because of my childhood experiences. It’s made me wary of commitment, and that’s why I didn’t handle our marriage correctly.”
Sophia’s tone shifted to a more playful one. “Well, I’ll give you this much, Alexander: childhood trauma isn’t an excuse for impulsively kissing your ex- wife, but it does make for an interesting story.”
He chuckled at her jest. “You have a point there, Sophia. I can’t deny that I tend to let my emotions get the best of me sometimes.”
As they cleared the table and prepared to depart, their conversation turned to the reason behind Sophia’s sudden trip to London.
Alexander, who was now driving Sophia to the airport, glanced at her and asked, “Sophia, what’s prompting this hasty journey to London?”
Sophia looked out the car window, her thoughts drifting back in time. “It’s about understanding our relationship with your grandfather, Alexander. I want to know why he arranged our marriage, and whether there are any clues in London that can shed light on our connection.”
Alexander absorbed her words and the purpose behind her trip. “I hope you find the answers you’re looking for, Sophia.”
The airport terminal came into view, and the sense of urgency that surrounded their respective quests became palpable. After Alexander parked the car and retrieved Sophia’s luggage, they stood at the entrance to the airport.
Sophia turned to Alexander, “Thank you for the ride to the airport, Alexander. And for this life-saving sandwich.”
He offered a reassuring smile. “For you always.”
As she walked toward the check-in counter, her suitcase trailing behind her, Alexander watched her until she disappeared from his view. Once she was out of sight, he stood still for a moment, deep in thought.
Then, Alexander reached for his phone, dialed his secretary’s number, and quietly requested a ticket on the next flight to London.
