After ushering Sophia to a corner, Charlize checked to see if Alexander had followed them. When the coast was clear, only then did she inquire playfully, “Sophia, are you and Alex back together?”
Sophia stared at Charlize for a moment before breaking into a laugh. “What, am I unworthy of being with him?”
“No! Of course not! He’s the one who doesn’t deserve you.”
Initially, Charlize had assumed that Sophia’s feelings for Alexander were a passing fancy. It wasn’t until the anniversary celebration at Jadeborough University did she realize that Sophia’s feelings ran much deeper, and the latter had sacrificed a great deal for him.
In order to marry Alexander, Sophia had shouldered much criticism. Years ago, she had left home and made her way to Jadeborough all by herself for Alexander’s sake. That fact alone was enough to make Charlize do a double-take.
Alexander was not a bad man, but in Charlize’s eyes, Sophia deserved much more.
Sophia arched an eyebrow. “Is Alexander not handsome enough?”
Charlize shook her head fervently. “I don’t mean that.”
If Alexander is considered an ugly man, ninety-nine percent of the men in the world would not make the cut.
“Isn’t he quite capable?”
Once again, Charlize shook her head. “He’s all right.”
Odyssey would not be thriving if Alexander was not a capable man. In fact, if he was any more talented, he could even become the next business magnate.
Sophia sipped her juice. “Then, is there something wrong with his personality?”
“Not really.” Charlize hesitated before adding, “He doesn’t seem to have a habit of drinking, sleeping around, or gambling either.”
Sophia laughed. “So, why shouldn’t I be with him?”
The question confounded Charlize. After a long moment, she finally muttered, “I don’t know what to say. I just feel that you can do better.”
Lowering her head, Sophia gazed at the glass of juice she held in her hand. “Charlize, there are plenty of people who are much better, but there will never be a best one. On the contrary, there can only be one person you love the most.”
Charlize stared at Sophia. The latter’s head was lowered, and her long chestnut-colored hair fell in a curtain in front of her body. The voice she spoke in was soft like a puff of cloud from the heavens above. At that moment, Charlize found herself unable to refute Sophia’s words.
Yes, there are plenty of men in the world, but Alexander is the only one for Sophia.
Pursing her lips, Charlize was about to speak up when she suddenly realized that Alexander was standing behind Sophia.
He shot her a look, signaling for her to leave.
Startled, Charlize could only nod in response. She picked up her juice and stood up.
Sophia stirred the ice in her glass listlessly. She looked up curiously when she realized Charlize was not continuing their conversation, only to find Alexander sitting opposite her.
Caught off guard, she asked, “When did you get here? Where’s Charlize?”
Alexander stared at her, a warm feeling enveloping his heart as he recalled her words. “I arrived in time to hear you ask her why I didn’t deserve to be with you.”
Sophia sipped her juice. “Weren’t you chatting with Mr. Johnson earlier?”
“There are a lot of guests today.”
Although they were about the same age, there was no way Charles could only entertain them.
“I see,” Sophia murmured. Her face grew warm as she thought about Alexander overhearing her words from earlier.
She drank more of the juice and swept her gaze around the venue. When she spotted Samuel, she arched a brow. “Is that Mr. Schild chatting with that woman?”
Alexander turned to look in the direction Sophia was staring at. Sure enough, he spotted Samuel chatting with an unknown woman. I’ve never seen her before. I don’t think she’s from the same industry.
“Yeah, it’s him.”
Sophia tutted approvingly. “Looks like he’s about to get himself a girlfriend.”
“Not necessarily.”
Sophia withdrew her gaze and smiled at Alexander. “Why’s that?”
“He’s not exactly the intellectual type, so it won’t be easy for him to pursue women.”
“I guess you can say that.” Sophia laughed.
Since Sophia had a habit of turning in early, the two of them did not linger at Corona. It was around nine o’clock at night when they returned to the mansion. Sophia yawned widely the moment she stepped through the doors.
She had woken up earlier than usual that morning, and as she had not taken an afternoon nap, she was currently feeling very drowsy.
Alexander headed into the kitchen and poured them glasses of water. Sophia reached a hand for her glass, murmuring, “Thanks.”
Tilting his head, he took a sip before suddenly saying, “You’re the only person I love the most too, Sophia.”
The words momentarily confused Sophia until she recalled her conversation with Charlize earlier.
Flushing red, she swallowed her drink with some difficulty. “I know.”
“I don’t think you know how deep my feelings for you run.”
Wrapping his arms around her, Alexander lowered his head and pressed his forehead against hers. Sophia found herself unable to look away from his unfathomable dark eyes.
“I love you, and only you,” he whispered, pressing his lips against hers.
Stunned by his words, Sophia was swept away by Alexander’s passionate kiss in the next second.
She had no idea when they managed to get to the couch or how her clothes came off. By the time she returned to her senses, Alexander was asking in a strained voice, “Can I, Sophia?”
Only the sound of their rapid heartbeats and heavy breathing could be heard in the living room. Gasping for air, Sophia gazed at Alexander’s smoldering dark eyes and nodded in response.
It was only the slightest of nods, but it was enough for Alexander to burn with desire.
The soft couch sank down under Alexander’s weight. Sophia clutched the couch nervously as she lightly shut her eyes against the bright lights.
“Mmm…”
The soft couch could barely bear their combined weight. It was akin to how Sophia could barely handle Alexander.
A twinge of pain instantly sobered her up. Tears glistened in Sophia’s eyes, illuminated by the lights. However, they did not render them any less alluring.
Alexander could barely keep himself in check. He stroked the corner of her eye, calling out to her in a low raspy voice, “Sophia, bear with it for a bit.”
Gritting his teeth, he pierced her ruthlessly.
The excruciating pain was soon followed by an intense pulse of pleasure. Sophia felt as if she was a small boat set adrift in the sea, incapable of discerning any sense of direction and unable to reach the shores.
Buffeted by the relentless waves of pleasure, her mind went blank. Only Alexander’s smoldering gaze filled her vision.
It was a long and sultry night.
