"Ouch! Take it easy, please!"
Elliott winced as Gabriel gently applied ointment to the wound on his head.
"You think you're invincible, but you're still vulnerable."
Gabriel said with a teasing grin.
The clan had just dealt with another unwelcome gang trying to encroach on their territory. The unexpected brawl had left Elliott nursing his injuries.
"Those miscreants better have learned their lesson this time."
Elliott grumbled, trying to mask his discomfort.
Alex, feeling the effects of the chaos, sighed and said.
"Your constant chatter is only giving me a bigger headache. I'm heading upstairs for some peace and quiet. Once you're done, you can find your own way out."
With that, Alex retreated, leaving Gabriel to finish tending to Elliott's wound in relative silence.
As the sound of Alex's door closing echoed through the hallway, Elliott turned to Sophia with a curious expression.
"So, any plans for next week?" he asked eagerly.
Sophia looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"Well, it's Alex's birthday. Didn't you know?"
Elliott continued, a hint of surprise in his voice.
Sophia shook her head, clearly unaware.
Julia jumped in on the conversation.
"You know she doesn't celebrate her birthday, right?"
"Well, it's different now. We should change her ritual. Let's plan a party, Sophia."
Elliott insisted, his enthusiasm palpable.
Sophia hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. The relationship between her and Alex had notably improved, especially with the changes in how Alex treated and spoke to her. Sophia looked at Elliott, weighing his suggestion. After a brief pause, she smiled and nodded in agreement.
Sophia slumped into a chair, a sigh of relief escaping her as she finished securing the last end of the banner. Alex's birthday party was now all set. Despite the small guest list—only Julia, Elliott, Gabriel, and herself—she felt a deep sense of accomplishment. Alex had always preferred avoiding large gatherings, so the four of them had decided to keep the celebration personal.
It's now 10 PM, and Alex still hadn't returned home. Elliott, nearly finished with the booze, was growing increasingly restless.
"Typical Alexandria," Julia said, glancing at Sophia. "She won't be back until late. Trust me."
"Maybe she prefers to celebrate on her own?" Sophia suggested.
Julia shrugged. "She's been like this for a while. I can't really blame her—she doesn't see this day as special at all."
"In case she shows up in a bad mood, just do your best to stay out of her way."
Julia advised, her tone firm but understanding.
Sophia looked puzzled by the request but chose not to press for details. She simply nodded and offered a reassuring smile.
1:08 AM – Alex stumbled into the penthouse, clearly tipsy and struggling to keep her balance. Her gaze fell on the living room, which was festively decorated and the dinner table laid out with a feast of food and drinks. Her eyes then settled on Sophia, who was peacefully sleeping on the couch, her face serene and relaxed. Alex's gaze lingered on Sophia, taking in the sight of the tranquil woman in her slumber.
Alex sat onto the coffee table, her eyes fixed intently on Sophia, who lay sleeping on the couch. Unbeknownst to Alex, Sophia had stirred slightly at the sound of her arrival but chose to keep her eyes closed, uncertain of Alex's mood and whether it was best to pretend to be asleep.
"Huh. Seems like I missed my own party."
Alex muttered, her gaze lingering on Sophia, whom she assumed was still asleep.
Sophia remained perfectly still, keeping up her pretense while listening intently to Alex's words.
Assuming Sophia was still asleep, Alex began speaking again, her voice more contemplative.
"Well, I haven't cared much for my birthday in years," Alex began, her voice heavy with emotion. "It used to be the happiest day of my life. I was always excited to celebrate it with my mom and dad. But that day turned into the worst day I could ever imagine. My mom was killed right in front of me, on my 13th birthday. A twisted gang member from a rival territory crashed the celebration and caused chaos. I felt completely powerless, unable to do anything to stop it. I watched as he aimed a gun at my mom, and I was frozen with fear. My mom just collapsed right in front of me. What was supposed to be a joyful day was stolen from me, and I've never been able to forget it."
Sophia was in shock as she listened to Alex's heart-wrenching story. She fought to remain still, hoping that Alex would not realize she was awake. Tears welled in her eyes as she struggled to contain her emotions, deeply moved by the pain Alex was sharing.
"If only I had been older and stronger back then, I might have been able to save her," Alex continued, her voice breaking. "But I was just a kid, terrified despite trying to act tough. Now, though, I know I can protect those I care about. And I'd stake my life on it. I swear I'll do everything I failed to do for my mom. I swear to protect my family, and I swear to protect you."
Sophia was taken aback by Alex's heartfelt declaration. She had always seen Alex as tough and unyielding, never expecting to uncover such a deep sense of vulnerability and commitment. The realization of Alex's soft, caring side overwhelmed her, and she felt a profound sense of gratitude and admiration for the woman she had misjudged.
"I truly appreciate the effort," Alex said, her voice trembling as tears began to fall. "But I just can't bring myself to celebrate this day anymore, not for the rest of my life."
As she spoke, the weight of her words became apparent, her emotions laid bare in the quiet room while Sophia, who has been holding back tears, found herself unable to contain the intense emotion any longer. Tears streamed down her face as she suddenly sat up from the couch, startling Alex momentarily.
Facing Alex, Sophia couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She reached out and embraced Alex tightly, her own emotions raw and unrestrained.
Alex was dumbfounded, realizing that Sophia had been listening to her all along. Amidst the whirlwind of her emotions, the warmth of Sophia's embrace offered an unexpected comfort to her sorrow. Alex remained motionless, allowing herself to be held as Sophia continued to envelop her in a tender embrace.
YOU ARE READING
"Mobbed by Matrimony" (wlw)
Romance"Let go of me right now, or I swear I'll scream!" Sophia's voice quivered with escalating frustration and fear. "Go ahead, do whatever you like, Sophia. Just remember, we're married-I own you!" Alex replied coldly. Sophia's fear surged as she proc...
