"Mobbed by Matrimony" (wlw)

Chapter 17: Safe Zone

Alex waited impatiently in the penthouse, sitting on the couch with her hands still trembling from anger and frustration. The image of Brad's face made Alex want to drive the knife into his chest, but Sophia's earlier plea weighed heavily on her mind, preventing her from acting on that impulse.

The elevator doors opened, and Sophia approached Alex slowly. Standing beside the couch where Alex was seated, Sophia was startled as Alex suddenly stood up and advanced toward her rapidly. Sophia, taken aback, stumbled backward until she found herself cornered against the liquor cabinet.

Alex's expression remained contorted with rage, her eyes fierce and lips pressed tightly. Sophia could hear Alex's heavy breathing as their faces were just inches apart. Overwhelmed by Alex's continued, menacing demeanor, Sophia felt a fresh wave of fear.

"Why didn't you say something? Why didn't you tell me?"

Alex demanded, her tone sharp and laced with frustration, though it remained controlled this time.

"I didn't want to cause a scene."

Sophia responded, her voice trembling.

"So you chose to tolerate his actions instead, Sophia?"

Alex interrogated sharply.

"I just didn't want to cause any trouble, Alex."

Sophia replied, her voice wavering.

"At the expense of your own safety?!"

Alex's frustration boiled over as she slammed her hand against the liquor cabinet, her voice rising with anger.

Sophia had no idea that revealing the truth would trigger such intense frustration and anger in Alex. She had assumed Alex didn't care, which is why she never mentioned Brad's harassment. Clearly, Alex's reaction upon learning the truth today was the exact opposite to what she thought all along.

"I'm sorry, Alex. Please calm down."

Sophia begged, her hand trembling as she gently grasped the arm Alex had slammed earlier.

"I just told you I would protect you. But how can I do that if you don't let me know about the danger you're facing? You're making me feel helpless again, Sophia."

Alex said, her voice heavy with frustration.

As Sophia looked into Alex's face, the intense anger she had seen earlier began to fade. Now, she saw frustration and concern etched across Alex's features. Alex's eyes were red and watery, reflecting her deep emotional turmoil.

Sophia gently cupped Alex's face, her touch tender and reassuring.

"Alex, I'm really sorry. I never intended to make you feel this way. I'm so sorry. Please, forgive me."

As she spoke, her voice broke, and tears streamed down her face, reflecting the depth of her regret and the pain she inflicted on the woman in front of her.

Alex's expression softened as she listened to Sophia's heartfelt apology. The warmth of Sophia's touch and the sight of her tears moved Alex deeply. Without a word, she pulled Sophia into a tight embrace, cradling her head gently against her shoulder.

For the first time, Sophia felt a profound sense of warmth and safety in Alex's embrace, a stark contrast to the fear she had once experienced. Alex's hug enveloped her in a comforting calmness, soothing her anxieties and offering a sense of peace she hadn't known before.

Alex slumped heavily onto the couch, the weight of her hangover, mixed emotions, and recent outburst leaving her drained both physically and mentally. Seeing her state, Sophia gently let her rest, quietly setting about preparing something to eat, hoping to offer some comfort when Alex awoke.

As Sophia set the last dish on the table, she heard Alex making strange noises, indicating she was caught in a troubling dream. Sitting beside her, Sophia gently tried to wake her, giving a soft slap to her cheek. When that didn't work, she called Alex's name and shook her shoulders. After a few moments, Alex's eyes fluttered open, and the unsettling noises ceased. As Sophia watched, Alex closed her eyes again but then unexpectedly pulled Sophia's head down to rest against her chest.

"Don't leave."

Alex murmured, her voice barely audible before she drifted back into deep sleep.

Sophia remained there, resting her head on Alex's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of her breathing and the comforting warmth of the embrace.

Sophia felt Alex's heavy breathing and attempted to free herself from the tight embrace, but Alex's grip remained firm. Tilting her head upward, Sophia found their noses nearly touching and their lips almost brushing. Her heart raced as she became acutely aware of their proximity. Just as her eyes wandered over Alex's peaceful face, she noticed Alex's eyes slowly opening, catching the moment of their closeness.

Alex's stare was intense yet calm, lacking her usual fierce and mean demeanor. Her eyes shifted to Sophia's lips, making Sophia's breathing grow rapid and uneven. The atmosphere between them grew charged, and Sophia could hear Alex's heart begin to race in tandem with her own. They remained frozen in each other's gaze, the intensity of the moment palpable and electric.

Sophia broke the silence, her voice trembling slightly. "You–you were having a bad dream earlier. You were making these strange noises."

"Am I?"

Alex asked, her gaze still steady but now tinged with curiosity.

"Yes," Sophia confirmed, her voice shaky.

"I tried to wake you up. You did wake up briefly and then pulled me down. Your grip was so tight I couldn't get away."

Alex loosened her grip on Sophia's shoulder and slowly sat up on the couch. "I'm sorry," she murmured.

"It's okay."

Sophia replied with a brief, subdued tone. She adjusted her position, a hint of disappointment flickering across her face as she did.

"Dinner is ready," Sophia said softly. "Let's eat, and then you can head back to your bedroom and get some more rest."

"Okay then."

Alex responded, standing up and making her way slowly towards the dining table.