"Mobbed by Matrimony" (wlw)

Chapter 23: Her Territory

Sophia opened her eyes to find the room still shrouded in darkness, and Alex was nowhere to be seen. Glancing at the clock on the table, she noted it was nearly 7 AM. Rising slowly from the bed, she spotted her torn dress draped over a chair and a neatly folded shirt on the table. She picked up the oversized shirt and slipped it on before stepping out of Alex's room. As she approached her own room, she heard unexpected music playing downstairs. Curiosity piqued, she descended the stairs and was pleasantly surprised to find Alex in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. Sophia stood silently at the top of the stairs, amused as she watched Alex, absorbed in the music, expertly flipping eggs in the pan.

Alex continued cooking, flipping the last egg in the pan while savoring the background music. Suddenly, she sensed someone watching her. When she glanced up at the stairs, she saw Sophia leaning against the railing, clad in the oversized shirt Alex had left for her, still exposing her long slender legs as her gaze fixed intently on the kitchen. A warm smile spread across Alex's face as she took in the sight of the recently awakened yet still beautiful Sophia quietly observing her, adding a touch of charm to the morning.

Just as Alex was about to speak, the elevator doors slid open, and Julia and Elliott stepped into the penthouse. Instantly, Alex's expression shifted to one of seriousness.

"Hey, you're cooking breakfast?"

Elliott greeted, noticing the activity in the kitchen.

"What are you two doing here?"

Alex asked, her irritation evident.

"Grandfather wants to see us today. I'm curious why."

Julia replied.

"Then I guess we'll find out when we get there. Is that all?!"

Alex snapped, clearly frustrated by the interruption of her moment with Sophia.

"Hey! Someone's a bit grumpy this morning. Didn't sleep well last night?"

Elliott joked.

Alex shot him a stern look, her demeanor unamused.

"Alright then, we'll catch up with you later, Alex. Let's go, Julia."

Elliott said, as the two headed back to the elevator and left the penthouse.

As the twins departed the penthouse, Alex turned her gaze back to the stairs, only to find that Sophia had vanished. With a sigh, she placed the egg on a plate before heading upstairs to prepare for her meeting with her grandfather.

Just after finishing her shower, Sophia stood in front of the large mirror to get ready and was taken aback by the numerous bite and kiss marks scattered across her neck.

"Alex!"

Sophia exclaimed, both surprised and amused by the sight. It was clear that Alex had marked her territory quite thoroughly. Chuckling to herself, Sophia examined the marks in the mirror and reached for the concealer in her purse, beginning the task of concealing the evidence of their passionate night.

As Sophia descended the stairs, she realized Alex was nowhere to be seen, likely having left early to meet her grandfather, as she had overheard in the conversation with Julia and Elliott. Noticing the breakfast plate Alex had prepared, already set neatly on the table, Sophia took a seat and began to enjoy the meal.

After breakfast, Sophia headed to the elevator to leave for work. When the doors opened, she was surprised to find Alex inside.

"Did you forget something?"

Sophia asked.

"Yes, you. You look ready, so get in."

Alex replied.

The elevator ride was quiet, the only sound being their synchronized breathing as the silence enveloped them. Sophia glanced at Alex, who immediately met her gaze. Their eyes locked in an intense exchange. Without warning, Alex stepped closer, cupped Sophia's head from behind, and kissed her passionately. Sophia responded with a tender yet fervent kiss of her own.

Sophia wrapped her arms around Alex's neck, her hands tenderly massaging her scalp. Meanwhile, Alex held Sophia's waist with a gentle but firm grip, her fingers caressing her sides slowly. Both women were consumed by their desire for each other, their lips exchanging tender, passionate kisses. The silence inside the elevator was palpable, amplifying their shared intensity. When they finally pulled away, both women caught their breath while their eyes remained locked.

"Dinner at the penthouse is on me tonight. Don't be late."

Alex said, still breathless.

Sophia smiled and nodded in response.

Their intense moment was abruptly interrupted as the elevator jolted to a stop on the 14th floor. Alex quickly leaned against the elevator wall, composing herself, and Sophia followed suit. As the doors opened, Julia stepped in with a cheerful greeting.

"Hey, you two! Mind if I join you for the ride?"

Julia asked with a smile.

Sophia responded with a warm smile, while Alex maintained a serious expression, still gathering her composure.

Alex and Sophia remained silent as the elevator descended to the basement. Julia, glancing accidentally at the back of Sophia's neck, noticed a kiss mark that Sophia had evidently missed concealing earlier.

"I was so exhausted after yesterday's cleanup, but I had a long, comfortable sleep. How about you two? How was your night?"

Julia asked, her grin widening.

Sophia's face flushed red, clearly flustered by Julia's question, as she tried to maintain her composure.

"Tired as well, but comforting."

Alex replied, her expression still serious.

"I see. And you, Sophia?"

Julia pressed, noticing Sophia's distress.

"Uh, I had a good rest, too. Just a bit worn out from work, but I slept soundly last night."

Sophia stammered.

"Good to know you both had a great night,"

Julia said, her soft giggle underscoring her amusement.

As the elevator descended to the basement, Alex and Julia parted ways to their respective vehicles, setting out for Van Leeuw Manor. Meanwhile, Sophia made her way into the PC building, her path diverging from theirs.

Alfonzo reclined in his chair, a glass of whiskey in hand, and let out a deep, weary sigh. His four grandchildren sat quietly on the couch facing his desk, their eyes fixed on him.

"Give me an update on the investigation."

Alfonzo demanded, his voice carrying an authoritative edge.

"We've hired someone to shadow each of the associates to track their whereabouts. So far, nothing unusual has been reported."

Alex replied.

"Hmm. These cunning imbeciles must be dealt with swiftly. What other measures have we taken?"

Alfonzo asked impatiently.

"I'm planning to have some of my staff discreetly hack into the associates' phones, if that's acceptable, Grandfather."

Gabriel suggested.

"That seems reasonable given the circumstances. However, they should not operate within your division. Find a different location for this task."

Alfonzo instructed.

"Yes, Grandfather. I was considering having them work out of Alex's office; no one would dare to disturb them there."

Gabriel proposed, glancing at Alex for his approval. Alex nodded in agreement.

"Very well. Ensure you keep me updated promptly once you have identified the culprit. This will not be overlooked."

Alfonzo commanded, taking a measured sip from his glass.