"Mobbed by Matrimony" (wlw)

Chapter 35: For The Rest of Their Lives

"Both hands on the wheel, Alex."

Sophia commanded sharply, her irritation evident as Alex's hand lingered on her lap. Alex, grinning mischievously, locked eyes with her, clearly enjoying the moment.

"Eyes on the road too! Dont be such an ass!"

Sophia snapped, her patience wearing thin with Alex's defiance.

Alex pulled the car over to the side of the road, then turned to Sophia with a blank, serious expression on her face.

"I've noticed you've been bossing me around lately, smart mouth. Not scared of me anymore, huh?"

Alex said, her gaze unwavering as it remained fixed on Sophia.

Sophia leaned in closer, gently cupping Alex's chin in her hand and squeezing it lightly.

"Remember, Alex, we're married. I own you now."

She replied with a serious tone, though the underlying teasing hint was a nod to what Alex had once said to her before.

Alex chuckled, realizing how her own words had backfired. Leaning in, she closed the gap between them and kissed Sophia.

"Mmm. Now go back to driving, you stubborn."

Sophia said with a smile, as she commanded Alex to hit the road again.

Alex and Sophia reached the mountain's summit, leaving Sophia's vehicle parked at the base. As they stood at the top, the view was breathtaking. They were so close to the clouds that the scene felt almost otherworldly, and the tranquility of the place was deeply calming.

As they arrived at their destination, Alex gently placed the flowers at her mother's grave. It was both the anniversary of Yuri's death and Alex's birthday.

"Hi, Mom! I missed you."

Alex said, her eyes reflecting the deep yearning she still felt for her mother.

Sophia stood quietly beside her, allowing Alex the space she needed. She knew how profoundly painful and sorrowful this day had been for the past 12 years. Watching Alex stand there, tears welled up in the woman's eyes.

"I'm doing way better now, Mom. So don't worry about me. Someone has been extra patient and caring with me now."

Alex said, turning to Sophia, who had been quietly observing her.

"You're unusually quiet, smart mouth."

Alex teased.

"I don't want to interrupt you, Alex. I know how heavy this day is for you and that you're still hurting deep down. I'm here for you, but if you need some space to calm down, I'll understand and won't intrude."

Sophia replied softly.

Alex approached Sophia and took her hand.

"I'm doing okay, Sophia. You don't need to walk on eggshells around me today. I've found a new reason to cherish this date and won't let it bring me down."

"New reason to cherish this date?"

Sophia asked, curious.

"Yes," Alex replied, gently holding Sophia's face. "Because it was the same date last year that I fell in love with you."

"You gave me a reason to see this day differently than before. No longer is it a day to dread; now it's a reason to celebrate for the rest of my life."

Alex continued.

Sophia smiled, her eyes filling with tears as she remembered Alex's confession on her birthday last year. Alex had shared that she hadn't considered this date special since her mother's death. Seeing Alex now, finding joy and not letting her sorrow overwhelm her, brought Sophia immense relief and happiness.

"I'm really happy to hear that, Alex. And I know your mom is very happy too. I'm always here, no matter what mood you're in. You can count on me, always."

Sophia said, her tears beginning to fall.

"I know, Sophia. I know you're always there when I need you. And I promise I'll always be here for you, too. I love you, dear wife."

Alex said, gently wiping the tears from Sophia's cheeks.

"I love you too, wifey."

Sophia replied, her voice filled with warmth.

***After a few months***

11:22 PM-Sophia sat on the couch, reading a magazine while Alex went out to help her cousins with a quick cleanup. As she flipped through the pages, she noticed flashes of lightning, signaling that rain was imminent.

"I thought that was supposed to be a quick cleanup?!"

Sophia muttered, rolling her eyes. She grabbed her phone and sent Alex a text.

"Alex, it's about to rain anytime. Are you guys not done yet?"

A minute later, her phone beeped with Alex's reply.

"Missed me already, dear wife?"

Alex playfully asked her.

"No. It's about to rain soon. I don't want you coming home soaked. Otherwise, you'll have to clean up the mess yourself."

Sophia answered her back.

"Mmmm. I like how your smart mouth responds, dear wife. I might need to punish that with my own tongue soon."

Alex teased.

"You better hurry then because I'm heading to bed any minute now."

Sophia replied, playfully challenging her.

A minute later, the elevator doors slid open, and Alex stepped into the penthouse, her hand streaked with blood, which she wiped with a handkerchief. Sophia stood up, swiftly grabbing a glass of bourbon and handing it to Alex as she approached.

"Are you okay?"

Sophia asked, concern evident in her voice.

"Of course, my dear wife. Sorry it took me so long to get home. The cleanup turned out to be more than we anticipated."

Alex explained, taking a sip of the bourbon.

"You look quite messy now. You should clean yourself up."

Sophia suggested.

"Well, I had to deal with your smart mouth first, Sophia."

Alex replied, swiftly pulling Sophia against her by the waist.

"Mmmm, you've just made a mess of my dress, Alex."

Sophia said, noting the bloodstains on her dress from Alex's hands.

"So?!"

Alex teased.

"So, bathroom now, you messy ass."

Sophia commanded, her expression firm.

"Mmmm, I like how your smart mouth is getting more commanding, dear wife. I'll make sure it begs me later."

Alex said with a playful grin.

"You can certainly try, wifey."

Sophia teased in response.

"How about you join me for cleanup upstairs? Your dress is stained, and you might need a shower too."

Alex suggested, leaning closer to Sophia.

"Mmmm, I'd love that."

Sophia replied with a smile, wrapping her arms around Alex's shoulders and drawing her face closer. They shared a warm, passionate kiss, their connection deepening in the embrace.

As they lingered in their kiss, the world outside melted away, leaving only the profound sense of love and unity that bound them together, reaffirming that no matter the messes life brought, they would always find solace in each other.

- THE END -