The evening stars

Return to Chicago

After dinner, when they were already sitting in silence, enjoying the last moments of the evening, Alex's mobile phone suddenly vibrated on the table. Sophie looked at him with a hint of concern, sensing that this moment could disrupt their cozy evening. Alex glanced at the screen, and his face changed slightly — a faint shadow of concern passed over his expression.

— Sorry, — he said, letting out a slight sigh. — This is a call from the office. I must respond.

Sophie nodded, realizing that their idyll could not last forever. She watched him as he picked up the receiver and started the conversation. There was a businesslike coldness in his voice that sharply contrasted with the warm, relaxed tone he had just a few minutes ago. Alex asked short questions, listened to the answers, and gradually more and more concern appeared on his face.

Sophie, sitting across from me, began to feel a heaviness in her heart. She knew that this call meant the end of their secluded time, and ahead lay a reality that would soon engulf them completely. This dinner, the yacht, Miami — all of this could have remained just a fleeting memory.

When Alex finished the conversation, he placed the phone on the table and looked at her with an apologetic expression.

— Sorry, — he began, — we need to go back to Chicago. It seems there are problems with the project. — He fell silent for a moment, then continued. — It was expected. But I think this is a reminder that reality comes back faster than we would like.

Sophie nodded, feeling an invisible pressure slowly enveloping them both. She took a deep breath, deciding to talk about what had been on her mind for a long time:

— You are right, — she began, her voice calm but firm. — We need to talk about how everything will develop further when we return to Chicago.

Alex set his phone aside and turned to her, ready to listen. His gaze was serious, and he understood that this conversation was inevitable.

— We can't just go back there, — Sophie continued, and act as if nothing has changed." We must be careful. Especially because of Rachel... — her voice trembled when she spoke the name of Alex's wife.

Alex nodded, agreeing with her words.

— I understand, — he said gently. — I thought about it. Everything will become more complicated when we return. But you know that I am not going to back down.

— I know, — Sophie looked at him with a feeling full of contradictions. — But how can we hide all of this? We will constantly run into Rachel, with people who know both of us. I don't want this to turn into something secretive and burdensome.

Alex leaned back in his chair, clearly pondering her words.

— We need to be very careful, — he agreed. — But you have to understand that I will need time to sort this out. I don't want to hurt Rachel, but at the same time... I can't deny what I feel for you.

Sophie looked away, thinking about the consequences that could arise. She understood that the situation was becoming increasingly complicated. Their connection could destroy not only their lives but also the lives of those around them.

— We must be honest with each other, — she said quietly. — If this continues, I don't want to live in constant fear. I don't want lies.

Alex leaned forward, taking her hand.

— Sophie, I promise you: we will find a way. I am not going to live a double life. But right now... we need to act carefully. Time will put everything in its place.

She felt a slight relief from his words, but she couldn't shake off the anxious thoughts about the future. Her heart was torn between what she wanted and what could destroy their lives.

— What do you plan to do when we get back? — she asked, her voice barely audible.

Alex stared at her for a long time, contemplating his next words.

— First of all, I need to have an honest conversation with Rachel. But it won't be right away; I can't hurt her suddenly. We must be prepared for the consequences... and I want you to understand that we have a long road ahead of us. But I believe that we will manage.

Sophie nodded, realizing that their journey was just beginning. Everything ahead was shrouded in a fog of uncertainty, and they both had to be prepared for difficulties. She squeezed his hand a little tighter, feeling his support and determination.

— Alright, — she replied, finally finding the strength to smile. — We will act cautiously, but I hope everything will work out.

Alex leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, as if confirming his promise. Their future was uncertain, but they decided to fight for it together.

Alex and Sophie began to pack their things, filling their suitcases with clothes and small shells they had collected on the beach as a memento of this time. The yacht, on which they had spent the last few days, still gently swayed on the water, as if reminding them of those moments they had lived away from reality. Sophie looked around the spacious cabins, where their relationship had taken a new turn, and a slight regret was born in her soul — this paradise seemed to be left behind.

Alex, having packed the last suitcase, closed the lid with a quiet click and approached the helm. He confidently took the helm and slowly began to steer the yacht back to the harbor. At that moment, a warm breeze from the ocean blew in their faces, as if bidding them farewell. Sophie stood on the deck, arms crossed over her chest, gazing into the distance. In her heart, two feelings were battling: joy from the time spent with Alex and anxiety about what awaited them ahead when they returned to Chicago.

When the yacht quietly docked in the harbor, Alex stepped onto the deck, quickly dialed the pilot's number, and briefly ordered him to prepare the plane for an imminent departure. The relaxed expression with which he enjoyed his freedom was no longer on his face. Work and reality were returning to his life.

— The plane will be ready for departure in an hour, — Alex said, looking at Sophie.

Sophie felt a slight melancholy at the thought of parting with this place and the moments of tranquility that seemed so unattainable in their everyday life.

— It's time to go, — he quietly added, lightly touching her hand.

They got off the yacht, and Alex took care of the luggage, skillfully loading the suitcases into the trunk of the rental car. Sophie silently got into the car and, as they set off, glanced briefly at Alex, who was intently focused on the road. Their trip to the airport was silent, broken only by the sound of the engine. Both knew that ahead of them awaited a return to real life — with its complexities, responsibilities, and secrets that now weighed on their hearts.

When they arrived at the airport, their private jet was already on the runway. Alex took Sophie by the hand again, leading her to the gangway. She felt his calm confidence, but at the same time, she sensed how the return to reality cast its shadow.

There was a relaxed atmosphere on board the plane. Cozy armchairs, dim light, and the soft hum of engines created a sense of tranquility, as if it were yet another moment in their secluded world. As soon as the plane took off and gained altitude, Sophie, tired from the excitement and emotions, leaned on Alex's shoulder and soon fell asleep. Her breathing became steady, and her face serene, as if all worries were left far behind.

Alex, gently holding her close, looked out the window, watching the horizon where the sky began to take on the early morning hues. The flight felt short, and soon the plane began to descend, approaching Chicago. When the landing gear touched the ground, it was around five in the morning. The city was still asleep, immersed in the pre-dawn silence.

Alex gently woke Sophie, who slowly opened her eyes and stretched.

— We are home, — he said, touching her cheek.

— Is it morning already? — she asked, blinking sleepily.

— Yes, and we have a new day ahead of us, — Alex added with a slight smile, although his expression turned serious as he recalled the upcoming work.

They got off the plane and walked to the car that was waiting for them at the terminal. Alex took Sophie home.

— See you later, — he said softly, kissing her on the forehead. — I need to go to the office.

— Alright, — Sophie replied, smiling, but feeling a slight anxiety about their future.

When Alex left, Sophie entered the apartment, feeling her body heavy with fatigue after the long journey. She slowly took off her shoes and headed to the bathroom, turning on the hot shower. Water flowed down her body, carrying away the remnants of yesterday's excitement and leaving only a pure sense of tranquility. It was a new day, and she had to prepare for what lay ahead of her.