The evening stars

Everything is decided

Sophie woke up and, turning her head, saw that Alex was watching her, his eyes softly glowing in the morning light. She smiled, feeling warmth and peace beside him.

— Have you been awake for long? — she asked, reaching out her hand to his face.

— I think about thirty minutes ago, — Alex replied with a gentle smile.

— Why didn't you wake me up? Sophie propped herself up on her elbow, feeling a slight pain in her leg.

— You were sleeping too sweetly, — Alex said softly, leaning towards her. — I didn't want to disturb you.

Sophie smiled wider and, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulled him closer to kiss him. The kiss was tender, yet filled with gratitude and deep emotions.

— I think I'll take a few days off because of the wound on my leg, — she said, pulling away and glancing at the leg that was still hurting a bit.

— That's a good thought, — Alex agreed, still holding her in his arms. — You need some time to rest.

Sophie nodded, sat on the bed, and picked up her phone. Calling the school, she briefly explained the situation and informed them that she was taking medical leave. It was necessary to recover not only physically but also emotionally after the events of last night.

— I need to go talk to Rachel, — Alex said, looking at Sophie with a serious expression.

— Do you want me to go with you? — she asked, slightly frowning. The thought of Alex meeting Rachel alone worried her a bit.

— I think Rachel will only want to listen to me, — Alex replied softly. — But thank you for not wanting to leave me alone. It means a lot to me. I love you, Sophie.

— And I love you, — Sophie nodded, realizing that the meeting with Rachel would not be easy. She trusted Alex, but the feeling of anxiety still wouldn't leave her.

Alex got dressed, sighed, and drove to the house that had recently been his refuge. Now this place has become the arena for a tense conversation that he could not avoid. He didn't know how Rachel would behave—whether she would be reasonable or throw a fit and start smashing dishes. In any case, he had to explain himself.

Entering the house, Alex went up to the bedroom. Rachel was packing her suitcases without looking at him. Her movements were quick and sharp, as if she were trying not to show how much it hurt her.

— Rachel, we need to talk, — Alex said, approaching her cautiously.

— If you need anything, just say so, — she replied coldly, continuing to pack her things.

— Where is Sam? — Alex asked, feeling his voice tremble with excitement.

— I took her to grandma, — Rachel replied, sharply zipping up the suitcase. — Until everything settles down.

— Where are you going? — he asked, not understanding her hurry.

— We're going back to New York, — she cut in, not even looking at him. — I have a familiar life there, and it seems this city doesn't want me to stay.

Alex sighed, feeling his heart tighten at her words.

— Listen to me, — he said quietly, trying to keep his composure. — Don't blame Sophie for this.

— In what? — Rachel turned sharply to him, her eyes blazing with anger. — Is it true that she was having an affair with my husband behind my back while pretending to be my friend? You were with her in Miami, then?

Alex pressed his lips together, realizing that there was no point in hiding the truth any longer.

— Rachel, yes, I was with her then, — he confessed, feeling the weight of his words. — But she didn't know that I would be there. I planned all of this, and I alone bear the responsibility for the collapse of our marriage.

Rachel froze for a moment, processing his confession. Her face contorted with pain and anger.

— We are still married, Alex, — she said with a cold sneer. — But don't worry, it won't be for long. However, I don't care that you're trying to cover for Sophie. She treated me just as meanly as you did. How could you? Did you even think about me and Sam? How are you going to explain everything to her?

— This won't affect Sam at all, — Alex replied firmly, although inside his soul was breaking. — I will not stop being her father and I will not stop loving her. Rest assured, I will find the words to tell her everything.

Rachel clenched her fists, her anger boiling. She was already starting to raise her voice.

— And what's next? "Are you going to bring her to this house and live happily here?" — her voice trembled, breaking into hysteria.

— No, Rachel, — Alex said quietly but firmly. — No one is going to replace you. I have immense respect for you as Samantha's mother, but I don't love you the way I love Sophie.

— Oh, of course, sweet Sophie, so innocent! — her voice was filled with sarcasm and pain.

— Rachel, she really cares, — Alex continued, trying to reach her. — She didn't want any of this. I have never asked for anything. I gave her that confidence. I wanted to stay with her.

For a moment, Rachel silently looked at him, and then, as if she had exhausted all her strength, wearily waved her hand.

— Come out, Alex. "I don't want to see you anymore," she said in a choked voice. — You won't be able to see Samantha; I will demand full custody in court. I will send the divorce papers by mail.