Divorce To Marry a CEO

chapter 6: A Taste Of Home

The next morning at Valmere was still surreal for Sophia. Everything about the villa was foreign—the high ceilings, the sprawling grounds, and the strange mix of luxury and isolation. It felt like she was living in someone else’s dream. After the whirlwind of divorce and her mother’s surgery, Sophia found herself trying to ground herself in something familiar. Her mother was still recovering in the hospital, and she had kept the news of her divorce quiet, knowing the emotional toll it could take on her. But she knew she couldn't keep it from her forever. Amidst all the chaos, there was one thing that always brought her comfort—cooking.

Sophia wandered into the grand kitchen, amazed by its size and elegance. Stainless steel counters, state-of-the-art appliances, and a pantry stocked with ingredients she hadn’t seen in months. She began rifling through the shelves and drawers, finally settling on a dish she hadn’t made in years—Beef Bourguignon. It reminded her of home, of family dinners where things weren’t perfect but still had warmth. It was a way of anchoring herself, a way of finding solace in this strange new life.

The rich smell of beef, red wine, and garlic filled the air as the dish simmered on the stove. For the first time in days, Sophia felt at ease. It was just her and the ingredients, no overbearing thoughts of Marcus, her ex-in-laws, or the crushing realization of her new marriage. She needed this escape.

The kitchen was soon filled with the intoxicating aroma, and it wasn’t long before Alexander appeared. Dressed casually in jeans and a fitted shirt, he seemed more approachable than his usual aloof self. His eyes widened when he caught sight of her at the stove, apron tied around her waist, completely absorbed in the task.

“What’s all this?” he asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Sophia looked up, startled. “Oh, I... I thought I’d make something for us. A thank you, for everything you’ve done.”

Alexander stepped closer, taking in the scent. “Beef Bourguignon? Haven’t had that in years.”

Sophia smiled softly, plating the food. “It’s one of my favorites. My mother used to make it.”

As they sat down to eat, the quiet clink of silverware filled the air. Alexander took his first bite, pausing as the flavors washed over him. “This... this tastes like something my mother used to make,” he said, his voice softer than usual.

Sophia looked up, surprised. “Your mother?”

“She passed away when I was seventeen,” Alexander said, his gaze distant, lost in memory. “She used to make this dish. I haven’t tasted anything like it since she died.”

“I’m so sorry,” Sophia murmured, her heart softening toward him. She hadn’t expected this shared connection, but in that moment, she saw a glimpse of the man behind the walls Alexander always kept up.

The dinner was quieter after that, but the air between them had changed. There was less formality, and though they didn’t speak about it, they both felt it—the unspoken understanding of loss, of lives that hadn’t gone according to plan.

Later that evening, as they cleaned up the dishes, Alexander casually asked, “Have you thought more about what we talked about? Revenge, on Marcus?”

Sophia paused, the dish towel in her hand. “Revenge? No, I don’t think that’s the path I want to go down.”

“You don’t want him to suffer for everything he put you through?” Alexander asked, his tone neutral, but his eyes intense.

Sophia shook her head. “I want to move on, not hold onto more bitterness. Besides, Marcus isn’t worth it.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow. “Not worth it, or too painful to confront?”