Divorce To Marry a CEO

Chapter 34: Because it didn't Matter

Sophia stopped in her tracks, her heart softening just a little at the raw sincerity in his voice. She turned to face him, her eyes searching his for any sign of dishonesty, but all she saw was the guilt and worry etched in his features.

"I know you’re hurt," Alexander began quietly. "I never wanted you to feel that way. Please, let me explain."

They sat down, and Alexander took a deep breath before speaking. "Jessica and I… we’ve known each other since we were kids. She was always around—part of the group. But a few years ago, she confessed she had feelings for me. I told her I didn’t feel the same and cut things off. I couldn’t lead her on."

Sophia listened intently, her hurt slowly giving way to understanding, though it didn’t fully leave her. "Why didn’t you tell me about her?"

"Because it didn’t matter. She never meant anything to me—not then, not now, not ever," Alexander said, his voice firm. "You’re the only one who matters to me. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to give something that insignificant any space between us."

Sophia sighed, feeling reassured, yet guilty for how she had reacted. "I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have let my emotions take over. I just… let her get to me."

Alexander held her hand, his grip gentle but reassuring. "It’s my fault for not handling things better. But from now on, I promise—no more secrets."

They sat in silence for a moment, the tension finally starting to fade as they held each other. But even as the air between them cleared, the weight of Gerald’s unresolved threat still lingered in the back of both their minds.

The days passed, and while the tension between Alexander and Sophia was slowly easing, the shadow of Jessica Jason continued to linger over them. Though Alexander had made efforts to reassure Sophia about his past with Jessica, her constant meddling still made things difficult.

One afternoon, Alexander had an important meeting at his office in Evans Industries and invited Sophia to accompany him. He wanted to spend some time together after the meeting. However, as soon as they entered the office, they were met with a sight that neither of them expected: Jessica Jason lounging in one of the plush chairs, her heavy makeup highlighting her sharp features and her eyes glinting with mischief.

“Mr. Evans!” Jessica exclaimed with an exaggerated smile, standing up with grace. “I wasn’t aware you had company today.” Her gaze shifted toward Sophia, a flicker of mock surprise in her eyes. “Hello, Sophia. How delightful to see you again.”

Sophia’s polite smile barely concealed her discomfort. “Hello, Miss Jason.”

Alexander, clearly unamused, stepped forward, keeping his tone neutral but firm. “Miss Jason, what are you doing here unannounced? This is a private meeting.”

Jessica waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, it’s nothing serious. I just thought we could catch up on a few business matters. You don’t mind, do you?”

Sophia’s discomfort grew, but she remained silent, trusting Alexander to handle the situation.

“Actually, I do mind,” Alexander said, his voice colder. “This isn’t the time. Miss Jason, if there’s something you need to discuss, schedule it properly.”

Jessica’s eyes flicked toward Sophia again, as if sizing her up. “Well, I wouldn’t want to intrude on your… meeting. I’m sure you two have plenty to discuss.” Her tone was dripping with insinuation, but Sophia refused to let her get under her skin. She knew Alexander well enough now to trust he wouldn’t entertain Jessica’s games.

“Goodbye, Miss Jason,” Alexander added firmly, stepping toward the door to signal that the conversation was over.

Jessica flashed one last smile before finally leaving, her heels clicking rhythmically as she exited the office. But not before turning back and saying, “Oh, Sophia, darling, be careful in this city. Not everyone is who they appear to be.” And with that, she was gone, leaving a tense silence in her wake.

Sophia turned to Alexander, her expression pained. “Why is she always around? Does she just not know when to stop?”

“I’m sorry, Sophia. She doesn’t,” Alexander admitted, his voice softening. “Jessica is manipulative, but she won’t win. You’re the one I care about. She knows that, and it’s driving her mad.”

Sophia nodded, trying to push Jessica’s words out of her mind. “I know, it’s just frustrating.”

They didn’t dwell on the subject for long, but the conversation left a sour note for the rest of the day. When the meeting was done, Alexander suggested they return to Valmere, their villa, to relax, but Sophia needed some time to herself.

“I think I’ll take a walk through the mall first,” she said, hoping some retail therapy would clear her mind.

Alexander respected her need for space. “Alright. Text me when you’re ready to head back, and I’ll come pick you up.”

Sophia smiled and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.” but just have the driver pick me up.

Sophia wandered the mall, trying to shake off the tension that Jessica had stirred. She browsed through the shops absentmindedly, her mind wandering as well. As she exited one of the clothing stores, she almost bumped into someone.

“Whoa, careful there!” a familiar voice said with a laugh.

Sophia looked up, surprised. “Larry?”

There stood Larry Gilbert, the same man who had dropped her off at her apartment just a few days ago. He was dressed casually but still carried an air of ease about him, his easygoing smile immediately putting her at ease.

“Well, if it isn’t Sophia,” he said, his smile widening as if he’d just stumbled upon a dear old friend. “We meet again. What a coincidence.”
Sophia blinked. The mall was large, and the odds of running into him again seemed slim, but Larry played it off so smoothly she couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah, what are the chances?”

Larry chuckled. “Guess it was meant to be. How’ve you been?”

“Good, good,” Sophia replied, adjusting the bag on her shoulder. “Just doing some window shopping.”

“Well, since we’ve run into each other again, how about I make it up to you for that drop-off the other day? Coffee, on me?” Larry suggested with a grin.

Sophia hesitated. She still wasn’t sure what to make of Larry, but he had been kind when he helped her out before. Besides, she could use some company that didn’t revolve around corporate politics or Jessica’s antics. “Sure,” she agreed. “Why not? It’s the least I can do to thank you for the ride.”

“Perfect. There’s a café just around the corner. You’ll love it.”

---

Larry led Sophia to a cozy café tucked away in the quieter side of the mall. As they settled down with their drinks, the conversation flowed naturally. Larry was charming, his easygoing demeanor making Sophia feel comfortable.

“So,” Larry said after a while, leaning back in his chair. “I noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time with Alexander Evans.”

Sophia smiled. “Yeah, we’ve been married for a while now. He’s my husband.”

Larry’s eyebrows shot up in mock surprise, though his expression remained friendly. “Really? That’s great. Must be quite the life, being married to someone as high-profile as Alexander.”

Sophia chuckled, though she didn’t miss the flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “It’s not as glamorous as it sounds sometimes. But we’re happy.”

Larry nodded thoughtfully, then gave her a knowing smile. “It’s good to have someone in your corner. But, I gotta say, with people like Jessica Jason hanging around, it can’t always be easy.”

Sophia’s eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of Jessica. “You know her?”