Divorce To Marry a CEO

Chapter 40: Some Guy Beat You to it

Back in Alexander's office, Drake leaned back in his chair and smirked. “I must admit, your woman is different. All the women I’ve been with are materialistic, but look at your wife. She doesn’t want people to know about your relationship, and on top of that, she refused the company. Allure Fashion is the top fashion house in the country, and she couldn’t care less. Man, you’ve got a gem as a wife. If I could win her, I swear I’d introduce her to my grandpa tomorrow and marry her the following day.”

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Drake felt the air grow thick and cold. He looked over at Alexander and saw his friend’s face harden. Alexander’s glare was sharp, intense—if a look could kill, Drake would’ve been in trouble. Realizing his mistake, Drake shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Oh… oh, sorry, buddy. I didn’t mean that. I mean, I don’t have any intentions toward your wife, of course. I’m just saying she’s different from other women. You know…”

Alexander’s voice was low, controlled. “You think I don’t know my wife?”

Drake chuckled nervously. “I didn’t mean it like that, Alex. You know I’m not trying anything. I was just saying you’re lucky, that’s all.” Desperate to change the subject, Drake quickly added, “Look, man, let me help you make it up to her. You know, smooth things over. I owe you that much after my babbling.”

Alexander remained silent, his piercing gaze never leaving Drake, but Drake pushed on. “Trust me, I know how to win women over. First, start with flowers. Maybe roses—women love those. Then, prepare a candlelit dinner, something personal and intimate. You’ve gotta make her feel special.”

Alexander finally leaned back, relaxing slightly. “Go on,” he said, intrigued despite himself.

Drake grinned, sensing an opening. “Write her a heartfelt note—something deep, not just your average apology. Show her how much she means to you. Then, surprise her with a thoughtful gift. Doesn’t have to be expensive, just something that shows you know her. And hey, if you really want to go all out, plan a weekend getaway. Somewhere quiet and romantic.”

Alexander nodded, taking mental notes. He had never been one to grovel or pursue, but for Sophia, he was ready to try anything.

Suddenly, as if struck by an idea, Alexander interrupted. “How about I take her to lunch first? That should ease the tension. Then I can follow up with the rest.”

Drake beamed. “See? Now you’re thinking. Lunch is the perfect icebreaker, and the other gestures will just cement everything after. Women love the slow build-up.”

Meanwhile, back at Allure Fashion, Sophia made her way back to her desk after her tense encounter with Nina in the restroom. Her colleagues were still whispering, stealing glances at her as she walked by. The fact that the chairman himself had called her to his office had set the office buzzing with speculation.

Sophia ignored the stares and sat down, trying to focus on her work. Just as she started to settle in, Emily sidled up to her desk, her curiosity practically radiating off her.

“Sophia, you can’t just come back from the chairman’s office and pretend like nothing happened,” Emily teased, leaning in with a grin. “Come on, spill! What did he want? Did he confess his feelings or something?”

Before Sophia could reply, Miss Carla Lennox appeared, clapping her hands to get the office’s attention. “Listen up, everyone! As you were informed by the chairman, the company is holding an international design competition, and the deadline for submissions is in one month. Get your best ideas together and show me what you’ve got! Submit your draft when ready”

The announcement energized the room. Everyone was excited, talking about their ideas and eager to enter. Sophia, despite her lingering anger, felt a flicker of motivation. This competition could be the breakthrough her career needed, a chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the industry—and with Alexander.

But for now, her thoughts were too clouded to focus on anything. As lunch approached, she started to tidy up her desk, ready for a break.

Emily came rushing back with a sly grin. “Sophia, you won’t believe this. That same handsome guy from earlier is waiting for you again.”

Sophia raised an eyebrow. “Larry?”

“Yep, him. I don’t know what’s going on with you two, but he seems pretty interested,” Emily teased, winking.

Sophia sighed but couldn’t help but feel a bit curious. She headed to the reception area where she found Larry waiting, his usual confident smile in place. He mentioned some minor changes he wanted to discuss regarding his suit and then suggested they grab lunch together to go over the details.

Sophia, feeling the need for some fresh air and a distraction from everything, agreed. “Sure, let’s grab lunch,” she said, and the two left together.

Back at Alexander’s office, Drake strolled in, looking a bit uneasy. “Uh, buddy, you’re not gonna like this, but… some guy beat you to it. Sophia’s already gone out for lunch—with another man.”

Alexander’s eyes darkened. “What?”

Drake quickly raised his hands in a calming gesture. “Relax! It’s probably nothing. I’m sure it’s just business. Don’t go rushing in and making things worse. You are only going to push her further away, you know.”

But Alexander wasn’t hearing it. The idea of another man taking Sophia to lunch gnawed at him. “I’m not letting some random guy take my wife,” he muttered, already reaching for his jacket.

Drake stepped in front of him. “Alex, wait. If you go after her now, it’ll only escalate things.”

But Alexander’s mind was made up. His eyes flashed with determination as he headed for the door. “I am not sitting around while another man is with my wife.” And with that, he stormed out, leaving Drake shaking his head in exasperation.

In a quiet corner of the hotel restaurant, Sophia and Larry sat across from each other, enjoying lunch. The tension from earlier seemed far away as Sophia let herself relax in the easy flow of conversation. Larry was witty, charming, and easy to talk to, and Sophia found herself laughing more than she had in days. His presence was a welcome distraction from the argument with Alexander earlier. They joked, shared stories, and, to anyone watching, looked like they had known each other for years.

As Sophia took a sip of her drink, she caught herself smiling. It felt good to laugh again, to let go of the constant push and pull she had been feeling with Alexander. Larry leaned in, his voice warm and full of life, “You know, I always thought fashion was just clothes on a rack, but listening to you talk about it…. I can see it is more like art.”

Sophia chuckled, feeling more comfortable than she had in a while. “Well, it is. Every piece has a story behind it. It is more than just fabric; it is a vision, something that can change how people see themselves.”

Larry nodded, smiling as he responded. “I can see why you are so passionate about it. And with your talent, you are bound to take over the industry. I bet that international competition will be a piece of cake for you.”

Sophia blushed slightly, appreciating his words. “Thank you, Larry. I hope so.”

Just as she was about to say more, the air in the room suddenly felt different—heavier, more charged. Without warning, Alexander appeared in the doorway, his eyes locking onto Sophia and Larry at their table. His fists tightened at the sight before him. Sophia laughing, looking so comfortable with another man, while he had been stewing in frustration and anger over their argument.