After the Divorce: Crushed on My Lawyer Ex-wife

#16 “This Really is A Peculiar Situation, Isn’t It?”

As Sophia stands in front of her apartment building, watching Alexander starting to walk into his, her heart jumps as he turns and looks directly at her. Frozen with whether or not to acknowledge him or ignore him, he decides for her.

“Sophia!” Alexander shouts, dodging cars like a player in his own version of Frogger to cross the busy street. When he finally reached her, Sophia couldn’t help but smile. “Mr. Stone, I had no idea we were neighbors,” she said, attempting a flirty laugh that came out more as an awkward chuckle.

“It would appear so,” Alexander replied, pulling out her green Gucci Marmont card case wallet from his suit pocket. “I believe this belongs to you. I found it at Bistro 45 last night. I was going to have it messengered over to you today, but this takes something off my to-do list.”

Alexander hands Sophia the wallet and turns to leave. Nervously, she places her hand on his shoulder, stopping him. Filled with anxiety, she musters the courage to ask, “Mr. Stone, I was hoping for just a quick moment of your time.”

Alexander turns and looks at her, his green eyes shining with a glint of gold in the morning sunshine. He nods, indicating for her to continue.

“Okay, well, um,” Sophia stammers, gathering her thoughts. “You are owed an apology. What my friend said was inexcusable, and I am so sorry. She didn’t mean any harm; she’s just… umm… feisty and protective. But honestly, on behalf of my best friend, I deeply apologize for her behavior.”

Taking a deep breath, Sophia raises her eyes to meet Alexander’s gaze. His face was impenetrable, and she anxiously awaited his response. Alexander locks eyes with her, and a gentle smile spreads across his tanned face.

ago, you treated me like I was the most

and she realized

sarcasm dripping in his voice, Alexander continues, his smile unwavering. “This really is a peculiar situation, isn’t

consume her. Maybe Mr. Mhyler hadn’t heeded her warning and had revealed her true

her off, his voice laced with superiority. “Ah, yes, Steven Mhyler. I must admit, I’m rather impressed by your wide range of network connections. Mr. Mhyler is a very influential lawyer,

a wave. If Steven had indeed disclosed her secret, this conversation would have taken a drastically different turn. But the relief quickly subsides as she notices the bitterness forming on

that Steven is MY lawyer, and

Michael Corleone said? ‘It’s nothing personal; it’s strictly

thinks, her brows furrowing. It became clear to her instantly that her investigation with Steven had

Alexander turns a warm smile toward her, hoping to convey his intentions. He takes a step closer, attempting to bridge the gap between them. But instead of returning the smile, Sophia takes a deliberate and exaggerated step backward, creating

to let Alexander think he has gained the upper hand,

states firmly. “And I think you will agree, particularly when I begin to exploit some legal loopholes in the

instinctively steps back. His anxiety seeping into

on her lips.

Sophia feels a surge of satisfaction. She turns to leave, but she swiftly moves back towards him. Close enough that he can catch a whiff of the

The Godfather too. But my favorite quote is spoken