After the Divorce: Crushed on My Lawyer Ex-wife

#34 “I had a Better Alternative.”

Sophia sat in her office, surrounded by a mountain of documents, her thoughts immersed in the intricacies of the investigation. The door to her office slammed open, and her assistant Trevor burst in, an urgency radiating from him. Without giving her a chance to speak, he launched into his news.

“Turn on the news on your TV,” Trevor demanded, his tone urgent and his face flushed. Baffled by his abrupt entrance, she questioned, “What’s going on?”

Trevor grabbed the remote without answering, the TV screen flashing to life and revealing a news segment featuring Michael.

Reporters swarmed around him in front of the hotel they had met at just two days prior. The reporters’ barrage of questions filled the air.

“So, you’re asserting that Sophia had no involvement in the bribery?” they questioned, their voices eager for his response.

A smug smile curved Michael’s lips as he responded confidently. “Absolutely. I’ve obtained the footage from the lobby cameras that show me and Miss Johnson engaged in a conversation with me at the exact time she’s accused of arranging the bribe.”

As if on cue, the video played on the screen, capturing their interaction in the hotel lobby, effectively providing an alibi for the time in question.

“As this evidence will be presented in court,” Michael continued, his tone resolute, “I’m committed to seeing this through until the case is clarified. The truth will be established under the scrutiny of the judge.”

With those words, he reentered the hotel, the reporters trailing after him with a flurry of additional questions.

The news segment continued, a reporter’s voice questioning him about the bouquet of flowers he was holding during their encounter, and whether he and Sophia had a romantic connection.

Sophia turned off the TV relieved. Michael had managed to find concrete evidence to support her innocence and was willing to go to court to ensure her name was cleared. Despite her reservations about deepening her relationship with him, gratitude welled up within her.

“I’ll call him,” she decided. Trevor’s response was swift, a knowing smile on his lips as he handed her his phone. “I was already dialing.”

With a faint smile of her own, Sophia accepted the phone and prepared to express her gratitude to the unexpected ally who had stepped up to defend her reputation “Hello, Michael,” she greeted him.

זיי guess you’re watching the news,” he responded. “Thank you. I know you shouldn’t have bothered, and yet you supported me.” Her gratitude was evident, her words sincere.

“It was nothing. I just couldn’t help but notice in yesterday’s reports that it couldn’t have been you when we were together. I thought I’d give fate a little nudge,” he admitted.

you like to have lunch together? I have to thank

I wouldn’t miss the chance to have lunch with you for anything in the world,” he responded, his flirtatious undertone unmistakable. Sophia’s laughter

an hour,” he confirmed, his anticipation clear. “Don’t make a reservation; I have one place in mind,” she

then I’ll wait for you,” he agreed. Sophia had arranged for a car to pick up Michael from his office. She had chosen The Sartorial Bistro, a fabulous new restaurant in the heart of the city that had caught her eye.

its walls were adorned with

he took in the setting. Sophia stood, her smile matching

have to admit, Sophia, the place

wanted to do something special to express my gratitude for the help you provided,” she replied. Michael waved his hand dismissively. ” That’s enough, it’s

“This is for you.” He handed her a

blinked in surprise as she accepted the box, her tone

and see,” he encouraged. As the lid opened, it revealed a pair of earrings, strikingly similar to the ones she had lost. Her surprise was followed

no

when a folder suddenly fell before Sophia, disrupting the

the voice declared, leaving her stunned. Sophia turned to find Alexander standing

I owe this appearance?” Sophia’s tone held a hint of nagging curiosity

of where you were. Backed up with videos of the corridors you passed through. Proving that you had nothing to do with the bribe,” Alexander’s voice held a matter

took care of that,”

just this video, it’s a good thing you didn’t become a lawyer. Your vision only shows a small amount of time that Sophia was out of

it, Alexander,” Sophia’s irritation seeped into her words as she intervened on Michael’s behalf. She appreciated

reporter was also admitted to the hotel at the time. Made him testify. Which are described

told

it anyway. Which means I don’t always take orders from you,” Alexander’s voice held a hint of smug satisfaction

how did you

Sophia to return to the office, so I spoke to her secretary,” Alexander’s response

Her assumption that her assistant wouldn’t divulge such information for any reason made her wonder about the extent of Alexander’s

seat nearby and ordered lunch for himself. Michael couldn’t

on Michael. His presence stirred an internal annoyance, as he was well aware of Michael’s motives for spending

I don’t see why

firm. “Which doesn’t automatically make you invited. But since we’ve gathered to say thank you for Michael’s help, I don’t see why I shouldn’t treat you too. After all, you

Michael exchanged biting comments, making the atmosphere palpably awkward. Despite their verbal sparring,

to overshadow the present. As the meal concluded, she thanked Michael once more for his help, a genuine smile gracing