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

the chance to have lunch with you for anything in the world,” he responded, his flirtatious undertone unmistakable. Sophia’s laughter danced

he confirmed, his anticipation clear. “Don’t

office. She had chosen The Sartorial Bistro, a fabulous new restaurant in the heart of the city that had caught her eye. It was

and its walls were adorned with lush hedges, creating an ambiance that felt like an

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

Sophia, the place

express my gratitude for the help you provided,” she replied. Michael waved his hand

eye, he reached into his pocket. “This is for you.” He handed her a small

surprise as she accepted the box,

As the lid opened, it revealed a pair of earrings, strikingly similar to

no need,” she

and couldn’t resist,” he confessed. They were about to settle into their seats when a folder suddenly fell before Sophia, disrupting the moment. The familiarity of the voice that followed made her heart skip

leaving her stunned. Sophia turned to find Alexander standing there, holding a

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

detailed report from the hotel by minutes and seconds 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 -of-fact

took care of that,” Michael

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

intervened on Michael’s behalf. She

time. Made him testify. Which are described here

blinked in surprise, taken aback by the extent of his actions. “I told you not to worry, I was going to be fine

orders from you,” Alexander’s voice held a hint of smug satisfaction as he spoke, a touch of

did you

in his question. “I don’t have all day to wait for Sophia to return to the office,

her assistant wouldn’t divulge such information for any reason made her wonder about the extent of

himself. Michael couldn’t help but comment,

well aware of Michael’s motives for spending time with Sophia. It was only to

you’re not on a romantic date, I don’t see why

gathered to say thank you for Michael’s help, I don’t see why I shouldn’t treat

atmosphere palpably awkward. Despite their verbal sparring, Sophia chose to focus on the food, determined not to get

a genuine smile gracing her lips. Outside the restaurant, Alexander offered to drive Sophia