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.

like to have lunch together? I have

I don’t do things for gratitude, but 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 danced through the line. “You do have a way

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

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. It was a place she

were adorned with lush hedges, creating an

arrived, a broad smile graced his face as he took in the setting. Sophia stood, her smile matching

to admit, Sophia, the

my gratitude for

pocket. “This is for you.” He

she accepted the

a pair of earrings, strikingly similar to the

no

when a folder suddenly fell before Sophia, disrupting

turned to find Alexander standing there,

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

the hotel by minutes and seconds of where you were. Backed up with videos of the corridors you passed through. Proving

took care of that,”

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 the room. She could have bribed

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

reporter was also admitted to the hotel at the time. Made him

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

held a hint of

did you find

don’t have all day to wait for Sophia to return to the office, so I spoke to her secretary,” Alexander’s response was simple, leaving both Sophia and Michael slightly

a hint of suspicion. Her assumption that her assistant wouldn’t divulge such information

and ordered lunch for himself. Michael couldn’t help but comment, “Isn’t it a bit impudent to

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

date, I don’t see why I shouldn’t join,” Alexander’s response carried

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

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

she thanked Michael once more for his help, a genuine smile gracing her lips. Outside the