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.

to have lunch together? I have

for anything in the world,” he responded, his flirtatious undertone

his anticipation clear. “Don’t make a reservation;

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 had been meaning to visit for the past month, known for

city, and its walls were adorned with lush hedges, creating an ambiance that felt like an escape from the urban

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

have to admit, Sophia, the place is

do something special to express my gratitude for the

eye, he reached into his pocket. “This is for

accepted

of earrings, strikingly similar to the ones she

was no need,”

and couldn’t resist,” he confessed. They were about to settle into their seats when a folder suddenly fell before Sophia, disrupting the moment.

your evidence,” the voice declared, leaving her stunned. Sophia turned to find Alexander standing there, holding a collection

tone held a hint of nagging curiosity as she addressed Alexander’s

videos of the corridors you passed through.

care of that,” Michael

think you’re proving something 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 Sophia was out of the room. She could have bribed the lawyer ten

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

was also admitted to the hotel at the time. Made him testify. Which are described here and prove your innocence,

“I told you not to worry, I was

from you,” Alexander’s voice held a

did you find

question. “I 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 for

Alexander took a seat nearby and ordered lunch for himself. Michael couldn’t help

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

you’re not on a romantic date, I don’t see why I shouldn’t join,” Alexander’s response

“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

making the atmosphere palpably awkward. Despite their verbal sparring, Sophia chose to focus

Michael once more for his help, a genuine smile gracing her lips. Outside the restaurant, Alexander offered to drive Sophia to her office,