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?

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

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

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

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

a broad smile graced his face as he took in the setting.

admit, Sophia, the place

for the help you provided,” she

his pocket. “This is for you.” He handed her a small

she accepted the box, her tone

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

was no

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

the voice declared, leaving her stunned. Sophia turned to

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

from 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,” Michael responded

lawyer. Your vision

Michael’s behalf. She appreciated his help, and Alexander’s

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

extent of his actions. “I told you not to

orders from you,” Alexander’s voice held a

did you find

curiosity was evident in his 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

Alexander with a hint of suspicion. Her assumption that her assistant wouldn’t divulge

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

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

on a romantic date, I don’t see why I shouldn’t join,”

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

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

genuine smile gracing her lips. Outside the restaurant, Alexander offered