After the Divorce: Crushed on My Lawyer Ex-wife

#132 “Even if it’s the Last Thing I Do in this World.”

Alexander had reached the designated meeting place, the weight of the suitcase containing the ransom money making his palms sweaty. Gripping it so tightly that his knuckles turned white, determination etched across his face, he was resolved to leave with Sophia unharmed.

The sight of a dilapidated building in the middle of the desert didn’t surprise him; it fit the cliché of an abandoned warehouse. A wry smile played on Alexander’s lips as he approached the ominous structure with decisive steps.

Two guards stationed at the entrance greeted him, weapons raised in suspicion. Alexander, fully aware of the tense situation, raised his hands in surrender, a gesture signaling he posed no threat.

“Who are you?” the first guard barked.

“I’m Sandro’s man. I’ve come to pay what’s necessary to free Sophia,” Alexander declared.

“Stand still,” the guards commanded in unison, their weapons still trained on him. A radio call was made to their boss, informing him of Sandro’s representative.

“Who is there? Where’s Sandro Vitali?” their boss roared through the radio.

“Sandro sent me. I have what you need, “Alexander responded, shaking the briefcase for emphasis.

An excruciatingly long minute passed before Dante, the ominous figure in charge, emerged from the entrance, his gun ominously raised.

“Why didn’t Vitali come and do his dirty work himself?” Dante shouted. Alexander, maintaining his composure, replied, “What does it matter? I’m carrying the money, right?”

“Drop the suitcase and take a few steps back,” Dante ordered, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Alexander complied, carefully placing the suitcase on the ground and taking measured steps backward. The impact caused the briefcase to spring open, revealing the stacks of cash inside. Dante’s face lit up with a sinister smile upon seeing the money.

with a menacing stride. The tension in the air thickened as Alexander braced himself for the next critical

abandoned warehouse as the gang scrutinized the ransom money. They ushered Alexander in as they counted the money. There was nothing in the room but a table

counting Dante

less,” announces one of the gang members. Dante’s expectations

a distance, held his breath, acutely aware that the situation was teetering on the edge. He

can sort this out. How about you confirm Sophia’s safety first? I’ll transfer the remaining amount directly to your account once I know

They huddled in a tense discussion, their low murmurs echoing in

on us, aren’t you?” accused one of the gang members,

not

piercing look at Alexander. “Transfer them to our account? What do you think I am, an idiot? The money for such transactions is cash only. How do you think such a transaction would look in the eyes of the IRS? You might be a spy sent by

an escalating crisis, attempted to defuse the mounting suspicion. “I’m not a spy! I’m just

earnest explanations, doubt lingered in the gang’s eyes. In a swift and unexpected move, they pounced on Alexander,

want to see Sophia so much, we will take you to her especially,” Dante declared, a

forced to sit, his

*

strained to hear the commotion outside, her worry escalating with every distant sound. Her attempts to maintain

into the room. Sophia squinted in the dim light, disbelief washing over her as the familiar face became clear. It was Alexander. A whirlwind of emotions engulfed her – surprise, confusion, and a

voice a mix of shock

you… Are

of thoughts racing through her mind. The unexpected sight of him

his thoughts day and night, now right in front of him. The urge to embrace her, to provide some semblance of comfort, clashed with the reality of his bound hands. He dreaded the possibility of causing her discomfort, so

and Alexander could sense

Did they hurt you?” Alexander bombarded her