Chapter 31
The muted sound of the car somehow made her feel better. Sofia looked out at the streets of Springfield, Illinois. It was still eight in the morning, and the sun cast a warm glow over the city.
August in Springfield meant clear skies and a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves of the trees lining the streets. Sofia noticed families strolling on the sidewalks, kids riding their bikes, and neighbors chatting on their front porches. The city had a peaceful charm that she always loved. It felt comforting, warm, and familiar.
“Are you ready?” Alexander asked. “Karina is already waiting with the media.”
His chuckle echoed inside the car. “You truly wanted to make this as huge as possible. I never expected that fiery attitude from you.”
“I don’t know if I should take that as a compliment,” she looked at his side profile. It was Josef who was driving the car while Alexander sat next to her, reading some documents.
Apparently, his schedule today would be full, yet he still chose to drive her to the police station where she would formally file a case against the people who accused her of plagiarism and the ones who spread lies about bullying.
She wanted to make this grand, so she had already asked Karina to invite some reporters. “What about that brother of mine?” he asked. He was currently smiling as he read the documents, but she could immediately sense the impatience in his voice.
“I will take care of him.”
“Tell me if you need my help,” his voice turned softer, warmer.
“I will,” she did not hesitate. The fact that he was able to summon Dr. Hugo Moore was enough proof of his capabilities. This man not only had the money, but he also had connections. However, this fact alone made her wonder why he actually married her. He could take care of his brother even without her.
So, this should not be business-related. She immediately thought of the good-looking blond Hugo standing next to Alexander. Was it possible that the two were... lovers?
He lifted his gaze, and she immediately turned her head away. She tried to hide the panic in her eyes. She was curious but decided not to pry. Their current relationship was good as it was. There was no need to complicate things.
Soon enough, Sofia arrived a block away from the police station where Karina’s car was waiting for her. She bid Alexander goodbye before getting into Karina’s car.
“Who is that?” Karina immediately asked.
“My husband.”
“My husband,” Sofia said. “However, we are not here to talk about—”
“Hold on!” Karina frowned. “Did I hear it right? You just said husband. As in husband?”
“Yes.”
“That long legs... It wasn’t Daniel's.”
Sofia smirked. She never thought that Karina would actually notice his legs. “It was not Daniel.”
“Then—” Karina’s eyes turned even wider. “An old rich man willing to help you with your revenge?”
Surprise flashed in Sofia’s eyes. “What are you talking about? What old man?”
“No way.” Karina’s mouth dropped. “You didn’t say no.”
“What?”
“You are always the type of person that would say no. Yet you didn’t, which means I got something right. Was it the old part? Or the wealthy part?”
“Can we focus on why we are here?” Sofia immediately changed the topic. Her agreement with Alexander was confidential. So, she did not want to inform Karina about this matter. At least not right now. She wanted to focus on how to take care of Lawrence and Charlotte.
“Alright...” Karina took a deep breath. “I will ignore the fact that you did not inform me... your only best friend about this matter. I will forgive you this time, but I am going to expect some explanation from you. If that explanation is not going to convince me, then I am going to cut off your ass. Do you hear me?”
“Yes ma’am.” Sofia chuckled. Karina glared at her in response. “I am serious.”
“I know, and I was planning to tell you about him, but the current situation is just... it’s chaotic. Besides, my birthday is coming, and he will be there as my escort.”
“What about Daniel?”
“What about him?” Sofia asked.
“Does he know? I am guessing he doesn’t.”
“You are right.”
“Then...”
“I am going to break up with him once he proposes to me.”
“He will propose?”
“He will do it before my birthday.” Sofia was pretty certain that Daniel would do this before her birthday as he would want to escort her and show everyone that she already had a huge engagement ring on her finger.
“You are insane,” Karina said.
“Oh... I am,” Sofia responded, a warm smile apparent on her face.
“What if he would instead propose on your birthday?” Karina asked.
“Do you really think he would do that in front of Charlotte?” Sofia retorted. Charlotte had always been needy and dramatic. She always wanted the spotlight on her, and Daniel knew this. There was simply no reason for Daniel to risk attracting Charlotte’s ire.
“Those two planned everything. What if Charlotte would agree? What if she loved your money more than that man?”
“Then I would not have a choice but to actually show them something special.” Sofia narrowed her eyes. “But not for that.”
Karina frowned, her expression turning solemn. “I know,” Karina said as she started driving her car. “The reporters are outside waiting for you. Are you sure you want to do this?” Karina asked.
“This could attract even more attention to you.” Karina had a worried look on her face. Their firm handled a lot of cases from well-known personalities, so she knew how dangerous this move was, especially for someone like Sofia.
“I know.” Sofia pursed her lips. She looked out of the window and immediately spotted a few reporters outside the police station. For some reason, this made her heart race. She swallowed. As if sensing her thoughts, Karina grabbed her hand.
“My boss is already inside waiting for you. Trust him. He will help you,” Karina said. “And I will be here.”
Sofia looked at Karina. The boss that Karina was talking about was actually the partner of their firm and also Alexander's friend. Alexander had already told her that this lawyer was actually one of the best lawyers in Illinois. “Thank you,” Sofia said. She was honestly very thankful that she still had someone like Karina who would always be there for her.
“You don’t have to thank me. I just need that doughnut and the new boba drink.” Sofia laughed at that. “Right. Of course, I am going to ask Miss Amores to order that for the next thirty days. Have it delivered to your office?”
“My.” Karina lifted her chin. “You are making it sound like thirty days is a long time. Make it two months?”
“Deal.” Sofia smiled. Seeing her smile, Karina chuckled. “Now lift your chin and stop smiling. You look really silly when you smile like that. Make your gaze colder. Think of Daniel and that woman when you talk to the reporters. It would be better if you cry too,” Karina smiled. “People always love a sob story.”