Alex's POV.
She looked so innocent staring up at me with those pretty brown eyes.
“There were a million ways I could've reacted in that situation and I chose the worst one. I'm sorry Sophia. I completely lost it when I saw you with Colin.
She swallowed. “You didn't even give me a chance to explain and went ahead to learn the truth from Stephanie. My truth. How's that fair?”
“I don't know what I was thinking. I got so mad at you.”
“So mad that you started treating me like shit? Made me feel so pathetic about myself. I cried for you!”
She tried so hard to blink her tears back but they finally rolled down her cheeks. I reached forward to wipe them away but she stepped back.
“I hate crying in front of you. It just shows how weak I am.” She sniffled. I felt like slapping myself right there.
“It's like you're good now but the moment something happens, one small misunderstanding occurs, you'll go back to being that cold and harsh person again.”
“I want you to know this, Sophia. I regret every single moment of the past week, how I made you feel. That punch you sent my way was very well deserved.”
She let out a laugh in disbelief. “Seriously?”
I exhaled. “Sophia, you have every right to be mad at me.” She seemed baffled hearing me utter those words.
“I'll wait for your forgiveness Soph. Take as much time as you'll need. I won't bother you. You deserve that much. To make this choice.”
“What choice?” She asked, suddenly a little agitated.
“You know,” I smiled softly. “I don't understand—”
“I'm a very selfish person Sophia. An asshole like you once called me. I want you to make your choice but at the same time, I want this to turn out in my favor.”
She looked more confused now than ever.
“Which is why I'm going to tell you this.” I took in a long breath. “Tell me what? I don't know what you're talking ab—”
“I love you, Sophia O'Brien.”
***
Sophia's POV.
I must have stood there frozen, gaping at him for a long time, trying to contemplate what he had just told me.
He...loves me?
On the other hand, Alex didn't seem eager or expectant for my response in the slightest. He just calmly watched me as if relieved that he finally got a heavy weight off his chest.
My jaw dropped and not knowing what to do or say, I ran.
I ran back to the house without looking back even once and collapsed on the living room couch, breathing heavily.
Mum was probably upstairs as I couldn't locate her anywhere. I walked up to the kitchen with small steps and poured myself a glass of juice, glancing nervously at the backyard door.
Alex could walk in at any second. How was I going to face him after what he had just told me?
“Soph? Is something wrong?” Mia walked up to me.
“Oh, nothing.” I smiled at her or at least what I hoped was a smile.
“Then why are you standing here all alone? And where's Alex?”
“Out in the backyard.”
“Well, the party's over. I guess we have to start cleaning up now.”
I hated after-party chores but at the moment, I needed something to help get myself busy. I needed something to take my mind off what Alex told me.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alex enter the house. Feeling him watching me, I nervously turned sideways. After gathering some courage, I slowly turned my head but he wasn't there anymore.
“What? What do you mean you have to leave now?” I heard my Mum's voice say.
I looked up in confusion. Alex was standing in a white t-shirt and black denim, holding his bag and looking about ready to leave.
“What? Are you leaving?” Mia stopped what she was doing and walked over to them.
“Yes. I left Paris in a hurry. I gotta tidy up some stuff for work.”
“But do you have to leave now? It's night already. You can leave tomorrow.” Mia said. “I'll be fine. I would've loved to stay but the work can't wait any longer.”
“I understand,” Mum said. “Then Sophia would've to go with you. She's your secretary after all. She needs to help you out with the workload.”
Alex chuckled nervously, avoiding my gaze. “That wouldn't be necessary Peggy. She can resume by Monday. I can manage fine on my own till then.” My mum just gave a nod, looking over at me.
“Thank you for having me here. I had a great time with all of you.” He smiled at Mia.
“I should be thanking you for coming all the way here for my aunt's birthday and for the beautiful birthday gift! You're the best!” She hugged him and Alex chuckled.
Was there any chance he was leaving because of me? I suddenly felt a pang of guilt. His eyes finally locked with mine.
My breath caught in my throat when he started advancing towards me. I found myself immobile, watching as he slowly made his way across the room and stood in front of me.
He scrutinized my face for a moment. “I'll see you soon, Sophia.”
All I could do was nod.
He turned around and walked out of the house. Mum and Mia followed him outside but I stood in the same spot. I heard the engine starting and the sound of him driving away.
Letting out a sigh, I continued cleaning the mess that was in our living room, hoping to get Alex off my mind.
“I'm gonna miss him,” Mia said as they walked back inside. “Amazing choice Soph. He's a perfect gentleman.” Mum said.
I managed to put on a smile and nodded while picking up the empty disposable cups from the table. Me and Mia cleared the living room before heading back to our rooms.
Climbing on top of my bed, I looked at the other side.
A part of me wished that Alex was there. I drifted off to sleep with my thoughts and woke up when the sun was shining on my face.
After brushing my teeth and taking a shower, I decided to pack my clothes as I would be leaving that day and went downstairs for breakfast.
“I wish you would stay longer.” My mum said after I told them that I'd be leaving.
I propped myself on the island stool next to Mia and took a bite from the pancake on her plate. “So do I. But I'll be visiting more often now.”
“You better.” She warned.
Mia was silent.
“What's the matter with you?”
“Nothing.” She shook her head. “I'm just going to miss you. That's all.”
“Tell you what. How about when you're done with high school, you'll come to pay me a visit in New York?”
“What? Really?” She beamed. “Absolutely.” I laughed as she hugged me.
I was about to book a bus ticket when the doorbell rang and I quickly got up to get it. My jaw dropped in surprise upon opening the door.