Chapter 75: A Glimpse of the Future.

Sophia saw the city lights glimmer against the night sky from Alexander's rooftop balcony. Her thoughts were not on the vista, even though the skyline was stunning. It was focused instead on the future,her future.

It was the first time in years that she let her dreams go beyond the here and now. Above and beyond the hardships, betrayals, and conflicts she had faced. In her ideal world, Alexander, her, and their kid would not have to worry about potential adversaries. In this world, family, love, and trust were paramount.

Although she smiled at the concept, she was still deeply afraid. Did they really have that? Or was it just a dream she yearned for?

Turning back inside, Sophia saw her baby dozing in the crib. The walls of the nursery were softly shadowed by the nightlight's mellow glow. Gently running her fingertips over the baby's little palm, she went closer.

"I swear," she said in a whisper, "I will give you a secure and loving life." No matter what.

She had never experienced the comforts of a secure household growing up. She had fought to show she was strong enough to stand on her own throughout most of her childhood, since her parents' marriage had been a battleground. She did not, however, want that for her kid.

Her want was for warmth. Her ideal house would be one that was full of love, laughter, and steadfast support.

And with Alexander, she desired it.

Sophia heard a faint creak in the door and turned to find Alexander leaning against the frame with a kind stare.

“Are you still awake?” he whispered.

She gave a nod. "Just thinking,"

Alexander took a step forward, putting his arms behind her waist. “How about?”

After hesitating, she said, "The future."

Her shoulder held his chin. Tell me.

Sophia breathed out. "Alexander, I want to create something genuine. House. A place where we may simply be happy and safe.

After a little period of silence, Alexander pulled her closer to him. Afterward, we'll make it happen. no matter what obstacles we face.

Sophia heard the sharpness in his voice, yet his words were comforting. Peace was a difficult thing to achieve, as they both knew all too well. People have to fight for it.

Alexander surprised her the next morning by taking her out of town. He would just mention that he had been getting ready for the destination, but he would not tell her where they were heading.

Sophia let out a gasp when they eventually got there.

The home has expansive grounds and a view of the lake, making it an impressive estate. With windows letting in sunshine from floor to ceiling, the home itself was contemporary yet cozy.

She murmured, "Alexander."

He faced her, closely observing her response. "I purchased this location for us."

Her eyes became bigger. "For ourselves?"

He took her hand and reprimanded her, saying, "For our family." The house you deserve is what I wanted to offer you. A worry-free environment in which to raise our children

Sophia's eyes were watering as she gazed at him. "You... you provided me with this?"

He touched her face and brushed her cheek with his thumb. For you, I would do everything.

Sophia's heart began to swell with hope as they walked around the home together. Her future was visible to her for the first time.

Slack Bedtime on Sunday mornings. Their kid frolicking in the grounds. Dinner table laughter.

She could see them both aging together.

Her chest began to ache as they stood on the back porch, gazing out over the lake.

Something was on the way.

They were attempting to create peace, but she had no idea how or when it would happen.

It will be put to the test shortly.

The lake was rippled and the trees were rustled by the soft wind that blew over it. Standing next to Alexander on the back porch, Sophia's fingers intertwined with his. Compared to the mayhem they had experienced, the estate was serene and lovely.

After closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she let herself enjoy the peace. In her heart, however, something gnawed at her. It was an unshakeable sensation.

She said, "Alexander," as she turned to him.

His brow arched. What is it?

She was uncertain about how to express her ideas, so she waited. "It's nearly... too ideal," she acknowledged. "As serene as the prelude to a storm."

Alexander gripped her hand despite his somewhat gloomy appearance. "Sofia, difficulties will never go away. It's worse than that, however. Combined.

Although she nodded, the uneasiness persisted.

They went back into town later that night. Sophia felt hopeful after seeing the estate, but she couldn't help but notice the fear that persisted.

A bottle of wine and two glasses were ready for her in the living room of Alexander's apartment as soon as they arrived. It was dark and cozy, with soft music playing in the background.

Her eyes narrowed in amusement. "What's all of this?"

Alexander handed her one of the glasses he had poured for them both. “A toast,” he said.

Sophia tilted her head in curiosity as she accepted the glass. "For what purpose?"

He fixed her with his eyes. "To us. To the existence we are creating. Together, let's build the future.

At what he said, her heart grew. “To us,” she murmured, clinking her glass against his.

As they drank their wine, her shoulders began to relax. She could have been overanalyzing. Perhaps for the first time, everything was really coming together.

She was just letting herself relax when Alexander's phone began to vibrate. As soon as he looked at the television, his demeanor changed.

Sophia became tense. “Who is it?”

Before responding, Alexander let out a quick sigh. His voice was cold as he said, "What is it?"

He tightened his grasp on the glass, and Sophia saw his jaw clench.

“All right. I will be present.

He looked into her eyes as he hung up.

"My investigator was that," he said somberly.

Sophia felt nauseous. "And"

Before he spoke, Alexander paused. He discovered something. Concerning the estate.

Sophia's breath caught. "What are you saying?"

His tone was controlled and icy. "That property appears to have piqued the interest of others besides us."

A shiver went through Sophia's body.

A person had been observing them.

They knew just where to hit now.