Chapter 4
1500 Words
After checking out the cars for a while, Alex went back to the house in hopes of finding a reason to talk to Sophia again.
"Hello once more," Alex said, rapping on the doorframe. "Do you mind if I get a glass of water?"
My name is Alex. We met yesterday when your car broke down.
Sophia's smile was filled with warmth. I know who you are. "Thank you for yesterday."
While Alex took a drink of his water, Sophia inquired about the progress of the car inspection.
"Nearly finished," Alex replied. "I just need to verify a couple more things."
Following the inspection, Alex went back to the house. "Finished everything. "Your vehicles are in excellent condition."
Sophia gave a nod of relief.
Alex said, rubbing his stomach, "I'm famished." "Do you have any food?"
Sophia nodded, recalling Lucas's grievances. "There is eggs benedict available, but it may not be very good as it is likely cold."
Alex's face beamed. "Sounds ideal. I would really enjoy some. Could you please take it outside?
When Alex bit into it for the first time, Sophia prepared for negative feedback.
Instead, Alex's expression brightened up. "This tastes amazing!"
Sophia's eyes expanded with astonishment. "Is that true? "Do you enjoy it?"
Alex agreed with a nod, enjoying another mouthful.
Sophia nearly brought up Lucas's disapproval but stopped herself.
Alex observed her uncertainty. "Is everything all right?"
Sophia managed to smile. "Yes, everything is okay."
Alex squinted slightly, noticing that something was not quite right.
Sophia proposed changing the atmosphere by asking, "Do you want to play Scrabble during your visit?"
Alex gave his consent, and they spent the afternoon giggling and conversing.
As the sun started to go down, Alex quickly checked the time on his watch. I need to leave. I don't want to outstay my welcome.
Sophia escorted him to the door. "Thank you for keeping me company, Alex." "It was pleasant."
Alex had a smile on his face. "Similarly, Sophia." Be cautious and look after yourself.
After Alex departed, Sophia couldn't rid herself of the feeling that she had discovered a true friend.
At that moment, the sound of Lucas's voice reverberated down the hallway. "Sophia, where are you?"
Sophia experienced a moment of heart palpitations.
Sophia attempted to dispel the thrill she felt from being with Alex. She wanted to avoid Lucas from becoming suspicious.
During dinner, Lucas inquired, "What was the mechanic's verdict on the cars?"
Sophia maintained her composure. Simply standard inspections. "Nothing significant."
Lucas nodded, unaware of Sophia's inner conflict.
The following day, Lucas departed for his job, while Sophia cherished the tranquil morning by herself.
Out of nowhere, the doorbell chimed.
When Sophia opened the door, she was surprised to see Alex standing there with a charming smile.
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. "But... Lucas didn't mention you were coming.”
"Today, I'm not here in the role of a mechanic," Alex exclaimed with sparkling eyes. I only desired to have additional time with you. Yesterday was a day filled with enjoyable moments.
Sophia's worries came back to the surface. "But what if Lucas shows up unexpectedly?"
Alex comforted her by saying, "I will simply mention that I left one of my tools here yesterday." "Do not worry."
Sophia was unable to resist the warmth that Alex emitted.
They passed the day engaged in a game of Scrabble, giggling, and conversing. Their bond became more powerful.
Alex stood near, their faces close, preparing to depart.
Sophia sensed the spark of attraction between them.
Alex inclined himself closer, causing Sophia's heart to start beating rapidly.
Just as their lips were about to meet, Sophia hesitated and moved away.
I have a guy in my life, Alex. "I apologize."
Alex's expression dropped; however, he managed to smile warmly. There is no need for you to say sorry. "I comprehend."
Alex repeated his apology and then departed.
Sophia felt his absence immediately.
She questioned whether she was stuck in a relationship devoid of real sincerity.
The following day, Sophia woke up intending to make the most of her time with Lucas, starting early in the morning. She meticulously made breakfast, aiming to begin the day on a good note.
While dining, Sophia attempted to start a conversation. "Lucas, how does your day appear?"
Lucas made a grunting sound while he scrolled through his phone. "Occupied." Do not anticipate my availability throughout the entire day.
Sophia agreed, attempting not to interpret his abrupt reply as a personal offense.
Following breakfast, Sophia cleaned the table and started putting dishes in the dishwasher. Lucas stayed sitting, completely absorbed in his phone.
Sophia went up to him, seeking some good time together. "Hey, do you want to join me in a game of Scrabble? "It's been a while since we've spent time together."
Lucas dismissed with a derisive sound, refusing to make eye contact. "Would you like to play Scrabble? What is the matter with you? What is the reason for not choosing PS5 or Xbox? "That is the type of games regular individuals enjoy."
Sophia attempted to protect her preferred game. "Lucas, people still find pleasure in playing Scrabble." It's timeless. Me and Alex—"
Lucas interrupted her, his tone full of contempt. Alex?" Who is Alex? And why does Scrabble matter at all? The only individuals who engage in that activity are those with a lower quality of life like yourself. "Keep up with the current trends."
Sophia was hurt but attempted to shrug it off.
She spent the morning pondering why Lucas was being so dismissive, lost in her thoughts.
Afterward, Sophia chose to give it another shot, aiming to improve Lucas's spirits.
She went up to him as he sat at his laptop and sensually enveloped him with her arms.
"Hey, what do you think about pausing for a bit?" Sophia spoke in a hushed tone.
Lucas expelled her with revulsion visible on his face.
What is it that you are attempting to accomplish? Wanna get some sleep together? "May God prevent it," Lucas exclaimed angrily. "You are undeserving of being in my bed, you pathetic person."
Sophia's eyes filled with tears.
She recognized that Lucas's contempt extended beyond solely games.
His words were deeply cutting.
Sophia questioned whether she was worthy of something better.
At the end of the day, Sophia experienced a combination of feelings: sadness, anger, and increasing feelings of self-doubt.
She couldn't get rid of the sensation that she was stuck in an unhealthy relationship.
Alex phoned Sophia, worry evident in his tone. "Hello, how are you doing?"
Sophia attempted to appear nonchalant, but her tone gave her away. "I'm doing well, Alex."
Alex noticed that she was upset. Sophia, feel free to confide in me about anything. "What is happening?"
Sophia paused for a moment before she started to share. It is Lucas. He continually belittles me and makes me feel inadequate. "I feel confined."
Alex paid close attention, feeling his anger intensify. What is the reason for remaining in that relationship, Sophia? You are worthy of something greater.
Sophia let out a sigh. "Alex, it's a complex situation." He is everything to me. I am nothing without him.
Alex responded, "Sophia, your life belongs to you. You have great strength. Do not allow anyone to determine your value.
Over time, Sophia discovered her inner resilience.
In the evening, Lucas requested a glass of wine. Sophia carried it in a commonplace glass.
Lucas had a frown on his face. "Why is this cup chosen?" Do we not possess any wine glasses?
Sophia calmly responded, "It's likely that the wine glasses are either lost or damaged."
Lucas's manner became hostile. Why not inform me to substitute it? Are you attempting to humiliate me?
Sophia stayed composed. I previously informed you that the cups were not there.
Lucas rose to his feet, confronting her. "Are you speaking disrespectfully to me?"
Sophia calmly stated, "I said that I told you the cups were missing."
Lucas's cheeks flushed. "Are you crazy or something?"
Sophia's voice stayed calm and unwavering. "You are the crazy one. You always become furious over trivial matters.
Lucas taunted, "Do you think you're clever?" Have you had a conversation with someone recently?
Sophia's patience started to diminish. I realize we are two distinct individuals, not destined to be in a relationship. I wish I never encountered you.
Lucas's insults became more intense. Sophia, you have no value. Nobody desires your presence. "I'm doing you a favor to be with me."
Sophia then turned around and left, leaving Lucas in shock.
"I'm the breadwinner," Lucas thought, "without me, she's nothing.”
Sophia made sure her mother took her medication during her visit.
Arriving back at home, Sophia's world fell apart.
She discovered Lucas in bed with another woman, all tangled up.
Lucas glanced upwards, feeling irritated. "Why are you here?" You've just destroyed a nice moment. Go to the guest bedroom.
Sophia's heart broke into pieces.
Without speaking, Sophia turned and walked off.
- Writer
