"Stay tonight, Alex. Please." Her eyes shone with hope, her hand brushing his arm.
Alex leaned back in his chair, his lips curving into a teasing smile. "With Sophia here? You sure that's wise, love?" His tone was light, but his gaze flicked toward Sophia, testing the air.
Victoria's laugh was quick, dismissive.
"She's fine with us now. She said so herself. Don't worry." Her confidence was unshaken, her trust in Sophia's apology absolute.
Sophia overheard, her heart tightening like a vise. Her mother's blind faith stung, but it was Alex's voice... calm, controlled... that sparked something deeper.
Sophia had murmured her goodnights, her voice soft but her eyes sharp, lingering on Alex before she ascended the grand staircase to her room.
The door clicked shut, leaving Victoria and Alex alone in the dining room's fading glow.
The air was thick with unspoken promises, the weight of the evening's warmth pressing against them.
