*Chapter 7: A Moment of Truth*
As Sophia gazed at Alexander's paintings, she felt a sense of wonder and admiration. She couldn't believe that the man she had thought she knew so well had such a creative side.
Alexander, sensing her gaze, turned to her, his eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension.
Sophia felt like she was seeing Alexander for the first time, like the mask he wore in public was slipping, and she was glimpsing the real person beneath.
Without thinking, Sophia reached out and touched Alexander's hand, her fingers brushing against his. It was a small gesture, but it sent shivers down her spine.
Alexander's eyes flashed with surprise, and then he looked down at their hands, his fingers intertwining with hers. Sophia felt a spark of electricity run through her body, and she knew that this moment was different. This wasn't just about pretending anymore.
As they stood there, hands touching, Sophia felt like she was standing on the edge of a precipice. She didn't know what would happen next, but she knew that she couldn't keep pretending forever.
"Alexander," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Yes?" he replied, his voice low and husky.
Sophia took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "I think we need to talk about what's real and what's not," she said, her eyes searching his face.
Alexander's expression was unreadable, but Sophia could sense the tension in his body. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice neutral.
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't sure what she wanted to say, but she knew she had to say something. "I mean, us," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "What's real, and what's just for show?"