*Chapter 36: Dawn of a new era*
Sophia and Alexander stood on the balcony of his penthouse apartment, looking out over the city. It was a beautiful day, with the sun shining brightly in the sky.
"It's hard to believe it's finally over," Sophia said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alexander nodded, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "I know," he said. "It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."
Sophia smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "You're free," she said. "You're finally free to be yourself."
Alexander turned to her, his eyes locking onto hers. "I couldn't have done it without you," he said. "You were my rock, my support system. I don't know what I would have done without you."
Sophia's heart swelled with emotion. "I'll always be here for you," she said. "We're in this together, now and forever."
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Sophia felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that they still had challenges ahead, but she was confident that they could face them together.
The city spread out before them, full of possibilities and promise. Sophia smiled, feeling a sense of excitement for the future.
"What do you want to do first?" she asked Alexander, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Alexander grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I think I'd like to take a break from business for a while," he said. "I'd like to spend some time with you, just enjoying life."
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. "That sounds perfect," she said.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Sophia knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together. And she couldn't wait to see what the future held.