Sophia had always thought of herself as someone who could keep her emotions in check, someone who could draw clear lines between what was real and what was simply wishful thinking. But with Alexander, the lines had started to blur.
It had been a few days since their conversation in his penthouse, and she found herself thinking about him more than she should. His words had stayed with her, lingering in the quiet moments when she was alone. You don't have to do this alone anymore.
Could she really believe that? Could she let herself lean on him without the fear of falling too hard?
She didn't have much time to dwell on those thoughts, though, because work and motherhood had a way of demanding her full attention. Leo had a school event that evening—one of those parent-child gatherings where kids ran around in excitement while the adults made polite conversation. Sophia had every intention of going alone, as she always did, until Alexander called her that afternoon.
"Are you busy tonight?" His voice was smooth, his usual blend of confidence and curiosity.
She hesitated. "I have Leo's school event."
"Perfect," he said, as if she had just given him the best news of the day.
Her brows furrowed. "Perfect?"
"I'd like to come with you," he said simply, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Sophia nearly dropped the phone. "Alexander, you don't have to—"
"I know I don't have to," he interrupted, his tone gentle but firm. "I want to."
Sophia's heart raced. This wasn't just a dinner date or a casual outing. This was Leo's world, her world. Letting Alexander into it felt like an entirely different level of intimacy.
"It's just a small event," she tried to downplay it.
"I don't care if it's a talent show or a math quiz, Sophia," he said with a small chuckle. "If Leo is there, and if you're there, I want to be there too."
She sighed, but deep down, she wasn't as resistant as she thought she'd be. Maybe, just maybe, she wanted him there too.
—
Later that evening, Sophia stood by the entrance of the school auditorium, scanning the crowd. She had just finished checking Leo in with his teacher when she spotted a familiar figure walking toward her.
Alexander.
Even in a more casual setting, he stood out. Dressed in a dark navy button-down with the sleeves rolled up slightly and well-fitted slacks, he looked effortlessly elegant. His presence turned heads, a few of the other mothers whispering among themselves as they took in the sight of him.
"You came," she said, more to herself than to him.
"Did you think I wouldn't?" he asked, a teasing glint in his eye.
Sophia shook her head. "No, I just—"
Before she could finish, a tiny voice called out, "Mr. Alexander!"
Leo came barreling toward them, his face lighting up at the sight of the man who had somehow worked his way into their lives.
Alexander crouched down to meet him at eye level. "Hey, champ. Ready for tonight?"
Leo nodded eagerly. "Yeah! We're playing games, and there's gonna be food, and—" He paused, suddenly looking shy. "I'm glad you came."
Sophia felt something tighten in her chest at her son's words. Leo had never really had a male figure in his life. And now here Alexander was, stepping into a role she hadn't even realized her son had been missing.
Alexander ruffled Leo's hair and stood, glancing at Sophia. "Shall we?"
She nodded, leading them inside.
The night passed in a blur of laughter, games, and warm moments. Sophia found herself watching Alexander more than she should, taking in the way he interacted with Leo, the way he made her son feel special without trying too hard.
At one point, as they sat side by side, Alexander leaned in and whispered, "You're staring."
She blinked, startled. "I was not."
He smirked. "You were."
She rolled her eyes, turning her attention back to Leo, but she couldn't ignore the warmth in her chest.
By the end of the night, as they said their goodbyes, Leo clung to Alexander's side, reluctant to let him go.
"Will you come again?" Leo asked, his big eyes full of hope.
Sophia held her breath, waiting for Alexander's response.
He crouched down again, his expression sincere. "Whenever you and your mom want me to."
Leo grinned before running off to say goodbye to his friends.
Sophia turned to Alexander, her voice softer than before. "You didn't have to do this, you know."
"I wanted to," he reminded her, his gaze locking onto hers.
She swallowed hard, feeling the walls around her heart weaken just a little more.
For the first time in a long time, she realized that maybe, just maybe… she wasn't alone anymore.