Chapter 8: A Taste of Home

Sophia stood at the door to her mother's hospital room, taking a last look at her resting figure. Ethan had left a few minutes ago, promising to check in later, but she lingered a moment longer, watching her mother's chest rise and fall with every breath. Relief washed over her, knowing the worst of the surgery was behind them.

"Goodbye, Mom," she whispered, as though the words could reach her. She glanced back one last time and then quietly stepped out, her heart still heavy from the news she hadn't yet shared. The divorce was a chapter she'd managed to keep quiet, not out of shame, but out of the desire to protect her mother from more worry than she could bear. Sophia had lost so much, but now, in her mother's recovery, she felt a small piece of herself begin to mend.

Outside the hospital, the air was warm with a gentle breeze, and for the first time in a while, she felt like she could breathe. As she walked down the busy street, her mind wandered to Alexander. Their arrangement was still strange and full of unanswered questions, but he had, without hesitation, paid for her mother's surgery. A small smile tugged at her lips; perhaps there was more kindness in him than she'd given him credit for.

That was why she found herself wandering into the supermarket instead of returning to Valmere. She knew Alexander often ordered food or had his meals prepared, but tonight, she wanted to make him something special. A home made dish to show to her gratitude. She scanned the shelves with a renewed sense of purpose, pulling ingredients into her basket: beef, carrots, onions, garlic, and a good bottle of red wine. Beef Bourguignon. She hadn't made it in ages, but it felt like the right choice.

As she turned a corner, her heart stopped. Marcus was there, just a few feet away, his arm casually slung around Lila, the woman who had shattered Sophia's life. They hadn't noticed her yet, but Sophia's pulse quickened, the familiar ache of betrayal throbbing in her chest. She could feel the world around her shrink until it was just the three of them in this narrow aisle.

"Sophia?" Marcus's voice broke through her thoughts, surprise and discomfort mixing in his tone.

Lila's gaze followed his, landing on Sophia with a smirk that was both triumphant and mocking. It was as if she relished this moment, the confrontation that Sophia had been dreading.

"Marcus," Sophia said, keeping her voice steady, though every part of her wanted to turn and walk away.

"Wow, what are the odds?" Lila's voice dripped with insincerity, her smile too bright, too rehearsed. "It's been a while."

Sophia kept her focus on Marcus, refusing to give Lila the satisfaction of a reaction. "I see you two are still... together," she said, a slight edge to her words.

Marcus shifted uncomfortably, but Lila only tightened her grip on his arm, her eyes dancing with smug satisfaction. "Yes, well, some things are just meant to be, you know?" Lila said, her tone sweet but full of venom. "I guess you're moving on too, though? Or are you still... figuring things out?"

Sophia felt her cheeks flush, anger simmering beneath her skin. She'd spent the last two days in silence, swallowing the hurt, the betrayal, and the disbelief, all while trying to piece her life back together. But now, face to face with the people who had torn her apart, she found her voice.

"Actually, I have moved on," she said, her tone even, though her hands gripped the grocery basket tightly. "It took a while, but I realized that I deserved someone who respects me, who values me." She took a small step closer, her gaze fixed on Lila, not as an act of intimidation, but as a reminder of the strength she had found in herself. "So thank you, both of you, for showing me what I didn't want in my life. It made finding real happiness so much easier."

Marcus shifted, an awkward flush creeping into his face, but Lila simply rolled her eyes, her smug expression faltering slightly.

"Oh, please," Lila sneered, though her voice had lost some of its edge. "Happiness? Do you mean finding another man? Living off of someone else's charity? That's all you ever really wanted, wasn't it?" And can you find a better man than Marcus? Lila challenged hooking her hand with Marcus'.

Sophia felt the words sting, a reminder of the years she had poured into Marcus, supporting him, building a life with him that he had so easily discarded. But she didn't waver. Instead, she straightened, meeting Lila's gaze with a calm she hadn't known she possessed.

"You don't know anything about me, Lila," she said quietly. "And I don't expect you ever will. But let me be clear: I may have stumbled, I may have fallen, but I am not broken. And I don't need to lower myself to anyone's level just to feel good about my life."

Lila didn't believe her; she smiled mockingly, "What so good about you, Sophia? I want to see how you will survive without Marcus' financial help. Or will you come back begging him to take you back?"

Sophia laughed, but her smile didn't reach her eyes, "I would do anything for myself but begging him? Is he worth it?"

Marcus' face darkened, and with his clenching teeth, he questioned her. "How long do you intend to keep this attitude of yours Sophia? It might be too late when you realize it!" He remembered she didn't pick up his call and didn't reply to his text either.

Sophia retorted coldly, "Too late? For me or you Marcus?"

Before he could respond, Lila, who was enjoying the show, sneered at Sophia.

"How can you survive alone Sophia? You have no job and probably no savings and your mother is waiting for her surgery."

Sophia took a step toward Lila with a mocking smile on her face, "At least I'm not a home wrecker like some people."

For a moment, the silence stretched between them, taut and charged, until finally, Lila looked away, a flicker of discomfort crossing her face. Without another word, Sophia turned, walking away with her head held high, feeling the weight of their judgment slide off her shoulders.

Marcus watched her retreating figure clenching his fists. For a moment, he had forgotten Lila, who was beside him, boiling in rage.

He turned to her, his face softening, "Forget about her; she will come begging soon."

As Sophia stepped out of the store with her groceries, a sense of peace settled over her. She wasn't just surviving anymore; she was reclaiming her life, one step at a time.

By the time she reached Valmere, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the sprawling grounds. She entered the grand kitchen, feeling the quiet power of the space, the stainless steel counters, and the polished appliances. She took a deep breath, pushing aside the remnants of her encounter with Marcus and Lila. Tonight, she was focusing on something else that brought her peace.

As the Beef Bourguignon simmered on the stove, the familiar aroma filled the kitchen, wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. She moved around the kitchen with ease, letting herself get lost in the rhythm of chopping, stirring, and seasoning. For the first time in days, she felt grounded.

The soft sound of footsteps pulled her from her thoughts, and she turned to find Alexander standing in the doorway, his expression one of surprise and curiosity. He was dressed casually, his usual suit traded for jeans and a simple shirt that somehow made him look even more disarming.

"What's all this?" he asked, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Sophia felt a flush of self-consciousness but smiled back. "Dinner. I thought I'd make something to thank you for everything you've done."

He stepped closer, his gaze drifting to the pot on the stove. "Beef Bourguignon?" he asked, sounding impressed. "It smells incredible. I haven't had that in years."

Sophia's smile softened. "It's an old family recipe. My mom used to make it for us on special occasions. I thought... well, maybe I could make it to celebrate her successful surgery and thank you for your help."

They moved to the dining room, the elegant table already set, and she served the meal. The silence was comfortable, punctuated only by the quiet clink of silverware. Alexander took his first bite, his expression changing as he tasted the rich flavors. He paused, setting his fork down, and for a moment, he looked almost vulnerable.

"This... this tastes like something my mother used to make," he said, his voice softer, almost distant. "She passed away when I was seventeen. She used to make Beef Bourguignon for me when I was a kid. I haven't tasted anything like it since."

Sophia's heart softened at the quiet confession, the layers of Alexander's guarded persona momentarily peeling back to reveal something raw and real. She hadn't known that about him, hadn't known there was so much he kept hidden behind his cool, detached demeanor.

"I'm so sorry," she murmured, her voice gentle. "Losing a parent... that's a pain you never really shake."