Her Husband's Secret Affair novel Chapter 14

Sophie sat stiffly across from Alex at a quaint café, her hands wrapped tightly around her coffee mug.

She glanced at him nervously, feeling a mix of embarrassment and nostalgia.

“I still can’t believe I didn’t recognize you,” she admitted, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “You’ve changed so much, Alex. I’m sorry… again.”

Alex chuckled, leaning back in his chair with an easy smile. “Don’t sweat it. It’s been, what? Ten years since college? I’d be surprised if you did recognize me immediately.”

She smiled faintly, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup. “Still, slamming into your car wasn’t exactly the best way to reconnect.”

“Well,” he teased, “if you wanted my attention, Sophie, you certainly got it.”

Sophie couldn’t help but laugh softly at his playful tone, though the sound was tinged with sadness.

“So,” Alex leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Tell me about yourself. What’s life been like after college?”

Sophie hesitated, her mind racing. She wasn’t ready to spill everything—not the disaster of her marriage, not the heartbreak that lingered like a shadow.

“It’s been… okay,” she said vaguely, forcing a smile. “You know, just working, trying to figure things out.”

Alex arched a brow, clearly not satisfied with her generic answer. “That’s it? Come on, Soph. No wild adventures? No big career moves?”

Sophie shook her head, her smile faltering. “Nothing wild. Just life, really.”

Alex studied her for a moment, his brow furrowing. “What about family? Are you married?”

Sophie froze, her grip tightening on the mug.

When she didn’t respond, Alex pressed on, his tone light but curious. “What about kids? Do you have any little Sophies running around?” He chuckled at the thought.

Her silence stretched, and Alex’s laughter faded as he noticed the way her eyes dropped to the table.

“Ah,” he said softly, piecing things together. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

Her breath hitched, panic bubbling beneath the surface. She glanced away, trying to compose herself.

“It’s nothing, Alex,” she said quickly, her voice trembling despite her best efforts. “Just… a bad day, that’s all.”

Alex didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t push. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, giving her the space she clearly needed.

“If you say so,” he said gently. “But, Soph… if you ever need to talk, I’m here. Always.”

Sophie blinked back the tears threatening to spill over, nodding quickly. “Thanks, Alex.”

She couldn’t bring herself to say more. Not now. Not yet.

As they sat in the quiet café, Sophie couldn’t help but feel a small sense of relief.

Even if she couldn’t tell Alex everything, just having someone who cared—someone from her past—felt like a lifeline in the storm she was navigating.

But deep down, she knew she couldn’t keep running forever.