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After the Divorce: Crushed on My Lawyer Ex-wife Chapter 213 by GloryWrites

#213 “I See. I Won’t Impose Any Further.”

As Sophia stood at the doorstep of Benjamin’s home, the moment he opened the door, his expression was a clear testament to his reluctance. His gaze, devoid of warmth, seemed to assess her as if she were a stranger rather than a sibling. Sophia, however, had braced herself for this. The lack of a welcoming smile did not deter her; the opportunity to mend fences was worth enduring the initial chill.

“Come in,” Benjamin said, stepping aside with a curt motion. His tone was as cool as the London air swirling in from behind her.

Sophia stepped inside, her heart pounding but her resolve steady. Thank you for agreeing to see me, Benjamin. I know this might be awkward, but…”

Benjamin cut her off with a terse wave of his hand. “Let’s not do this in the doorway. I have someone else coming. Wait in the living room.”

Despite the brusqueness of his invitation, Sophia was grateful for the chance to have this conversation. She nodded and moved to the living room. As she sat down, her eyes were drawn to the TV, where a news report was playing. The focus was on Alexander, and the anchor was not holding back.

“With the recent developments swirling around the Stone family, questions are now being raised about Alexander Stone’s motives in marrying Sophia Johnson. Critics argue that this union is nothing more than a strategic move to consolidate more power and influence in the business world. Is this a genuine relationship, or are we seeing a calculated alliance designed to outmaneuver rivals and secure a greater share of the market?”

The reporter on the scene didn’t hesitate to confront Alexander with intrusive questions: “Mr. Stone, can you tell the public what the real reason behind your marriage is? Is it love, or is it a merger of convenience between two powerful families? How do you respond to allegations that your marriage is just a facade to cover more ambitious business strategies?”

Sophia felt a surge of indignation. The media’s portrayal was far from the truth, and the speculative nature of the questions only served to distort the public’s perception of their relationship. She knew the love between her and Alexander was real, untainted by the Machiavellian insinuations being broadcast.

Before she could dwell further on the report, Benjamin re-entered the room, his demeanor slightly softened by what seemed to be a mix of curiosity and cautious interest in her reaction to the broadcast.

“Ridiculous, isn’t it?” Benjamin remarked, nodding toward the TV. ” The lengths to which people will go to spin a narrative.”

Sophia turned off the television, her expression solemn. “It’s far from the truth. Alexander and I…”

Benjamin held up a hand, signaling her to stop. “I didn’t bring you here to talk about your boyfriend or defend your marriage to the press. But since it’s clear you’ve got a lot on your plate, let’s sit down and address the real reason you’re here.”

The ice in his voice had cracked slightly, giving way to a hint of willingness to engage, Sophia sensed this was her opening, a precarious opportunity to delve into the heart of their familial estrangement and perhaps uncover a pathway to reconciliation.

As Sophia and Benjamin made their way toward the dining room, the front door creaked open to reveal a young woman stepping into the entrance hall. Her presence was immediately commanding, with a confident air about her and curves that she seemed all too aware of how to accentuate. The woman caught sight of Sophia and her initial neutral expression quickly shifted to a discernible frown.

“Benjamin, I was just leaving,” the woman said, her tone taking on a notably warmer, almost affectionate quality as she addressed him. She turned to Sophia, offering a brisk nod. ” I’m Becky.”

Sophia returned the nod, trying to mask her surprise at the sudden chill in the air. “Sophia,” she replied, her voice steady despite the palpable tension.

Becky’s eyes lingered on Sophia for a moment longer, her lips curving into a semblance of a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Nice to meet you,” she said, though the politeness felt forced. Turning back to Benjamin, her demeanor shifted dramatically; she was all smiles and gratitude. “Thank you for having me over, Benjamin. It was… enlightening.”

With that, Becky made her exit, her departure leaving a lingering question in the air. Sophia couldn’t help but wonder if Becky’s less-than-warm reception of her was influenced by the media reports circulating about her and Alexander. It was an unsettling thought, one that Sophia couldn’t shake off as easily as she would have liked.

Once Becky’s footsteps had faded away, Sophia’s curiosity got the better of her. “Was Becky being cold because of what she’s heard in the news?” Sophia couldn’t help but ask.

Benjamin, who had been watching Becky leave with an unreadable expression, turned to Sophia. His features softened slightly, a sign that perhaps he was warming up to having a genuine conversation. “Becky? Oh, she’s my new secretary,” he explained, his tone casual, almost dismissive. “As for her attitude, let’s not worry about that. People react in all sorts of ways to the news. It’s best not to take it personally.”

Sophia nodded, understanding the futility of dwelling on the opinions of others, especially when those opinions were shaped by sensationalized reports. However, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease that Becky’s demeanor had sparked within her.

Seeing Sophia’s contemplative state, Benjamin cleared his throat, signaling a desire to steer the conversation away from the topic of his secretary and the awkward encounter. “Anyway, let’s not get sidetracked. You wanted to talk, and I’m here. Let’s get back on topic.”

Sophia took a deep, steadying breath and began. “Benjamin, I’m here for several reasons. First, I want to clear the air between us. Regardless of everything, we’re family. And it pains me that we’ve allowed this awkwardness to distance us. Remember how we used to be? I miss that. I’d like for us to find a way back to some kind of understanding, to be able to communicate openly again.”

Benjamin’s response was immediate and sharp, slicing through the hopeful atmosphere Sophia tried to create. ” Sophia, things can’t just go back to how they were. Especially not now,” he said, his tone laced with a cold finality that seemed to settle between them like an unbridgeable chasm.

Sophia’s heart sank. She sat in silence, grappling with the rejection. It stung, reminding her of all the complex layers of their fractured relationship. She respected his stance, painful though it was to accept. Benjamin had every right to distance himself if he chose to; she couldn’t force a reconciliation.

Feeling a mixture of defeat and resolve, Sophia slowly rose from her seat. “I see. I won’t impose any further,” she said quietly, not wanting to overstay her welcome or add to the tension. It was then, just as she was about to walk away, that Benjamin’s voice stopped her.

“Wait,” he said, and there was something new in his voice, a hint of something that wasn’t there before.” After everything, you’re still my sister, Sophia. And I don’t want to lose you from my life, not after what we’ve been through together. Things may never be the same between us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to understand each other again, to find a new way forward.

Sophia paused, turning to face him, a spark of hope flickering in her heart. His words, unexpected yet sincere, reached her in a way she hadn’t anticipated. She smiled, genuinely touched by his concession.

“Thank you, Benjamin,” she said, warmth flooding her voice. “You’ve always had a big heart. I appreciate you giving us a chance to mend things.”

“Now that we’ve agreed on that. Tell me the other reason you came for,” asked Benjamin.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!
After the Divorce: Crushed on My Lawyer Ex-wife by GloryWrites

After the Divorce: Crushed on My Lawyer Ex-wife by GloryWrites

Score 9.5
Status: Completed Type: Author: Native Language: English

Rumors spread about the city's wealthiest man, Alexander Stone, abandoning his wife after three years of a secret marriage to marry the daughter of a state senator for personal gain.

However, his wife surprised everyone by calmly modifying their divorce agreement to demand compensation for her husband’s failure to fulfill his duties as a husband. She is entitled to half of his company. And when the man offers a reward for her whereabouts, he puts himself in the hands of his top lawyer advisor, unknowingly she is the abandoned ex-wife who is set to take half of his company.

Chapter 1 "It Would Be On My Terms, Not Yours." "This is Mr. Stone’s divorce agreement, Mrs. Stone," Alexander Stone’s butler, Charles said as he handed a large manila envelope to Sophia. "Mrs. Stone, you have a three-day window to sign the agreement and vacate the premises." Charles watched Sophia with indifference, his demeanor calm as he spoke. Although Sophia had been anticipating this moment, her heart sank upon the mention of the divorce agreement. She glanced at Charles, accepted the envelope, and extracted the divorce agreement from within. "Ten million dollars of alimony as long as he never lays eyes on me again?" she scoffed, looking straight at Charles, whose expression remained inscrutable. "How can he possibly believe he can get away with such an absurd demand?" She continued reading, "In accordance with the terms of the divorce agreement, it is acknowledged that Sophia Stone has failed to fulfill her marital obligations for a period of three years. As a result, Alexander Stone reserves the right to initiate divorce proceedings." "This is ridiculous. How could I fulfill my duties when I couldn’t even see my so-called husband? He's never been under the same roof with me in three years." Sophia tossed the papers aside. What a mockery this made of her marriage. She felt like Alexander was shrugging her off. Like she was the water on a dog's back that he simply got rid of by shaking vigorously. She felt insulted. Three years ago, Sophia reluctantly entered a marriage arranged by her grandfather, who had laid out three tasks to her during this marriage: stay out of the public eye, assist Alexander in taking over Stone Enterprise, and be his unwavering support. Though the contractual stipulation that she remain invisible to the public eye always puzzled her, she had promised her grandfather to not disappoint him. She resigned from her powerful position at her own law firm, and tried to embrace her role as the low-profile wife of a CEO who never appeared in public. Alexander took over Stone Enterprise soon after they united, and then, he became the world champion in hide-and-seek. In the beginning, she tried to maintain a connection with her husband by preparing lunches and visiting his workplace. Yet, she soon realized that Alexander was either never at the office or too preoccupied to meet her. After six months of futile attempts, she accepted the bitter truth that fulfilling her grandfather's directives was impossible. She channeled her energy into developing her hobbies, all in her pursuit of self-improvement, persuading herself to see this period of respite as a relief from her life as a renowned lawyer and founder of the world-famous law firm. Yet, she refused to touch a single cent of the money he sent her. She had her own income, enough to lead a comfortable life until the end of her days She was certain that her marriage would eventually come to an end, but she was appalled by the way Alexander Stone twisted the narrative to paint her as the one who had failed in her marital duties. Sophia took a deep breath, resisting the urge to express her anger, and instead, she said sarcastically, “Well, where might my charming husband be today? As far as I can remember, a divorce agreement takes place between a husband and a wife, not a husband’s butler and a wife. Not to mention the fact that it’s an agreement and is thus supposed to include my terms as well, not just his.” Charles stiffened his posture and replied, "Mr. Stone is in town, most likely at his office.” "Oh? Is he alone, or was he accompanied by someone?" Sophia didn't say it directly, but her message was clear. “I cannot say for certain. All I can tell you is that he wishes for you to sign these papers, and he emphasized that he does not need to be present while you do so. That is precisely the way he prefers it." "As always, it's what Mr. Stone prefers. He didn't want to see me even at the end of our marriage, did he?" accused Sophia. Charles didn’t answer her retort, he simply bowed to her, then turned on his heels and began walking away. After the sound of his receding footsteps had vanished, Sophia picked up her phone and called Alexander's office number—the only contact information she had for him which she had never even used in their three years of marriage. She was determined to know what was going on with this agreement that treated her as if she were a doll to be manipulated. The phone kept ringing, but nobody picked up. She dialed again. Her patience and virtue had limits, and he was dancing dangerously close to those limits. On her third try, the call was finally answered. It was a young woman’s voice. "CEO's office." "Hello, I'd like to speak to Alexander." "Who’s speaking?" the woman asked abruptly. Sophia frowned when she heard the rude reply, but she kept her tone calm. "I'm his wife. You're not his secretary, are you?" The woman scoffed and didn’t even bother to answer her question. "Oh, I see. It's his ex-wife to be precise. What do you want with Alexander?" Sophia resisted the urge to get angry and said, "I have questions about the divorce terms he gave me." The dismissive voice on the other end of the line replied, "He won't answer you. His attitude is already clear in the divorce agreement. As a useless wife, he feels that he has already given you enough. What more do you want?" Sophia was especially caught by a couple of very specific words. "Useless wife? Is that what he said?" The woman continued to play on her nerves. "You shouldn't expect any more than what you’ve got. Just leave him. You didn’t deserve him anyway." As Sophia's frustration threatened to boil over, she suddenly heard the approach of a man's voice from the other end of the phone. Her heart raced in anticipation. "Emily, why are you answering my phone without permission? Stop being ridiculous!" The voice identified as Emily responded with an unsettlingly playful giggle. "Alex, your wife is calling you. She has some questions about the divorce agreement," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Sophia couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. So, this was the sordid truth behind the disintegration of their marriage – all for his mistress. Alexander hesitated, the silence stretching out agonizingly before he finally picked up the phone. His voice oozed with disdain and indifference as he coldly declared, "I no longer have the need to sustain this marriage. I have given you enough money, and there's no need for further discussion." Then, without a second thought, he hung up the phone. Sophia stayed with her phone attached to her ear for a few seconds after they had finished the conversation. Restless and agitated, Sophia paced around her living room, her frustration bubbling over. "Useless wife?" she muttered angrily. "What right does he have to call me that? He was never around as a husband, so what does he know about marriage?" The feeling of disgust and humiliation consumed her. "Is this really how he sees me? Tossed aside like an old, worn-out rag once I no longer serve his purpose?" Sophia had clung to hope in the early days of their marriage, telling herself that arranged marriages succeeded all the time. "If I shower him with love, patience, and unwavering support, hoping like an idiot he'll eventually see the powerful, intelligent, and remarkable woman I am," she murmured to herself the entire time. "And now this divorce papers," she grumbled, "With which he mocks me by throwing the blame on me, when he and only he is to blame." But she refused to be silenced, dismissed, or swayed by the lure of mere money. "If this is the callous attitude he wants to take," she vowed, "then he has another thing coming. I won't let him escape the consequences of this ill-fated marriage without a battle." After a few moments, she picked up the papers strewn across the floor. She read through them once again, her eyes narrowing with determination. "Dear, dear ex-husband," she muttered, a triumphant smile playing on her lips, "it's truly a shame you never bothered to get to know the real me. That's going to be the biggest mistake of your life." With a flourish, she tore the divorce agreement in half and tossed it into the trash can. "Ten million dollars?" she scoffed, addressing herself. "It's peanuts compared to the three years' worth of sacrifices I've put into this relationship.” "Ten million dollars as a tuition fee for the lesson I'm about to teach Alexander? Laughably inadequate," she proclaimed. "I can get this kind of money just from one case of my law firm." If we're going to get a divorce, it'll be on MY terms, not his.

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