Chapter 5 5

The day of the dinner arrived with a strange mix of excitement and anxiety swirling in Sophia's chest. She told herself repeatedly that it was just a meeting, a continuation of their professional discussions. Yet, as she stood before her closet, deliberating over what to wear, she couldn't ignore the nervous flutter in her stomach.

She finally settled on a sleek black dress that was elegant yet understated, paired with simple silver earrings and her favorite heels. It was professional enough for a business dinner but carried an edge of sophistication that made her feel confident.

As the cab pulled up in front of The Lumière, one of the city's most exclusive restaurants, Sophia took a deep breath. The glowing golden light spilling through the restaurant's windows made the atmosphere seem magical, almost dreamlike.

Inside, the maître d' greeted her warmly, as though she were a regular.

"Mr. Pierce is already waiting for you, Ms. Rivera," he said, gesturing toward a private table at the back of the restaurant.

Sophia followed, her heart pounding as she spotted Alexander. He was seated at the corner table, dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, his posture relaxed but commanding. When he looked up and saw her approaching, he stood, a faint smile curving his lips.

"Sophia," he said, his voice warm and rich. "You look stunning."

She felt a rush of heat creep up her neck. "Thank you," she said, forcing herself to stay composed. "This place is... impressive."

"It's one of my favorites," he said, pulling out her chair for her before sitting across from her. "Quiet, intimate, and they have an excellent wine selection."

Sophia couldn't help but notice the way his words lingered on intimate. She shifted in her seat, unsure of how to navigate the subtle shifts in their dynamic.

After the waiter poured them glasses of wine and left with their orders, Alexander leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on her.

"I've been thinking about you," he said, his tone low and direct.

Sophia blinked, caught off guard. "Thinking about me?"

"Yes," he said, unflinching. "You intrigue me, Sophia. Your passion, your insight, your ability to see the world differently-it's rare. And I value rare things."

Her breath caught at the intensity in his eyes. She wasn't sure how to respond, so she fell back on professionalism. "I'm flattered, but I'm not sure what that has to do with tonight."

"It has everything to do with tonight," he said, his expression softening. "I wanted to see if the connection I felt in the gallery was real-or if it was just my imagination."

Sophia's pulse quickened. She didn't know what she'd expected from this dinner, but it certainly wasn't this.

"And?" she asked cautiously.

Alexander smiled faintly, his gaze unwavering. "It's real."

The weight of his words hung in the air, and for a moment, Sophia felt like the world had narrowed to just the two of them. She took a sip of her wine, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

"This is... unexpected," she said finally.

"I know," Alexander said, his tone sincere. "And I don't want you to think I've forgotten the professional context of our relationship. I respect you, Sophia-your work, your talent, your ambition. But I also can't ignore the fact that I feel something when I'm around you. Something I haven't felt in a long time."

Sophia's heart was racing now, her mind scrambling to process his words. She had never been the type to mix personal and professional, and yet, here was Alexander Pierce-one of the most powerful men she'd ever met-laying his feelings bare.

"I don't know what to say," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You don't have to say anything," he said gently. "I just wanted to be honest with you. Whatever happens next is entirely up to you."

Sophia looked at him, her emotions a whirlwind of confusion, excitement, and fear. She knew this was a line she had never intended to cross, but the pull she felt toward Alexander was undeniable.

"I need time to think about this," she said finally.

"Take all the time you need," he said, his tone steady. "I'm not going anywhere."

The rest of the dinner passed in a blur of conversation-lighter topics, more neutral ground-but the undercurrent of tension remained. By the time Alexander walked her out to the waiting car, Sophia felt like she was standing on the edge of a precipice, unsure whether to leap or step back.

As he opened the door for her, he paused, his gaze lingering on her face. "Goodnight, Sophia," he said softly.

"Goodnight," she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

As the car pulled away, she couldn't help but glance back at him through the rear window. He stood there, tall and composed, watching her leave.

Sophia knew her life was about to change-she just wasn't sure how.