After the Divorce: Crushed on My Lawyer Ex-wife

#244 “So Sudden, So Senseless.”

Sophia, Alexander, and Linda spent the day exploring the local sights and enjoying a leisurely lunch at a charming sidewalk café in downtown Minnesota. The sun was warm, and the streets were bustling with activity, creating a lively backdrop for their outing.

Linda, who hadn’t seen her daughter in some time, was particularly taken with Alexander. She noticed the way he treated Sophia with respect and affection, and she couldn’t help but be charmed by his genuine interest in the stories she shared about her childhood town.

As they walked through the local market, Linda and Alexander laughed over a stall selling outrageously huge hats, and he even persuaded her to pose for a photo wearing one. Linda found herself warming up to him more with each passing moment, appreciating his easygoing nature and the obvious love he had for her daughter.

In the evening, after a dinner filled with lively conversation and reminiscing, Sophia sensed it was the right time to have a more serious conversation with her mother. She gently asked Alexander if he wouldn’t mind giving them some space.

“Would you mind if I stole my mom for a bit?” Sophia asked, her tone light but her eyes serious.

“Of course not,” Alexander replied with an understanding smile. “I’ll head up to our room. Take all the time you need.

With Alexander gone, Sophia found her mother in the kitchen, tidying up after their meal. The room was warm, the soft light from the overhead lamp casting a comforting glow over the familiar countertops and cabinets.

“Mom, can we talk?” Sophia’s voice was slightly tremulous, betraying her nervousness.

Linda, sensing the change in tone, turned from the sink and nodded, wiping her hands on her apron. She moved to sit at the kitchen table, a sturdy piece that had seen countless family meals and deep conversations.

“What’s on your mind, honey?” Linda asked, her voice gentle, encouraging Sophia to open up.

Sophia took a deep breath, gathering her courage. The words felt heavy on her tongue, but she knew it was time to share what had been weighing on her heart.

“It’s about Dad,” Sophia began, her voice shaky. “I found out something about his death, something important.”

Linda’s expression shifted immediately to one of concern. She reached across the table, her hand outstretched to cover Sophia’s.

“Whatever it is, Sophia, we can handle it together,” Linda reassured her, her eyes locking with Sophia’s in a silent promise of support.

Sophia sat opposite her mother, Linda, at the worn kitchen table. Her heart raced as she unfolded the heavy secrets she had carried back from London.

“Mom, when I was in London, I found Grandpa’s old apartment,” Sophia began, her voice firm despite the tremor of emotion. “In it, I discovered some of his diaries and… other documents. They revealed something horrifying about Dad’s death. It wasn’t an accident-it was orchestrated, by the mafia.”

Linda’s face paled, her eyes widening with a mixture of fear and sadness. Tears welled up as she absorbed the gravity of her daughter’s words. “I’ve always suspected… It never seemed right, the way your father died. So sudden, so senseless.”

Sophia reached across the table, squeezing her mother’s hands. “I’m going to file a lawsuit, Mom. I want justice for Dad. I want to put those responsible behind bars.”

Linda nodded slowly, wiping tears from her cheeks. “That’s why I was so scared when you said you wanted to be a lawyer,” she confessed, her voice breaking. “I was afraid that you might end up like him… But I see now, you’re so much like your father. Always chasing justice, no matter the cost.”

Her resolve hardened as she looked at her determined daughter. “I will support you in this, Sophia. Whatever you need, I’m here. But promise me, after this is all over, you’ll focus on your future with Alexander. You deserve a life filled with happiness, not shadowed by the past.”

Sophia nodded the weight of her mother’s support and wisdom grounding her. “I promise, Mom. Once this is over, I’ll focus on the wedding and our life together. Alexander and I, we have plans… and you’re going to be a part of all that.”

Together, they sat in the kitchen, a strong bond of understanding and mutual support between them as they prepared for the challenges ahead, but also looked forward to the joyous moments.

The next morning, after a heartfelt breakfast together, Alexander and Sophia prepared to leave Minnesota and head back home. Packing their bags in the guest room, Sophia felt a blend of relief and resolve from having shared everything with her mother.

As they said their goodbyes at the front door, Sophia hugged her mother tightly. “I’ll keep you updated on the wedding plans, Mom. I really hope you can make it.”

Her mother chuckled warmly, the light of excitement in her eyes unmistakable. “Miss your wedding? I wouldn’t miss it for the world, honey,” she assured her, squeezing Sophia’s hand. “Just make sure to pick a date that gives me enough time to find the perfect outfit!”

With a final hug and promises to call soon, Alexander and Sophia left, feeling reassured and supported. As they drove away, Sophia looked back at her mother standing in the doorway, her heart full of mixed emotions- apprehension about the future legal battle, but also immense love and gratitude for the familial bonds that had been strengthened over the visit.