Page 170 of Checkmate
Alex wasn’t a man who had many regrets.
He didn’t feel there was much point in dwelling on things he couldn’t change. But sleeping with Sophie was the biggest regret of his life.
Every time he woke up next to her, he had the same thought.
It should have been Erica.
When she served him meals in the evening. It should have been Erica. When he saw her belly, swollen with his growing child. Goddamn, it should have been Erica.
He’d thrown his entire life away for someone who he would never love.
And now he was stuck with her until the sweet release of death.
All that to say, he really didn’t need the bullshit that landed on his doorstep today of all days.
He’d woken up already in a bad mood, ignoring Sophie’s attempts at affection as he rolled out of bed. His breakfast wasn’t ready by the time he’d finished his shower, and the normally immaculate house was looking messy and disorganised.
“Standards are slipping around here,” he said, making his own coffee for the first time he could remember in a long while.
“Learn how to take care of yourself then,” Sophie muttered, helping herself to some grapefruit. “I’m your girlfriend, not your live-in maid.”
“Clearly.”
Their argument barely had time to brew before a knock at the door distracted him. He left the kitchen, relieved to get away from the tension that was building between them. Taking his time, he pulled out his phone, checking the message he had composed the night before. He couldn’t not say something to Erica. Not today. And she should have received his gifts by now.
He wondered if she liked the necklace.
The flowers.
There was no chance in hell that Marcus had bought her anything close to what he had. Smiling at the thought, he opened the door, feeling lighter than he had in weeks.
“Mr Alex Carr?”
Blinking in surprise at the rather formal-looking man at his door, Alex nodded, signing for the envelope as the man thrust a tablet in his face. Handing back the device, he took the envelope automatically.
“Congratulations.”
Without another word, the strange gentlemen turned away, walking back onto the street. How odd. Looking down at the envelope, he frowned. What did he mean, congratulations?
Shutting the door, he made his way back to the kitchen, putting two and two together.
“Soph? Did you order something for the baby?” He asked, indicating the envelope. It was the only thing that made sense. Most people would expect to be congratulated on their child. It wasn’t a death sentence for most people.
“Oh, now you care?” She asked, barely looking up. “I don’t think so. Why?”
“I don’t know why anyone would congratulate me when handing me mail,” he said with a shrug, leaving the envelope on the counter as he returned to brewing his coffee.
“Huh? What do you mean?” Finally paying attention, Sophie paled as her eyes landed on the envelope. Snatching it up, she held it to her breast, laughing nervously. “God, silly me. Yes. Yes, it’s a surprise about the baby.”
“Yeah?” Lying bitch. “So why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?”
“Do I?” Another nervous giggle. “Probably because… Well.” She cleared her throat and composed herself. “Because I ordered this before I realised you didn’t want to be a father. It’s a wasted gift.”
“Let me be the judge of that,” he said, holding his hand out. “Give it here.”
“No. I’m just going to retu—”
“Sophie,” he said, his tone stern. “Give me the fucking envelope before I lose my patience.”
