“I know you’re cautious because of your divorce,” he said, his tone firm. He took another step forward, stopping just close enough to make her feel it. His gaze burned into hers.
“But I’m not like your ex.”
His jaw tightened slightly, a shadow of determination crossing his face.
“Your ex-husband must have been incompetent,” he continued, his voice sharpening, “and not a good man if you had to hide him in the shadows.”
He straightened, his shoulders squaring as if presenting himself to her.
“But I’m not him.”
His voice dropped, softer now—but no less intense.
He held her gaze, not letting her look away.
“I really like you. And I want to be in a relationship with you.”
He paused, his eyes searching hers.
“So look at me,” he added, his voice low but firm. “Forget about him and don’t compare me to your ex.”
For a second, Sophia just stared at him, stunned.
Shock lingered on her face—
Then her expression shifted.
Her brows drew together. Her lips pressed into a tight line.
Anger flared.
She turned sharply, setting the shoebox down on the table with a little too much force. Then she faced him again, her brows lifting, her eyes blazing.
“You think you’re different?” she shot back. “How are you any different from him, Mr. Graves?”
She stepped closer, closing the distance between them. Her arms crossed over her chest, her chin tilting up in annoyance.
“Did you ever properly talk to your wife?”
Her voice rose as she stepped toward him.
“Did you ever give her a good life?”
Another step.
“Did you respect her the way she deserved?”
Her eyes burned with anger now, her composure cracking as every word came out sharper than the last.
Magnus’s jaw tightened, but he stayed silent.
And that only made it worse.
“My ex was just like you,” she snapped, taking another step closer, her words snapping with heat. Her finger lifted slightly as if to point at him, though it trembled with restrained emotion.
“What’s the difference between you and him?”
Her laugh was short, bitter. Her eyes burned with resentment.
