Sophia's eyes met Alex's, filled with a mix of sadness and frustration. "It's just like I said... I don't want to come between you and your family, Alex. That's why I don't always tell you what Valerie and Joseph do to me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alex's expression softened, and he sat down beside her. "You're protecting me, aren't you? You don't want me to fight with my family because of you," he said, his voice laced with understanding.
Sophia nodded, looking away. "I just don't want to cause any more trouble. Your family already dislikes me, and I don't want to make it worse.
I mean it's just like I told you, our marriage is based on a contract, and when it ends, I'll be gone, and you'll be left with your family... So if I cause a problem between you and your family, when I leave, you'll suffer it all alone."
