I was still sitting there, lost in thought when Alex entered. His presence startled me, and I quickly stood up, intending to leave and give him space. But as I turned to go, his voice stopped me.

"You don't have to leave on my account," Alex said, his tone tinged with a mix of concern and hesitation.

I paused, my back to him. "I don't have to stay either. Or don't I have the right to do that?" My voice came out sharper than I intended, laced with bitterness.

"Sophie?" He called my name, then moved around to face me directly.

Before he could say anything else, I snapped, "Alex,...