Under The Winter Sky

Chapter 17: Cracks Beneath the Surface

The snowstorm that rolled in the night before blanketed the cabin and surrounding forest in an untouched sheet of white. Inside, the crackling fireplace provided warmth, but Sophie felt a distinct chill as she replayed yesterday's events in her mind.

Rebecca's sudden arrival had unsettled her more than she wanted to admit. She trusted Alex, but Rebecca's confident demeanor and lingering feelings for him gnawed at her thoughts.

"Hey," Alex's voice broke through her reverie.

Sophie looked up from her mug of coffee, offering a small smile. "Morning."

He studied her, concern flickering in his blue eyes. "You're quiet today. Is everything okay?"

She hesitated. "I guess I'm just thinking about... yesterday."

Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Sophie, I told you-Rebecca's in the past. She doesn't mean anything to me anymore."

"She clearly doesn't think so," Sophie said, her tone sharper than she intended.

Alex frowned, setting his mug down on the table. "You're not seriously doubting me, are you?"

"It's not about doubting you," Sophie replied quickly. "It's about her. She seems... determined."

Alex moved closer, taking her hands in his. "Rebecca showing up was unexpected, but I meant what I said. You're the one I'm with now. You're the one I want to be with."

Sophie wanted to believe him, but her unease lingered. Before she could respond, there was another knock at the door.

Her stomach twisted.

Alex gave her hands a reassuring squeeze before heading to the door. Sophie followed a few steps behind, her breath catching when the door swung open to reveal Rebecca once again.

"Good morning," Rebecca said brightly, as though yesterday's confrontation hadn't happened. She held a small basket in her hands, filled with what appeared to be baked goods.

Alex's expression darkened. "Rebecca, what are you doing here?"

"I thought I'd bring you two some breakfast," Rebecca said, her smile unwavering. She glanced past Alex, her gaze landing on Sophie. "I didn't get a chance to properly introduce myself yesterday. You must be Sophie."

Sophie stepped forward, forcing a polite smile. "I am. Nice to meet you, Rebecca."

Rebecca's eyes flickered with something Sophie couldn't quite identify-amusement? Challenge?-before she extended the basket. "I made these myself. I hope you like cinnamon rolls."

Alex crossed his arms. "Rebecca, you didn't have to-"

"I wanted to," Rebecca cut in smoothly. "It's the least I can do for an old friend."

Sophie took the basket, her fingers brushing against Rebecca's for a brief moment. "Thank you. That's very kind of you."

Rebecca's smile widened. "You're welcome. I just thought I'd stop by and see how you're both doing. It's not every day I find myself in the middle of nowhere."

Alex sighed, clearly frustrated. "Rebecca, we're fine. But you can't just keep showing up like this."

"I'm not trying to intrude," Rebecca said, her tone light but her eyes locked on Alex. "I just thought it'd be nice to catch up. Besides, I'll be staying in town for a while. Maybe we could have dinner, like old times?"

Sophie's grip on the basket tightened. "I think Alex and I have plans for the foreseeable future."

Rebecca raised an eyebrow, clearly picking up on Sophie's protective tone. "Of course. Well, I'll leave you two to your morning. But don't be strangers, okay?"

With that, she turned and walked back down the snow-covered path, her boots crunching softly against the ice.

Alex closed the door with more force than necessary, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"She's not going to stop, is she?" Sophie asked, setting the basket on the counter.

Alex sighed. "She's stubborn, but she'll get the message eventually."

Sophie nodded, though Rebecca's parting words echoed in her mind. Something about the woman's calm confidence made Sophie feel like Rebecca wasn't going to give up so easily.

As the day wore on, Sophie tried to shake off her unease, but it clung to her like a shadow. She couldn't help but wonder what Rebecca's next move would be-and whether she and Alex were truly prepared to face it together.

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