I excused myself politely from the dining room and hurried down the hallway toward the living room. My heart raced with anticipation I had missed him more than words could ever express.
"Mark," I called out the moment I saw him. He set down his glass of juice and walked toward me, his face lighting up with that familiar smile I had longed for. "How have you been, Aurora?" he asked softly. "I'm fine," I replied, barely above a whisper. He cupped my cheeks gently, his gaze tender and deep. "You have no idea how much I missed you."
Without another word, he leaned in and kissed me. His lips captured mine with such intensity that the world around us faded into a blur. At that moment, nothing else mattered. We stayed like that for a while, lost in each other, before pulling away slightly, our foreheads resting together. "Come with me," I whispered, breathless. "I want you to meet my family."
He gave a small nod. "Hmmm."
When we arrived, the atmosphere in the dining room was thick with tension masked by polite conversation. My aunts were chattering among themselves. Grandma Amelia sat in regal elegance, deep in conversation with Dad, while Mom remained visibly quiet and distant. I was starting to get worried about her.Mark made his way over to Mom first and pecked her cheek affectionately.
"Mom," he greeted warmly.
"Son, I'm so glad you're back," she said with a weak smile, as if holding something in. He turned to Dad. "Sir." "Mark," Dad responded with a curt nod. I guided him forward. "Honey, meet my Grandma Amelia, my Aunt Olivia, and Aunt Emma."Ma'ams," Mark greeted politely, bowing his head slightly. He walked over to Grandma and kissed her hand. "It's a pleasure meeting you." How respectful," Grandma noted, inspecting him like she was appraising a gem.
"You're even more handsome in person," Aunt Olivia chimed, her eyes lingering a little longer than necessary. "Thank you, ma'am," Mark replied with a flat expression. Oh, spare me the 'ma'am' call me Aunt," she added with a flirtatious smile."Of course, Aunt," he said, offering a brief but polite smile.
"Mark dear, have a seat. Eat something," Mom said, gesturing to the seat beside me. "That's very kind of you, Mom," he replied.
"Yeah, Mom's right," I added quickly, "I'll serve you myself." That's very kind of you."
It's nothing, really," I said with a soft smile as I began placing food on his plate.
I kept feeding him spoon after spoon despite his protests. Peach, I'm satisfied," he groaned."Is that my new name now?"
"Yes, it is. Because you're my peach," he teased. Hey, stop it. My family members are watching," she muttered, glancing around with a flushed face.
I giggled. But then, Grandma Amelia cleared her throat, silencing the room. When do you two plan on having kids?" she asked, casually stabbing a piece of steak with her fork.The mood instantly shifted. I froze, glancing at Mark, who had gone completely still, his expression unreadable.Dad cleared his throat. "Mother, I think that's their choice to make."
"Nonsense," Grandma scoffed. "Don't you want to become a grandfather? It's a blessing you have a daughter now. She'll do the job her mother failed to do." A chill swept through the room."Excuse me," I said quietly, rising from my seat. I couldn't take it anymore. I turned and walked out without another word, holding back the burn behind my eyes.
"Aurora—" I heard Mom call out, but her voice sounded broken."That's it! Enough, Mother!" Dad suddenly roared, slamming his fist on the table. "You always find the slightest excuse to ruin everything!"What's wrong with what I said?" Grandma replied, unfazed. Mark stood slowly, his jaw clenched. He was a ticking bomb, and just one more word would have set him off. Kim looked up at him, pleading.
"Mark… please go after her."
"Excuse me," he muttered and strode out of the room. He caught sight of one of the maids along the hallway. "Where did Aurora go?" he asked sharply. "She's by the lake, Sir."
Without hesitation, he made his way to the lakeside. I was seated on a bench, staring at the still water as the breeze swayed through my hair.
"Hey," he said gently. "Are you okay?"
Yes, I'm fine," I replied without turning. "You should be resting… you must be tired from your trip." He stepped in front of me. "Then why did you run off?" I sighed, hugging my arms tightly around my waist. "I just couldn't stand it anymore, Mark. I've been trying so hard to smile… to act like everything's fine but I'm done pretending." Tears welled in my eyes.
"Grandma keeps picking on my mom… ever since she got here. I don't get it. I don't understand how someone can hate a woman like her. She's done nothing wrong. She's graceful, kind, strong. I'm sick of watching her get treated like she's invisible."Hey… it's okay," he said, pulling me gently into his arms. I melted into his chest and let the tears fall.
"Come on," he whispered, brushing his lips against my temple. "Let's get you warm… and maybe do a few things that make babies." I elbowed him hard. "Ouch! That hurts," he winced. "You deserve more than that for trying to pull my leg," I smirked through my tears. "Come," he said, holding out his hand.
I smiled and took it without hesitation, letting him guide me back toward the mansion.