"Dad, I can explain why he did that," Aurora said, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and love.
"I love him so much, and I know you're not particularly fond of him… but please, trust me. There's no way Mark would ever do something to hurt me." William exhaled slowly, running a hand over his weary face.
"Hazel," he said, using her childhood name, "I just want you to be careful. I don't know what it is, but there's something off about him. A gut feeling I can't shake." "Please, Dad. Mark has been through so much that's why he can come off as cold. But beneath all that, he has a good heart. If you just got to know him better, you'd see he's not the man you think he is."
Unbeknownst to her, Mark stood just behind the slightly opened door of the bedroom, hearing every word. His heart clenched at the sound of her unwavering trust. She believed in him. Loved him. Defended him… even to her father. But the guilt that had been clawing at his chest refused to let go. If she ever finds out the truth… will she still look at me the same way?
Unable to bear it, Mark turned and walked away out of the mansion, out of the light his steps heavy with turmoil. "I assure you, everything is fine. I love you, Dad. "I love you too, cupcake," William replied, though his voice still carried the weight of concern.
Aurora ended the call with a gentle smile, but that smile slowly faded as she checked the time. Past seven… and no sign of Mark.
That was unusual. Mark was a man of precision never late, never unreachable. Her fingers trembled slightly as she dialed his number. It rang… then straight to voicemail.
Panic prickled her skin.
She left the room and took the elevator down, her heart pounding. The doors slid open and she hurried out. "Richard!" she called.The loyal butler stepped forward.
"Ma'am?"
"Where's Mark? Did he leave a message for you? "Sir came in briefly not long ago but left again shortly after. He didn't say much."
Aurora frowned. "He didn't come up to the room… and then he just left again?" Richard nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
"Alright. Thank you. I'll try calling him again."
Her worry deepened. She turned swiftly. "Scorpion! Scorpion!" she called. The tall, muscular bodyguard appeared at once, bowing slightly. "Ma'am? "Where is your boss?"
"He asked to be left alone, ma'am. He's around the estate. Sometimes he takes these walks to clear his head… I think he's upset about something. "Is it work-related?" she asked, her voice soft with concern. "I'm not sure of the details, ma'am." Alright. Thank you."
Meanwhile, Mark walked the quiet path along the estate grounds, haunted by the words he had overheard. She trusts me so much… how will I face her if she ever finds out that I killed Jake? The memory gnawed at him. It was a decision he made in the name of justice and Ego, in the heat of pain but now, that choice was carving a hole into his soul. "Why now?" he whispered bitterly. "Why do I regret it now?"
Because she believes you're good. Because she sees a heart that even you can't believe exists anymore… His thoughts were interrupted. "Scorpion, I told you to leave me alone," he snapped, spinning around.
"I'm sorry, Boss, but… your wife is looking for you." Mark exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. I'll go." Aurora was pacing the floor like a worried child when the door opened. Her eyes fell on him, and without a second thought, she ran into his arms.
"Where were you?" she demanded breathlessly. I was worried sick! Are you okay? Did something happen?" Her voice cracked as she fired off each question. "I'm alright, Peach," Mark said gently, stroking her back. "I just needed to clear my mind. It's nothing serious." Did I do something wrong?" she asked, stepping back to study his face.
"Of course not. You did nothing wrong."
He smiled faintly. "I promise, there's nothing to worry about." Have you eaten?" Mark nodded. Instantly, he regretted it.Aurora's eyes welled with tears. "You had dinner without me?"
Hey… don't cry, please. I'm sorry," he whispered, cupping her cheeks. "I had a meeting with some French clients. We had dinner at the restaurant. But I'll eat again, just to make it up to you." Her lips trembled.
"I don't know why I reacted like that… I just feel like you're hiding something from me."
Mark stiffened.
"Is something bothering you?" Why would you think that?" I don't know, you tell me," she said, stepping back slightly. "Why would you come home and not even come upstairs? Why would you leave again without a word? It doesn't make sense to me, Mark." He looked away, swallowing hard. I just needed air. I needed to clear my head. Please, trust me, Peach I'm not hiding anything from you."
She stared at him for a long moment… then nodded slowly. I trust you, Mark." Those words sliced through his chest like a knife. Because deep down, he knew if that trust ever shattered… there'd be no fixing it.
He pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as if she were the last thing keeping him grounded to the earth.