Dan's eyes sparkled with mirth as he turned to Adam, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Oh, my dear friend," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial, "that girl has stolen something again." Adam's eyes widened in alarm as he replied, "Wait, what? Again?" Dan's smile deepened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, again... my heart this time," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Adam's face fell, his expression a mixture of disappointment and concern. "My dear fellow, you know your status?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. "You're the son of one of the richest businessmen in the country. Your father's bread company spans 17 countries. He'll never allow you to bring that girl into his house." Dan's smile faltered, his eyes clouding over with a hint of sadness. "I know, Adam, I know," he replied, his voice tinged with resignation.
The next day, Marlin failed to appear at the mart, leaving Dan feeling restless and anxious. He decided to take matters into his own hands, setting out to search for her and ensure her safety. As he wandered the streets, his ears picked up the sound of a girl's screams, followed by the jeers and catcalls of a group of rowdy men. Dan's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the girl's voice - it was Marlin.
Without hesitation, Dan sprang into action, his fists clenched and his eyes blazing with fury. He charged into the fray, his voice ringing out as he confronted the group of men. "Teasing her means teasing my ego, and you've already triggered it well. I wish you'd leave here alive after this." One of the men, a burly punk with a sneer on his face, stepped forward, his hand grasping Dan's collar. "You little boy, giving us threats? What a joke."
Dan's eyes flashed with anger as he grasped the punk's wrist, his grip tightening until the man screamed in pain. "Yes, I threatened you!" Dan spat, his voice low and menacing. With a swift twist of his arm, Dan sent the punk crashing to the ground, his spine cracking beneath the impact. The other men attacked, but Dan dodged and weaved, his movements swift and deadly. He dispatched them with ease, his fists flying as he defended Marlin's honor.
As the last man fell to the ground, Dan turned to Marlin, his chest heaving with exertion. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice softening as he gazed into her tear-stained face. Marlin nodded, her eyes welling up with tears as she whispered, "Sorry, I made you fight. Stop caring about me. I can't give you anything in return for your kindness." Dan's face darkened, his eyes burning with intensity as he pushed Marlin against the wall. His lips crashed down on hers, the world around them melting away as they lost themselves in the kiss.
Time seemed to stand still for Marlin, her mind reeling as she struggled to process the sensations coursing through her body. She wanted to push Dan away, but at the same time, she yearned for him to continue, to never stop. Dan's lips finally left hers, his voice whispering in her ear, "I'm in love with you." Marlin's heart skipped a beat, her mind frozen in shock. She wanted to reply, to tell Dan that she felt the same way, but her voice seemed stuck in her throat, unable to escape.