novelnext Chapter 28
Chapter 28
The message claimed that the woman in the photo was Mark's fiancée from abroad.When I enlarged the photo and studied Mark and the woman's expression, I noticed they looked neutral. Whatever his past was, I did not care anymore."What's got you so engrossed?" Mark had finished cleaning up and walked over, his long fingers still dripping water so he quickly grabbed a napkin to dry them. When he saw the photo, he froze, momentarily caught off guard.Seeing his strange reaction, I closed my phone and did not want to talk any longer. I started to leave but Mark pulled me into his arm.
"Bella," he called out softly and looked at me with a pitiful look.
"My family arranged our engagement. I met the girl once and canceled the engagement right away. How can she be my fiancée?"
I turned my head to look at him. There was a touch of jealousy in my voice when I asked, "So, why did you look so nervous just now?"Mark clasped her hands, rested his chin on her shoulder and rubbed against her like a puppy seeking comfort.
"Of course, I'm nervous. I don't want you to misunderstand."
"Our parents were just joking around," he continued. "Even my folks knew I already had someone in my heart. The girl wasn't interested in me either. We both agreed immediately to call it off."
"My heart has only ever belonged to you," he declared honestly as his eyes fixed on mine. His hair fell messily across his forehead.Mark was so good at being pitiful and seducing people.
This thought crossed my mind as I leaned forward to plant a gentle kiss on the corner of his mouth."Got it," I murmured. "I never doubted you."Mark was so happy. It was the first time I had kissed him voluntarily. His thumb brushed over the back of my hand as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against my cheek. The atmosphere grew increasingly intimate and I found myself swept up in the moment.
As we cuddled together, Mark warmed her cold hands with his own before pressing me gently onto the couch. He lowered his head and captured my lips in a deep kiss.
Our breathing mingled, lips and tongues intertwining. His fingers found the hem of my sweater, then they slipped in to touch my soft skin.However, he buried his head in the crook of my neck and paused. Reluctantly, he pulled his hand back."Rest well," he said, his voice husky and breathless. "I should go."Even though his breath still labored, he forced himself to get up. Though he wanted to keep hugging me and being intimate with me, this was not the time.He worried I would think he was taking advantage of my vulnerability.I watched as he stood and took out the trash as he left. It was only when the door clicked shut, I realized Mark had fled.
Over the next few days, Mark came over to cook meals and care for me. Thanks to his attentive efforts, I recovered in no time.We shared a comfortable routine, even going grocery shopping together. This ordinary, domestic romance was something Mark had dreamed of for so long. He couldn't get enough of Bella's presence, constantly wanting to be by her side.