Behind her, Mark emerged from one of the bathroom stalls.
He, too, approached the sink, allowing the water to cascade over his fingers.
After a seemingly interminable moment, he finally glanced at Cecilia, noticing the reddened skin of her hand from excessive rubbing.
He whispered, âI wasnât expecting her to be here tonight.
Still, itâs rude to just leave.
I assure you, I didnât even share a handshake with her.
If you need proof, Peter can vouch for me.
â
Ceciliaâs gaze remained downwards, her lips catching between her teeth in contemplation.
âPeterâs loyalty lies with you.
How can he be impartial in this?â
Her tone suggested a mix of skepticism and mild frustration with Markâs reasoning, though she refrained from outwardly expressing her discontent.
In social settings, men often had to navigate tricky dynamics, and not playing along could label them as party-poopers.
Yet, as a woman, Cecilia couldnât suppress her emotions entirely.
She struggled with her feelings, unsure of how to communicate her discomfort.
Mark, yearning for Cecilia after their month-long separation, tried to caress her hair.
However, she swiftly dodged his advance.
âYou stink,â she remarked.
With a soft chuckle, Mark responded, âYouâre being a tad dramatic.
â
Gently drying his hands, he playfully pinched her cheek.
âCome, greet them with me, and afterward, we can head home together.
â
After he spoke, Mark reached out to hold Ceciliaâs hand.
Cecilia pulled away.
âI donât want to go,â she murmured, her voice taking on a gentle lilt.
Mark found the lilt endearing.
He met her gaze, and his voice hushed so others wouldnât hear.
âWhy the drama? Youâll feel left out if I donât introduce you.
Yet, if I do, youâll be all awkward.
â
Leaning on the door, Cecilia distractedly toyed with her nails.
âYou shouldnât have agreed to sit next to her.
â
Previously, Cecilia didnât complain about Flora.
After all, Flora and Charlie were Markâs buddies too.
Mark never liked ruining the mood.
But this time, someone else had invited Elaine.