In truth, Marcus was most averse to Millie witnessing the extent of his agony—the sensation of being incapacitated by pain, reduced to helplessness.
This pain was venomous, akin to serpents and scorpions relentlessly rending at his wound. Despite his robust endurance and considerable vitality, he struggled to remain composed when the agony surged.
Marcus’ eyes flickered with contemplation. Rising to his feet, he approached the bookshelf and extracted a rectangular container. Revealing its contents, he disclosed a transparent vial housing a concoction.
“Have you readied the specialties I requested?” Marcus inquired. “Everything has been prepared,” Derek affirmed.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtObserving the container’s contents, Derek gleaned Marcus’ intention.
Marcus intended to briefly quell the pain with this unique elixir. However, it wouldn’t effect a permanent remedy. It would merely offer transient respite, masking the severity of the wound for a limited duration while postponing the requisite treatment.
Derek yeamed to convince Marcus otherwise, but he recognized the futility of his efforts; Marcus wouldn’t be swayed.
Meanwhile, Millie returned hbearing groceries. Upon entering her apartment, she beheld the scene before her, her eyes doubting their perception. Marcus and Derek were present.
The individuals she had exerted herself to catch up with now stood before her, their sudden appearance confounding.
Millie lingered in the doorway, momentarily stunned. Marcus approached, softly addressing her, “Millie, I’ve returned.”
Millie blinked, confirming the reality before her. However, despite the authenticity of the scene, she wasn’t exactly overjoyed.
Issuing a faint Hmm, she moved past Marcus and positioned the groceries on the table.
Derek hesitated momentarily, then gestured towards several sizable bags of walnuts in the living room, directing praise towards Marcus.
“Mrs. Thomas, these are the regional delicacies you requested: Braedenel walnuts.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmMr. Thomas personally selected them.”
Millie glanced at the bags of walnuts, her expression growing even chillier. Was this a show? Did they genuinely recall her specific request?
Derek eyed Marcus. Millie was genuinely displeased. How should they navigate this situation?
Furrowing his brow slightly, Marcus waved his hand, indicating that Derek should leave.
Once Derek departed, Marcus approached Millie and grasped her hand. “I’m back. Why are you still upset?”
Millie retracted her hand.
“Mr. Thomas, you appear rather out of sorts. It’s not that I’m unhappy. I’m quite content. It’s just that earlier, on the road, your car sped pastwithout a hint of recognition. I was quite foolish to think I could outpace a car and catch up.”
Mr. Thomas? Millie’s words struck like a dagger at Marcus’ heart, a pang of ache coursing through him. He couldn’t bear to witness her suffering. How could he allow her to chase after a speeding car?