Mark stood in front of Dnie's door for a long moment before finally knocking. His chest felt heavy, throat tight. When she opened the door, her eyes widened immediately.
"Mark?" she said softly, eyes scanning his tear-stained face. "Hey… what's wrong?"
Mark didn't speak. He just stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, burying his face into her shoulder. His body trembled with silent sobs as he clung to her.
"Hey… it's okay," Dnie whispered gently, holding him tight. "Take your time. I'm here."
They stood like that for minutes, while Mark quietly cried. Eventually, his sobs faded into soft sniffles.
Dnie slowly guided him to sit down on the edge of her bed. She brushed a hand through his hair and looked at him carefully.
"Did you have a fight with David?"
Mark shook his head. "No."
Then what happened?
There was a long pause before he finally said, voice raw and low, Since he came back… I can't seem to draw close to him. I don't know why. I don't feel like doing anything with him.
Dnie studied him for a second, then asked gently, "Is it because of Lainai?"
Mark didn't respond right away. His eyes lowered to the floor. Silent. But the silence said enough.
Finally, he murmured, I can't even figure it out.
Dnie exhaled softly. Maybe you just need some time.
Things have been intense, Mark. You've been through a lot emotionally and mentally. It's okay to feel this way.
He looked at her, eyes still a little red.
Why don't you talk to David? Ask for a little space. Give yourself time to understand your own heart. Maybe it's David… maybe it's Lainai… or maybe it's not even about them. Maybe it's about you.
Mark's eyes welled up again, but this time, he nodded slowly.
Dnie opened her arms again, and he hugged her tightly.
I just want to feel normal again, he whispered.
You will, she whispered back. But first, be honest with him and with yourself.
The house felt quieter than usual, even though nothing had changed.
Mark spent the rest of the morning in his room, gathering his thoughts, replaying his conversation with Dnie over and over again.
He rehearsed what he would say, how he would say it but each time, it came out differently in his head.
By afternoon, he found David in the study room, leaning against the edge of the desk, sleeves rolled up, reviewing some papers with the usual sharp focus in his eyes.
"David," Mark said quietly from the doorway.
David looked up immediately, eyes softening the moment they met Mark's. "Hey," he said, setting the papers aside. You okay?
Mark walked in slowly, his fingers curling and uncurling by his sides. "Can we talk?" he asked, voice low.
David straightened, concern already creeping into his features. Of course. Come here.
Mark didn't move closer. He stayed where he was, needing the space.
I've been trying to figure myself out lately, he began. And since you got back, I just… I don't feel like myself.
David's jaw tensed, but he stayed silent.
I know it probably looks like I'm pushing you away, Mark continued, his voice almost trembling, But not because I don't care. I do.
I just don't know what I feel anymore. Not completely. Everything's tangled.
David's eyes didn't leave his face. Is this about Lainai?
Mark hesitated. Maybe. Or maybe it's just everything being locked away for years, trying to understand what I felt for you, and then you come back like nothing ever changed.
There was a silence thick, but not hostile.
I think I need space, David.
Mark finally said. "Not because I want to walk away. But because I need to understand.
What's in my heart without the noise.
David's expression was unreadable at first, but then he nodded slowly. If that's what you need, I won't resist you on it.
Mark exhaled shakily, the weight of those words heavier than he expected.
"But just know," David added, his voice calm and firm, "I'm not going anywhere. When you're ready, I'll still be here.
Mark's throat tensed. He gave a small nod, then turned to leave the room, but before stepping out, he paused and looked back.
"Thank you… for understanding."
David just gave a faint smile, though his eyes held more than he said.
Mark stood by the doorway of David's study once again, this time calmer, more resolved.
David looked up from his tablet when he heard footsteps. He immediately straightened, sensing Mark's presence before even fully meeting his eyes.
"I want to go out for a while," Mark said.
David raised a brow. "Where to?"
Just out, Mark replied vaguely. I need some air.
David set the tablet down slowly. I'll have the car ready. And one of the men will go with you.
Mark shook his head. I don't need a car and I don't want a guard.
David's expression hardened slightly. Mark.
I'll be fine," he cut in gently but firmly.
Someone's coming to pick me up. You don't need to worry.
"I always worry," David said, voice lower, more serious now. Especially when I don't know where you're going, or with who.
Mark stepped closer, his eyes calm but unwavering. I'm not trying to shut you out. I just need this moment. Alone. Or at least, without your eyes on me.
David exhaled sharply, jaw ticking in frustration. "I don't like this."
"I know," Mark said, softer now. But I need you to trust me. I'm not running away. I'm just trying to breathe.
A long silence stretched between them. The tension hung in the air, thick and quiet.
David finally nodded once, reluctantly. Fine. But keep your phone on.
Mark smiled faintly. "I will."
And if anything happens…
"I'll call you," Mark promised.
David didn't move as Mark turned and walked out. But his gaze lingered on the door long after Mark was gone, the silence in the room louder than ever.
The city lights shimmered through the tinted car windows as Lainai drove with Mark beside her. They hadn't said much during the ride, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. Just… quiet. Mark needed it.
They arrived at a quiet rooftop café Lainai's idea. Figured you might like a place with no noise, she said.
Mark gave her a small smile. Thank you… for coming.
For you? Always, she said, nudging his shoulder playfully.
They spent a while talking, sipping coffee, the mood light and easy. Mark was more relaxed than he had been in days. It felt like he could breathe again, even just for a few hours.
But suddenly, Mark got up. I need to use the restroom. Be right back.
Lainai nodded. "Sure."
Minutes passed.
Then twenty.
She looked toward the hallway. No sign of him.
"Mark?" she called gently once, then louder. Nothing.
Her chest tightened with unease. She picked up her phone and dialed his number.
No service. Call failed.
She tried again. Still nothing.
Mark, where are you… she whispered under her breath.
Panic started to rise in her chest. She got up quickly, scanned the restroom. Empty. Vanished.
Without thinking twice, she rushed out of the café, into her car, and drove straight to David's estate.
The house was no longer calm. The clock's ticking felt like thunder.
David sat forward on the couch, elbows on his knees, his phone in his hand screen lit but useless. Every call to Mark went straight to voicemail.
"Still nothing?" Dnie asked from across the room.
David didn't answer. His jaw was clenched so tight, it looked like it hurt to breathe.
Even Tony, usually cold and indifferent, stood by the window, arms crossed. If anything happens to him, he muttered under his breath, "David will lose himself."
No one replied.
Because they all knew.
David stood suddenly. Paced. Sat down. Called again. Nothing.
Dnie placed a careful hand on his shoulder. He'll be okay.
"You don't know that," David snapped. Then his voice cracked. "You don't know that, Dnie. I already failed Father. I've done too many wrong things. If I lose him too.
Just then, the doorbell rang from the main gate.
Everyone rushed out David at the front.
As the gate swung open, hope flickered in his chest.
Lainai stood alone.
David's eyes narrowed, panicked. "Where is Mark?"
Lainai was trembling. Her voice cracked as she said, "I… I can't find him. I waited, I looked everywhere… He just disappeared. I came here hoping he was already home.
David's face went cold, drained of color.
Dnie stepped forward. Wait you lost him? How long ago?
Lainai looked down. Almost an hour now.
David's voice whisper. Broken. I'm done.
Everyone turned to him.
No, I can't fail Father and fail his son too, he muttered.