BEHIND THE FACADE R18

Vulnerable And Weak.

MIA'S POV

I stood on the balcony, the evening sun casting a warm glow over the small garden below. The flowers swayed gently in the breeze, and the insects hummed a soothing melody. But my mind wasn't at peace.

I thought about my words to Malcolm, the fury etched on his face. What would he do to me? To Mark?

A figure emerged from the side, walking slowly towards the bench. It was Mark.

Mrs. Jenkins helped him sit down before returning inside. I hurried out to him, my heart racing.

"Mia," Mark called, spotting me.

I rushed to his side, embracing him tightly. "It's such a relief to see you," he whispered, hugging me back.

"Are you okay?" I asked, scrutinizing his face.

"I'm fine," Mark replied.

"How did you come out?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. "Who let you out?"

Mark's expression turned puzzled. "I don't know why, but Malcolm had ordered his men to let me go. I'm free to go now."

I couldn't believe it. Malcolm had seemed so furious earlier. I felt a surge of gratitude towards him.

Mark noticed my change of expression. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"It's nothing," I said, shaking my head. "I'm just relieved you're fine now."

Mark's eyes locked onto mine. "Don't worry, I'm fine and I'm not leaving without you."

He took my hand in his, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

"I wish I could leave too, Mark, but I can't leave," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Why not?" Mark pressed.

I gestured towards the guards patrolling the grounds. "There's security everywhere. Cameras, guards... I won't put you in danger again."

Mark's expression turned determined. "Mia, don't you understand my love for you?"

His eyes burned with affection, melting my resolve.

"I know," I whispered. "And I'll try to get out of here on my own. Please, just take care of yourself and my mom. Tell them I'm okay."

Mark nodded, his face etched with concern. "Okay, but one more thing," he said.
"What is it?" I asked.

Mark's lips met mine in a gentle, desperate kiss.

As Mark's lips met mine, I felt a spark of attraction, but it was quickly extinguished by an unsettling sense of unease. It wasn't that Mark's kiss was unwelcome or unenjoyable; it was just that, somehow, it felt wrong. Like I was betraying a trust or crossing an invisible line. I pulled away, my heart racing with a mix of confusion and guilt.

For a fleeting moment, I sensed someone's gaze on us, like unseen eyes watching from the shadows. The sensation sent a shiver down my spine, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the turmoil within. It wasn't the fear of being discovered that had made me pull away; it was something deeper, something I couldn't quite grasp.

"Am sorry if I startled you," Mark said, his eyes searching mine, filled with concern and a hint of disappointment.

"It's fine," I replied quickly, trying to brush off the awkwardness. "We just can't be seen together." The words felt hollow, even to myself. It wasn't the secrecy that bothered me; it was the kiss itself.

Mark nodded, understanding etched on his face, but his eyes still held a hint of confusion. "I thought... never mind. Take care, Mia, and I promise to find a way to get you out of here."