Encounter

Chapter 39

Mark's pov:

His past is a lot worse than i could have ever imagined.

How could a father do that to his own son in exchange for money?

I felt my stomach turn as i remembered what he told me.

11 years old. His innocence was taken from him when he was only a small child.

That's why he was so uncomfortable going to luxurious places. Because these places reminded him of that night.

That one night that bastard actually smiled at him and he thought they would enjoy. The night his whole life was turned upside down.

Looking back, now i understand everything.

His fear of the bed after his panic attack.

Him not wanting me touch him.

His constant nightmares.

He never realised it but he would always curl up inside my embrace whenever i laid beside him when he slept.

He was trying to get the warmth he never got before from his own parents.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when Forth came into the kitchen.

His eyes were swollen and red. His hair was a bit messy.

He looked tired and was spacing out.

"Take an ice pack from the freezer and wrap it in this. Gently press it on your eyes. It will reduce the swelling." I gave him a small towel.

He took the towel and took an ice pack from the freezer.

I took his arm and led him to sit on one of the stools.

He gently pressed the ice pack against his eyes.

The doorbell rang just as i had finished cooking.

I looked at Forth. His eyes were a lot less swollen. But they were still a bit red.

He looked at me and nodded. He got up and went to the door.

Ria came with him a minute later.

She looked at me worriedly.

I shook my head telling her not to ask.

"Forth can you set the table? I'm almost done." I asked him.

He nodded.

He took the utensils and brought them to the table.

"Was it that bad?" She whispered when he was at the table.

"No it's not because of what happened in the company. It's something else. I can't tell you now. Just don't ask him about it. Act like you don't notice it." I answered.

She nodded.

"Forth about earlier today.... I'm so sorry. I was irritated because of something else and i took it out on you." Ria spoke up while we were eating.

Forth smiled and shook his head.

It's ok. Don't worry about it.

"No it's not. I should have asked you before jumping to conclusions." She sighed.

He pursed his lips.

I had a hunch on why he might not have shook that guy's hand. But i really hope I'm wrong.

"Was he one of the guys from that night?" I asked him slowly.

He gulped and slowly nodded.

So that's what triggered him....