Mark brushed past Charlie, focused solely on Cecilia.

Flora's complexion shifted between pale and flushed.

They had been friends for years and occasionally joked around Like this.

Flora knew there was no real intimacy between her and Mark.

Realizing Cecilia had misinterpreted the situation, Flora resolved to clarify things on Mark's behalf at a later time.

Mark, meanwhile, hastened to catch up with Cecilia just as she reached the door.

As she was about to open her car door, Mark grasped her arm.

With a determined pull, he drew Cecilia into his embrace.

Cecilia resisted, her fists lightly beating against his chest.

"Release me, Mark. Please."

But Mark held on.

Employing all his strength, he enveloped her in his arms.

He sought her gaze, but she evasively turned away. Her voice was a soft plea.

"Please, don't create a scene. Release me."

With one hand securing her, Mark used the other to gently tilt her chin.

He compelled her to face him.

His voice was low and raspy, betraying his emotion.

"You claimed you didn't want to reconcile, that we were finished. Why, then, do tears fall seeing me with another? Have you not ceased to care, Cecilia?"

"Quit taunting me. I avoid your gaze solely to spare my sight," she countered sharply.

Yet, she averted her eyes, cheeks flushed in mortification.