Destiny of true love

Episode 8

After one week, at Galaxy bar, at 5:30 P.M., a group of people were enjoying their drinks. The ambiance was vibrant, and conversations filled the air.

A young man, presumably Mark, was engrossed in a discussion about an upcoming project scheduled for the next week. His focus on work seemed unwavering, drawing the attention of those around him.

"Come on, Mark, don't you have any other topics other than work-related to talk about with me?" the girl said, expressing her complaint. It was evident to anyone observing that she had a major crush on the young man, her feelings laid bare in her words.

The Galaxy bar, with its lively atmosphere and dimly lit surroundings, provided the backdrop for this moment. The intersection of personal and professional lives unfolded in the conversations and dynamics within the group, adding a touch of intrigue to the scene.

As the evening continued, the characters in this enigmatic tale found themselves once again drawn together, their lives intertwining in unexpected ways within the Galaxy bar's walls.

Who wouldn't get attracted to Mark Anderson's seductive dark blue eyes? The allure of his gaze seemed to captivate those around him, and the atmosphere in the Galaxy bar crackled with a subtle tension.

The girl, clearly enamored by Mark's presence, couldn't help but express her thoughts. “Who will just be blabbering about work to a beautiful and sexy girl like me? Is he innocent, or is there something wrong with him?” she wondered aloud, her curiosity piqued by the enigma that was Mark Anderson.

Mark, ever composed and direct, simply smiled and responded, “I have no idea about what to talk about with you other than work.” His honesty cut through the potential pretenses, laying bare his straightforward approach to the conversation.

Mark's straightforward attitude, though initially surprising, seemed to have intrigued Emily rather than put her off. With a playful grin, she remarked, "You are so rude, Mark. But I like your straightforward attitude." Her words were accompanied by an impressed look and a genuine smile that softened the edges of her initial assessment.

Mark, not one to dwell on compliments, simply nodded his head in acknowledgment and took a casual sip of his orange juice. The two of them sat in a corner of the upscale restaurant, the ambiance a mix of subdued lighting and soft background music. It was an unexpected setting for a conversation that had started with a professional tone but had now taken on a more personal note.

Emily, never one to shy away from probing questions, observed Mark's choice of beverage and couldn't resist delving into the topic. "Why are you not drinking any alcohol?" she asked, her tone carrying a playful hint of curiosity. "Are you prohibited from drinking alcohol by your girlfriend?" Her eyes twinkled with a mix of mischief and genuine interest.

Mark raised an eyebrow, a subtle indication that her assumption was far from accurate. "No, it's not about any prohibition from a girlfriend," he replied, his voice steady. "I just prefer not to drink, especially when I have an early morning the next day. Alcohol tends to slow me down, and I like to start my day fresh and focused."

Emily's curiosity deepened, and she leaned in slightly, a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes. "So, you're a man of discipline, then. I respect that. But tell me, is there a story behind this aversion to alcohol, or is it just a personal choice?"

Mark considered her question for a moment, the corner of his mouth quirking up in a half-smile. "It's not a dramatic story. Just a matter of preference. I've seen the effects of excessive drinking, and it's not something I find appealing. Plus, I've always been more of a morning person."

Emily chuckled, appreciating the honesty in his response. "Fair enough, Mark. I can't say I share the same discipline, but I can respect it. So, no wild party stories or regrettable decisions to share?" She teased, her words laced with a playful charm.

Mark's eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement. "Not as wild as you might imagine. I prefer a good book or a quiet evening over a crowded bar any day."

Their conversation continued to flow effortlessly, weaving between lighthearted banter and more meaningful exchanges. Mark's straightforwardness, rather than being a barrier, became a bridge that allowed them to traverse the uncharted territory between professionalism and personal connection.

The lively atmosphere of the upscale restaurant was momentarily interrupted as a young man approached Mark, breaking the rhythm of his conversation with Emily. The stranger exuded an air of exuberance, a stark contrast to the subdued ambiance that had enveloped Mark and Emily's corner.

"Hey Mark, come on, my friend. Let's have some fun tonight," the young man declared with a broad smile, offering a vibrant cocktail in a stylish glass. The liquid inside shimmered under the ambient lights, a tempting invitation to join in the revelry of the night.

Mark, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected interruption, hesitated for a moment. He glanced at the offered cocktail, a brief flicker of contemplation crossing his features. Emily observed the exchange with a raised eyebrow, curious about this sudden twist in their evening.

Without uttering a word, Mark accepted the cocktail from the young man named Nike. The glass felt cool against his hand, and the fruity aroma wafted through the air. It was a gesture that signaled a departure from Mark's earlier declaration of abstaining from alcohol for the evening.

"Sorry, buddy," Mark began, addressing Nike with a friendly yet firm tone. "I can't drink tonight as I have to pick up my sister. I'll just pass on it for today only." He offered an apologetic look, a subtle acknowledgment of the invitation extended to him.

Nike, undeterred by Mark's refusal, grinned and patted him on the back. "No worries, Mark! Family comes first. Another time, perhaps." With that, he disappeared into the crowd, leaving Mark and Emily to resume their conversation.

Mark turned back to Emily with a wry smile, as if acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the evening. "Well, that was unexpected," he remarked, holding the untouched cocktail in his hand.

Emily chuckled, finding amusement in the brief interruption. "Family obligations, huh? You're a good brother, Mark."

Mark's eyes crinkled at the corners as he nodded. "I try my best. Family is important."

Their conversation seamlessly picked up from where it left off, the interlude with Nike serving as a reminder of the unpredictability that often accompanies social encounters. The untouched cocktail sat on the table, a silent witness to the choices made amid a lively evening.

As Mark and Emily delved back into their discussion, the restaurant resumed its usual pace. The low hum of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the soft melody of the background music created a backdrop for a connection that seemed to deepen with every passing moment. After some time, as Mark leaned in to share an anecdote, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Surprised, he turned to see a familiar face.