She leaned onto Marcus, who closed the distance, pressing his lips to hers with eagerness and ardor.


    So, he had nned this all along, Millie realized, feeling like she’d been fooled.


    As Millie’s fingers lightly tapped his shoulder, her difort evident, she grew more and more


    apprehensive. In response, Marcus offered a solution that was both teasing and protective.


    “If you’re worried about falling, just hold onto my shoulder.”


    His words were apanied by another kiss, causing Millie’s anger to mix with her sense of


    helplessness. In her mind, she likened the situation to being aboard a pirate ship, manipted by a


    rogue captain who exploited her fear to his advantage, forcing her into an unexpected embrace.


    With the river’s edge just inches away, she clung to his broad shoulder, grappling with her mixed


    emotions.


    The sensation of her breath growing shallowerpelled her to pinch his shoulder in an effort to gain


    control.


    His momentary difort prompted Marcus to step back, and he gingerly held his waist while locking


    eyes with her. His gaze held a mixture of yfulness and intensity.


    “Millie, are you really unaware of what ‘M&M’ stands for?”


    Marcus’ voice was like a gentle caress, soothing Millie’s heart like a feather.


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    “Doesn’t it mean the surnames belong to two people?” Millie guessed.


    However, the frustrated expression that appeared on Marcus’ face revealed that she had missed the


    mark.


    “They represent the first letters of our first names,” Marcus exined patiently.


    Millie’s surprise deepened as she realized that Marcus had orchestrated the fireworks show for her.


    It wasn’t surprising that he inquired about her enjoyment of the fireworks.


    Touched by his gesture, Millie found herself at a loss for words.


    The glint in Marcus’ eyes indicated his infatuation with Millie.


    His feelings were evident, as was amitment that would stand the test of time.


    “I will love you until myst breath,” Marcus professed, his gaze filled with affection.


    Millie’s heart raced with unease, unsure of how to respond to such an ardent deration. The magic of


    the evening was undeniable, but the reality of the challenges that awaited them was equally potent.


    Like waves crashing on the shore, their love seemed boundless, transcending conventional norms.


    “Some say that our union is doomed, that our love could lead to tragedy,” Millie revealed, her voice


    tinged with mncholy.