Marcus’ face fell slightly at the news. “Is it a man or a woman?” he asked, not hiding his discontent.


    A flicker of guilt crossed Millie’s face as she detected the unhappiness in Marcus’ eyes.


    “He’s just an ordinary friend; you don’t need to worry,” she assured him.


    However, Marcus’ displeasure was clear when he learned that her friend was male.


    Millie felt hurt, sensing Marcus’ controlling tone.


    “It’s alright for now, but please understand, I’d feel morefortable if you kept a certain distance from


    other men. People can have ulterior motives, and I worry about you,” Marcus exined, his voice


    tinged with concern.


    Millie was taken aback, feeling as though Marcus was painting all men with a broad brush, including


    himself.


    Love had a way of making people behave selfishly, and Marcus could feel himself sliding into that


    mindset.


    Hisck of security stemmed from Millie’s natural beauty, which never failed to attract attention.


    That evening, Millie felt more at ease and allowed herself to lean into Marcus’ embrace, feeling the


    strength in his arms.


    She reached for a strawberry and took a bite, savoring the sweet taste.


    The sudden ring of Marcus’ phone interrupted their moment. He looked at the caller ID and saw it was


    Rhea. ncing at Millie, he caught her rolling her eyes.


    “Feeling a little jealous, are you? You can answer it if you like,” Marcus teased, holding the phone out


    to her.


    With a mixture of arrogance and amusement, Millie shook her head, refusing to take the call.


    “Really?” Marcus asked, raising an eyebrow.


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    “Do I seem narrow-minded to you? Hurry and answer it. It could be urgent,” Millie remarked.


    There was a sly smile on her lips that betrayed her yful demeanor, causing a flicker of suspicion to


    cross Marcus’ eyes.


    While hesitating about taking the call, Millie’s deft fingers pressed the answer button.


    He brought the phone to his ear, his rxed attitude quickly giving way to a more serious expression.


    “What’s going on?” Marcus inquired.


    “Marcus, how about joining me for dinner tomorrow?” Rhea’s voice came through the other end of the


    line.


    Listening to the conversation, Millie couldn’t help but think that Rhea was maneuvering to escape the


    impending marriage proposal, but today, fate wasn’t in her favor.