Don't - Mark Tuan Fanfic (Third Book for 'Can't')

30 - The B!tch!

"Are you sure they're coming?" Jackson asks impatiently on his seat. We're able to get some invites at the last minute with the help of the same client we talked to earlier. It's like a launching of a new project some hot shot businessmen have organized. Mark should be here. 

"Maybe they're just running late." I try not to show my nervousness, but I think my fidgeting fingers give me away. "Try and call Jason again."

He promptly takes out his phone from the inner pocket of the suit we just bought earlier and dials the only number we have of them. He taps his foot and chews on his lower lip as he impatiently waits for the other line to answer. 

"Nothing yet?" I ask, whispering to him as the program is already starting. 

His eyes slowly open wider and his hand moves away from his ear. "He ... He's here." Jackson stammers as he points at the wide open doors of the entrance. 

My heart beats wildly as I turn to where his finger is pointing at. 

Mark. 

He looks dashing with an all black suit on and his hair styled, showing off his handsome features. I remember seeing him this well-dressed. It was a long time ago but the memory becomes fresh. It was the day I went to LA to look for him after he left me back in Korea. It was the same day I ran away from him. The day he was supposed to get engaged with Sandra. 

But, that was the past. It shouldn't be something I have to dwell on. It's just one of our many memories together that made us even stronger. I know now how regretful he was of what he did. And I am, too. I regret not knowing the whole situation and just running away on my own. 

Anyway, this is now. There are new decisions that have to be made. Choices to make that would pave a path to whatever is waiting for us in the future. 

"Is he alone?" Jackson asks, noticing Mark's surprisingly unescorted. We were a hundred percent sure Sandra would be with him tonight. She knows we're here. She knows why I'm here. 

"I ... I think so." I furrow my brows, not sure if I should be glad that it would be easier for us to persuade Mark now that the villain isn't around him, or nervous that she might be planning something else. 

But, even with my doubts, I get up when Jackson gives me a slight push. "It's your chance, Cris. Go sit beside him. I'll be watching you from here."

My feet don't hesitate to walk to the boy who is still unaware of our presence as he takes the seat offered to him by the usher a few tables away from ours to the front. 

"Cris?" Mark looks startled, but he keeps his voice down when I sit at the empty chair at his table. "Why ... What ..." He looks around then his eyes land back at mine. "I thought you're going back home, Cristina. What are you still doing here?" He sounds and looks worried, a bit different from what I expected. 

"I told you," I lock my eyes at his, "I'm not going anywhere without you." I force back the tears that want to come out, swallowing hard and biting down on the inside of my cheek. 

He sighs then grits his teeth, leaning closer so he doesn't have to raise his voice. "And I told you, I won't go anywhere, Cristina."

"Why?" It's a question that isn't in the script, but I ask anyway. "Why do you need to stay with her, Mark?"

"You know the answer to that."

"No," I shake my head a bit, not taking my eyes off of him. "I don't know." My left hand moves and reaches for his hand that's on the table. I grab it tight and pull it towards me. "I don't believe the words you told me earlier. You don't love her, Mark."