CHLOE'S RETURN

It had been over a week since Mark signed the document, and he was doing everything he could to stay out of trouble. He knew the consequences of crossing the line again with Amelia, so he kept his distance, even though it was hard. Every time he saw her, there was an urge to talk to her, to just have a simple conversation. But he couldn't. He was walking on eggshells, avoiding any situation that could bring Alexander’s wrath upon him once more. Mark's thoughts often drifted back to the days before everything had become so complicated. He would reminisce about how simple it used to be when he and Amelia could talk freely, laugh at inside jokes, and share moments without the looming threat of Alexander’s anger. Now, everything was different. The document he signed served as a constant reminder that his boundaries had been firmly set, and he was to stay within them.

On a quiet Monday afternoon, while Mark was busy at work, Alexander and Amelia were enjoying a rare lunch date at one of