Chapter 41 Forty-one

• **Mark's POV**
• The moment Nina walked into the party hall with Mr. Bernard, something shifted inside me. Today, I felt an unfamiliar ache—a strange, raw sensation tugging at me. I hadn’t been this affected by a woman in years, let alone cared enough to step in to protect one. Yet, when I saw a man daring to raise a hand to her, I acted before I could think, my hand instinctively reaching out to her waist. And now, here I was, still replaying that moment, haunted by the warmth and fragility I’d felt in my hold. Nina—my wife in name only—was different. She was unguarded, vulnerable, and it made me feel…responsible, maybe even possessive. She's looking so snatched and breathtaking tonight in her attire. I don't think I can resist her!
• But duty called, and I tore my gaze from her, watching as she disappeared into the crowd with Mr. Bernard. I took a deep breath, pulling my focus back to the present as I turned to Greg.