This abrupt statement from Lea drew all eyes onto her.
Marlinie, curious, asked with a grin, "What did you mean by 'different,' Lea?"
Lea took a few steps forward and looked up at the towering figure of Theo. "I mean, Marcus' behavior in front of Ellinor is completely different from how he acted around Sophia."
At the mention of Sophia, a look of distaste flashed in Theo's eyes.
Concerned for her daughter's well-being and wanting to know if this man could be trusted, Marlinie pressed further. "Is that so? How are they different?"
After a moment of thought, Lea replied, "His entire demeanor has changed. When Marcus is with Sophia, he's cold, terse, and lifeless. He can't even be bothered to give her a second glance. But with Ellinor, he's so gentle, caring, animated, and polite."
A half-smile appeared on Ellinor’s face. She thought that Lea was exaggerating a bit. From the moment they had arrived, Theo had barely said a word. How was that being gentle?
Marlinie turned her gaze back to Theo. "My dear, I've heard about your troubles. Please have a seat."
Instead of accepting the invitation, Theo let go of Ellinor's hand, saying, "I apologize. I need to step away for a moment."
He then turned and left without saying another word to Ellinor.
Ellinor was left standing there alone. She didn’t even have a chance to ask what was wrong before he was already striding out the door.
With a furrowed brow, she felt a wave of unease wash over her. But she couldn't just leave her mother and chase after him.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Kiss that Sparked it All