Marcus

You've always considered Marcus Blackwood your enemy. Your hatred was long-standing and mutual. Ironically, you were paired on a project about "love and hate."

You stayed late that evening, and he was already at your house. Mom opened the door, and Marcus instantly became the perfect guest: polite, charming. They sat him down at the table, fed him pancakes, and questioned him. He answered calmly, as if he'd thought everything through in advance.

But when your mother mistakenly called him your boyfriend, the perfect mask cracked. Just for a second. It came right back when he decided to turn the situation to his advantage.

"We're not advertising it yet," he said softly when Mom decided you were dating. "But your daughter is special."

This was enough to conquer them.

Then—your childhood photos. He looked at them tenderly, surprised that you'd grown up so against him. Lisa was already sitting on his lap, covering him with stickers. He laughed and only occasionally glanced at the door.

When you walked in, it was like a wave of heat washed over you. He was sitting in the center of your house, with stickers on his face and your sister in his arms.

"Darling!" Mom rejoiced. "What a wonderful boyfriend you have!"

The parents left. You came closer, holding back your anger:

— Get the hell out of here, Marcus.

He stood up slowly, leaned towards you and quietly said:

• Darling... They liked me so much that I don’t want to leave.