Chapter Hundred and Eighteen
The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Asli’s Villa, casting a warm glow on the polished marble floors.
Matilda stood in the grand hallway, her eyes fixed on the entrance, with anticipation fluttering in her chest.
Who was she waiting for?
Today was her eighteenth birthday, and it was a milestone she had been eagerly waiting for.
The sound of footsteps echoed, and her heart skipped a beat. She knew who would be walking in any moment from now.
As expected, Markus entered, his expression as stoic as ever, dressed in his usual training attire. He barely glanced at her as he walked past.
She had almost forgotten it was time for her training. She was still feeling the aches from the previous session. She needed to dodge it today. And what was the perfect excuse to use?
"Good morning, Markus," she called out, trying to mask her excitement. "How was your day off?"
He nodded curtly, not breaking his stride.
Matilda’s smile faltered, but she quickly regained her composure. "It’s my birthday today," she announced, hoping to elicit a reaction.
But, Markus paused, turning slightly to look at her. "Happy birthday," he said, his tone neutral.
"I was thinking," she began, stepping closer, "maybe you could take me out to celebrate?"
He raised an eyebrow. "I don’t think that is appropriate."
Before Matilda could respond, Asli entered the hallway, with her presence commanding attention.
"Asli!" Matilda exclaimed, seizing the opportunity. "Since you are busy and Cole is on vacation, I was hoping Markus could take me out for my birthday."
Asli glanced between the two, her gaze lingering on Markus. "Don’t bother him, Matilda. He has a lot to do. And also here for your training."
Matilda pouted, her eyes pleading. "But this is my transition to adulthood. I have never celebrated birthdays before, but this one is special. I just want a moment to cherish."
Asli sighed, considering her yearning tone and words. "Perhaps your aunt can accompany you."
"But who will take care of my mother?" Matilda countered.
They all fell silent, the weight of responsibility settling over them. They couldn’t trust anyone to take care of Matilda’s mother other than her aunt. Not even Matilda... not even Asli.
After a moment, Asli relented. "Alright. The three of you will go out together then."
Matilda’s heart sank. This was not the plan. She had hoped to spend time alone with Markus, to find a way to connect with him beyond their training sessions.
For some reason, she found him interesting. The way he was care free and foolish around everyone but serious around her, made her want to know him even more.
She forced a smile, but her appetite vanished. She barely touched her breakfast, pushing the food around her plate.
Everyone noticed but didn’t say anything. They just watched her till it became unbearable.
Asli was last to have noticed. "Not hungry?"
Matilda shook her head. "Just not feeling well."
Asli exchanged a glance with Markus. "Perhaps Demir can take you out instead."
At the mention of Demir’s name, Matilda’s eyes widened. She quickly interjected, "Actually, if it is alright, I don’t have any bug stuff on my schedule. It’s our training session I have today and a few stops but I can do them at midnight."
Markus looked up, surprised at how fast he had spoken.
Asli raised an eyebrow.
"Are you sure?" Asli asked.
Matilda nodded, her expression earnest. "Yes. I think it would be nice."
There was something about her excitement that threw him off. He hesitated, then finally agreed. "I will take you out."
Matilda’s face lit up, a genuine smile spreading across her lips.
Matilda shoved her chair back with a noisy scrape, pushing to her feet. "Alright, let’s go."
Her aunt blinked in surprise. "So soon?"
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