Marco glanced toward Cullen, his movent asured and deliberate, before reaching for the crystal tumbler. "Appreciate it."
Their glasses t with a soft chi as both n settled into comfortable conversation, the amber liquid warming their throats.
Several minutes passed before Cullen's gaze lingered on Marco with newfound scrutiny. Marco's eyebrow arched in response. "Sothing on your mind?"
Nate leaned forward, inserting himself into the exchange. "You've been different all evening."
Cullen's mouth curved into a knowing smile, his silent agreent hanging in the air like smoke.
Marco maintained his composure, his voice carrying that familiar note of detachnt. "Have I?"
Nate tilted his head, studying his friend's carefully neutral expression. "Sanctuary't you?"
Marco brought the glass to his lips, taking a asured sip while avoiding their probing stares.
Before the conversation could continue, another guest swept over to exchange pleasantries, effectively severing the thread of their discussion.
Once they were alone again, Marco's attention shifted to his watch. The worry that Cecelia might be getting hungry gnawed at him, and he prepared to seek her out when she appeared alongside Sabrina, both girls chattering excitedly.
"Uncle Marco, could I please have one of those miniature pastries from the dessert station?" Cecelia's finger pointed toward the elaborate spread of confections.
Given Cecelia's tendency toward food sensitivities, Marco had learned to be cautious about her dietary choices. "Stay right here while I select sothing safe for you."
"Of course," Cecelia responded with practiced obedience.
Sabrina, however, had inherited her father's self-reliant nature. Her hearty constitution allowed her the luxury of culinary freedom, and she confidently assembled her own plate before turning to Cullen. "Would you like to bring you anything, Dad?"
Cullen's hand found her hair, his touch gentle and paternal. "I'm fine, sweetheart."
Both children settled nearby with their selections. Niall, having discovered sothing particularly delectable, extended her find toward Sabrina.
Sabrina accepted the offering with genuine delight. "That's so kind of you, Niall."
Cecelia studied Niall with the unfiltered curiosity that only children possess before addressing Sabrina directly. "Sa, isn't this beautiful lady your mommy?"
The innocent question struck the group like a thunderclap, rendering everyone motionless.
Sabrina's body went rigid before she managed a slight shake of her head. "No, she isn't."
Cecelia's voice dropped to a whisper, as if sensing dangerous territory. "Then you don't have a mommy like ?"
Another shake of Sabrina's head followed. "I do have a mother."
"I see..."
As the evening progressed, the yacht's crew distributed commorative gifts, and Cecelia's eyes imdiately locked onto a pair of crystal keychains that caught the light like captured starlight. With only two available, she claid both without hesitation.
Sabrina's gaze lingered on the sparkling trinkets with obvious longing. Unable to contain her desire, she approached Cecelia tentatively. "Would you consider letting have one? I'd love to present it to Niall as a gift."
Cecelia's grip tightened protectively around her prizes. "But I wanted to give one to my special friend too."
Her thoughts drifted to Veronica, and her face brightened with the mory. "Earlier today, Uncle Marco and my friend took kite flying. We spent hours by the water catching fish, cycling through the park paths, and running after the most colorful butterflies. She has the most gorgeous face I've ever seen, and I just know this crystal keychain would make her eyes sparkle."
The adults had been engaged in their own conversations until Cecelia's innocent revelation commanded their complete attention. Niall, Nate, and Cullen all pivoted toward Marco with expressions ranging from curiosity to amusent.
Nate struck first, his voice dripping with mischief. "Well, well, Marco. Care to enlighten us about this mysterious developnt? Or perhaps I should ask if developnts have already taken place?" Without allowing ti for a response, he continued his assault. "When exactly did this romance begin? Why have we been kept in the dark about such fascinating news? Back up here, Cullen."
Cullen's smile remained enigmatic as he chose silence, clearly anticipating Marco's response with keen interest.
Marco's features remained impassive, betraying nothing. "It was rely a coincidental encounter."
"Is that so?" Nate refused to accept such a simple explanation. A mory suddenly surfaced, and his eyes widened. "Wait, you shared a al together as well? That certainly explains your surprisingly relaxed deanor while managing a child solo. You had assistance all along!"
Marco offered no defense, allowing the silence to stretch between them like a taut wire.
Cullen's analytical gaze never wavered as he delivered his verdict with quiet certainty. "You're attracted to her."
Marco's composure cracked for just an instant, his mouth opening as if to form a protest, but ultimately, no denial erged.
Niall's bright expression dimd noticeably, her smile wavering like a candle in the wind.
"You've got to be kidding . It's actually true?" Nate gasped, his earlier teasing transford into genuine shock. He had been playing with fire, never expecting to uncover real flas. His questions tumbled out in rapid succession. "Who is this woman? Is she soone from our circle? When do we get to et her properly?"
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