**Through Silent Meadows We Trace Stories Left Behind**
**Chapter 18**
Just then, Dr. Mason strolled in, a wide grin plastered across his face, as if he had just uncovered a delightful secret.
“Funny, isn’t it? You were just saying how the entire company is burning the midnight oil for the general manager competition. And here you are, out on a date?” he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Liam’s heart raced as he caught sight of Marcus standing behind him. Panic surged through him like a tidal wave.
“I’ll head back right now!” he blurted out, his voice tinged with urgency.
He shot a frantic glance at Sophie, his expression a blend of embarrassment and concern.
“I’ll talk to you later,” he added, his words rushed as if he were trying to escape a storm.
As soon as he dashed off, Sophie felt the urge to slip away too, but Dr. Mason had already commandeered Marcus, pulling him into a chair with an authoritative gesture.
“You barely touched any of this food, Ms. Chandler,” he chided, his tone almost paternal. “You’re in your first trimester; you really need to eat properly!”
He nudged Marcus playfully, as if trying to spark some warmth between them.
“She’s carrying your child, you know. Say something!” he urged, his eyes gleaming with a mix of jest and seriousness.
Marcus turned to Sophie, his gaze as cold as the winter wind, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine.
“Finish eating before you go,” he ordered, his voice devoid of any softness.
There was no room for debate in his tone. With a resigned sigh, Sophie found herself sinking back into her seat, the weight of his command heavy in the air.
Marcus raised his hand toward the server, his expression unyielding.
“Clear all of this,” he instructed, his voice firm.
“All of it? That’s such a waste!” Dr. Mason protested, his brow furrowing in disbelief.
“She doesn’t like it,” Marcus replied curtly, cutting off any further discussion.
Before Dr. Mason could muster a response, Marcus had already pushed the menu in front of Sophie, his gesture almost demanding.
“Order what you want,” he said, his tone leaving no room for refusal.
Sophie froze, her mind racing. They had never shared a meal together before. How did he know she didn’t like this food?



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