"What are you doing here, Marcus?" Nadine asked, keeping her tone civil despite her surprise. Her parents were nearby, and she couldn't afford to make a scene or appear indifferent.

"Don't you have any plans later, Nadine? Perhaps I can invite you to dine out with me,” Marcus suggested, his voice tinged with hope.

“I’m sorry but I don’t know yet. I still have to check my schedule, and this afternoon, Zander and I had to go somewhere,” Nadine replied, trying to navigate the awkwardness of the situation.

“Can I tag along?” Marcus asked, eager to spend time with her.

“It would be uncomfortable for both of us,” Nadine explained...