Chapter 89: Something Your Wife Wouldn't Think Of
"Dr. Maya, that's enough, isn't it? I should head home now!"
Dragging her weary body, Dr. Maya linked arms with Mark as they strolled out of the cinema like a familiar couple.
The two-and-a-half-hour movie had been, in a way, the most exhausting and uncomfortable film Mark had ever endured in his life. The entire screening was a torment for both his body and soul.
He didn't just fail to grasp the plot; he also had to keep an eye on his phone, terrified that Grace might call and that Dr. Maya would get entangled in the situation again.
Fortunately, the considerate Grace truly believed Mark was busy with work and didn't disturb him further.
After what felt like an eternity, the movie finally ended, and it was nearly ten o'clock. Mark and Dr. Maya emerged from the cinema.
Although they were in unfamiliar Berlin and unlikely to run into any acquaintances, Mark still felt uneasy walking with Dr. Maya, as if they were having an affair and were afraid of being discovered.
He wanted to subtly shake off Dr. Maya's arm and create some distance between them.
However, Mark's little scheme was no match for Dr. Maya. She clung tightly to his arm, half of her body pressed against his, and walked at a leisurely pace, showing no signs of urgency.
Once they finally stepped out of the cinema, Mark stealthily checked his phone and felt a pang of discomfort when he saw that Grace hadn't replied to him yet.
Then, with a sense of resignation, Mark looked at Dr. Maya, clearly indicating that it was time for him to go home.
Upon hearing this, Dr. Maya looked at him with a smile that, to Mark, seemed rather unsettling.
"Alright, let's go then!"
After observing Mark for a moment, Dr. Maya smiled slightly and, surprisingly, let him go.
Mark hailed a taxi, and he and Dr. Maya got into the back seat, one after the other.
"Driver, take us to……"
Before Mark could finish, Dr. Maya interjected, "The Vienna Hotel!"
Dr. Maya's sudden remark almost made Mark spit out a mouthful of blood. He never expected her to say that.
Mark was itching to object and tell the taxi driver to head back to the apartment. But Dr. Maya seemed to see right through him. She kept her eyes fixed on him, and the threat in her gaze was unmistakable.
Mark felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. Under the intense scrutiny of Dr. Maya's fiery eyes, he had no choice but to shift his gaze around the car. When his eyes landed on the rearview mirror of the taxi driver in the front, he clearly saw the envy in the driver's eyes, which kept wandering over to Dr. Maya.
Mark understood the driver's envy. Dr. Maya was such a beautiful woman, and here she was with an ordinary man like him, even suggesting they go to a hotel. Any man would be envious of such a situation.
But……
Who could understand Mark's predicament? He really wanted to tell the envious taxi driver, "I've got another one at home!"
Of course, Mark couldn't bring himself to say that. In the end……at the Vienna International Hotel in the city center, the taxi driver dropped him and Dr. Maya off.
"Dr. Maya, I really have to go home. It's getting late!"
As soon as they got out of the car, Mark wanted to make a quick exit from Dr. Maya.
She grabbed Mark's arm and said to him with a mischievous smile, "What's the rush? You can't go home tonight. You have to stay with me!"
"Dr. Maya……"
Mark's voice rose in irritation.
Startled by Mark's outburst, Dr. Maya's expression froze. Clearly, this was the first time Mark had ever shouted at her since they had been together, and it was also the first time he had shown anger.
Dr. Maya's eyes were filled with disbelief, and her dazed gaze was tinged with tears.
Mark immediately regretted his outburst. On one hand, apart from her clinginess, Dr. Maya had actually been quite nice to him. On the other hand, their relationship was something that couldn't be exposed to the light.
Dr. Maya was a mischievous and unpredictable girl. No one could guess what she might do next. If he angered her, she might really tell Grace about their affair. If he pushed her too far, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Seeing the tears welling up in Dr. Maya's eyes, Mark felt even more regretful and anxious, fearing that something unexpected and uncontrollable might happen.
"Dr. Maya, I really have to go back. If I don't, Grace will start to worry!"
Mark quickly softened his tone, his mind racing.
Seeing this, the tears in Dr. Maya's eyes began to roll back and forth. Finally, two glistening tears, like pearls, rolled down her smooth, elastic cheeks.
Mark couldn't stand to see a woman cry. Although Dr. Maya wasn't sobbing uncontrollably, the sight of the silent tears falling from her delicate face was even more heart-wrenching. He couldn't help but soften and pulled Dr. Maya into his arms.
"I'm sorry……"
Mark whispered softly into her ear.
"I shouldn't have shouted at you just now. I'm sorry……"
Mark tried his best to comfort Dr. Maya, but his mind was a blank. He had never had a quarrel with Grace since they started dating. They both valued each other and were always considerate and understanding.
So, when it came to comforting a woman, Mark was particularly inept.
Dr. Maya cried while secretly looking up at Mark. When she saw the man holding her in his arms, blushing from nervousness, the tears in her eyes disappeared instantly, and she burst into laughter, her mood improving.
"Alright, I forgive you. No need to rack your brain for words!"
Dr. Maya pushed gently against Mark's chest. Realizing that it wasn't appropriate to hug in public, she gently pushed him away.
"So……can I go home now?"
Mark looked at Dr. Maya hopefully, truly wishing she would stop making a fuss and let him go home.
But as soon as Mark said this, Dr. Maya's brow furrowed, and her expression changed again.
Mark's heart sank, and a sense of dread washed over him.
He really couldn't fathom Dr. Maya. He had no idea what she was thinking or what she might do next.
As her expression changed, she said to Mark, "I know you're afraid your wife will find out about us. I also know you're afraid I'll do something outrageous. Don't worry, I won't force you or harm you.
But……just this once, tonight, I want you to stay with me, just for one night, okay?"
Dr. Maya's sudden seriousness left Mark at a loss. As he hesitated, she had already started walking towards the hotel.
Walking, she said indifferently, "I've already thought of an excuse for you. Just say that the city hospital suddenly had an emergency, and you, as an elite here for a study exchange, had to help out, so you won't be going home tonight.
Don't worry, your wife won't think that you and I would check into a hotel together!"