Debra''s eyes dimmed.


    Randy covered his eyes, unable to bear witness to the impending drama. Erica, on the other hand, watched Debra anxiously.


    Marion spotted Debra in the crowd almost instantly, but his expression remained unchanged. Cathryn, standing elegantly by his side, noticed the shift in his attention and followed his gaze, her eyesnding on Debra. She frowned, asking, "Marion, who is she?"Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Marion replied indifferently, "Someone you shouldn''t ask about."


    Marion withdrew the hand she had linked with his, leaving her staring nkly.


    Marion began to walk towards Debra, but she turned away and headed in the opposite direction.


    Unable to stop Debra, Erica rushed up to Marion. "What is going on between you and Cathryn? And you..."


    Marion put a hand up to interrupt her, his eyes never leaving Debra''s retreating figure.


    "Marion!" Erica stomped her foot in frustration.


    Randy ced a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It''s their private matter. Wel shouldn''t interfere."


    Erica whirled around, her eyes shing with protective fury. "I only like Debra. If you mess this up, I''ll knock your heads off."


    Randy wisely chose to zip his mouth.


    "Debra," Marion called out, his hand wrapping around her arm. He pulled her into a quiet corner and smiled at her. "Can I take this reaction as your jealousy?"


    "Who said I''m jealous?"


    "Then why are you running away?"


    Debra pulled her hand from Marion''s grip, her voice steady andposed." You''re thinking too much. I don''t care at all about your rtionship with that woman. I was just curious because Randy asked Ben to hide the dinner part from me." "Just curious?"


    "Yes."


    Debra nced at Cathryn, who was mingling gracefully in the crowd. "Miss Bernard and you make a great pair. I wish you a lifetime of happiness."


    As she turned to leave, Marion grabbed her arm and pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss.


    Debra was startled, her eyes widening in shock. She instinctively tried to push him away, but Marion''s grip was unyielding, as if he wanted to pull her into his very being.


    After a long while, when Debra quieted down, Marion let her go, his voice low and husky. "Can you listen to my exnation now?"


    Debra looked away, and he continued, "I have no rtionship with her. I didn''t know she hade back."


    Debra''s cheeks flushed red, but her voice remained cool. "Who wants to hear your exnation?"


    In the crowd, Cathryn was anxiously searching for Marion. When she spotted him with Debra in the corner, she hurried over. "Marion, what are you doing over here? I''ve been looking for you for ages. Everyone''s waiting for you to go on stage." She reached Marion''s side, her gaze falling on Debra. She extended a hand, her voice sweet and polite.


    "Are you Mrs. Nichols? I''ve heard so much about you. Hello, I''m Cathryn Bernard."


    Debra took a good look at Cathryn. She was elegant, with the ssic look of a high-societydy. Her every movement was poised and gracious.


    Debra extended her hand politely, but just as they were about to shake hands, Marion pulled her back and strode off towards the crowd.