As we wrapped up the shoot, the boy came over, beaming as he scrolled through the photos. "Wow, you have such a natural elegance. You could be a model, honestly. Has no one ever tried to recruit you?"
His innocent enthusiasm struck a chord in me and for a moment, I remembered who I used to be—before the years with Mark had worn me down. Before I had stopped believing in myself. I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could say a word, I heard Mark’s furious voice behind me.
"Get away from her!"
I barely had time to react before Mark barreled into the boy, shoving him aside so hard he nearly fell. The camera hit the ground with a loud crack, the lens shattering into pieces.
"What the hell are you doing?!" I screamed, rushing forward, but Mark wasn’t listening. His fists were clenched, his entire body trembling with rage. The boy scrambled to his feet, glaring at Mark as he dusted himself off.
"Are you insane?" the boy shouted, pushing Mark back. "I didn’t do anything to her!"
Mark ignored him, his attention solely on me. His eyes burned with a mix of jealousy and something darker, something twisted. He grabbed me roughly, his hand gripping my arm so hard it hurt.