Is Alex Cheating?

In the company restaurant on the first floor, Mark leaned against the table, resting his chin on his hands as he stared out the window at the bustling street. He remained motionless, engrossed in his thoughts.

Alex, sitting next to him, handed Mark a glass of juice, saying, "The food will be here soon. Just wait a little longer." He then habitually reached out to ruffle Mark's hair, his smile broad.

Mark impatiently swatted Alex's hand away and continued looking outside, still visibly upset. He was likely annoyed because of the gossip that erupted when they entered the restaurant. After all, Alex had carried Mark into the company that morning, and the scene had attracted a crowd of reporters. By now, it was probably a hot topic online.

"Why are you still angry even though I cleared out the restaurant?" Alex asked with a smile. To ensure Mark could eat in peace, Alex had rented out the entire restaurant, leaving only their table occupied.

"You don't know why I'm angry?" Mark shot back, angrily tossing his phone to Alex. "Take a look for yourself."

Alex picked up Mark's phone and saw that it was filled with news about them. The stories had spread like wildfire, with some suggesting Mark had slept his way to the top, which infuriated him.

So that's what's bothering him.

Alex chuckled, then took out his own phone and called his assistant, Monica. "Get those news stories taken down."

Monica understood immediately and agreed to handle it.

"Is that better?" Alex asked after hanging up and handing Mark's phone back.

Mark took his phone, sipped his juice, and ignored Alex, though his anger had lessened since Alex had the news suppressed. Still, he wasn't ready to forgive Alex just yet.

"Mark?" a familiar voice called from behind Mark, sounding surprised.

Mark frowned, recognizing the voice of his cousin, Grace.

"Why didn't you buy the shower gel last night?" Grace demanded, storming up to Mark.

Mark looked up coldly. "I told you I wasn't coming back."

"When did you say that?" Grace snapped.

"Did you even give me a chance to speak?" Mark retorted, rolling his eyes at her.

Grace, momentarily speechless, huffed, "Fine! Staying out all night at your age—wait until my mom gets back from her trip and see how she deals with you."

Hearing this, Mark's expression darkened. Grace's mother had always been critical of him, frequently berating him and locking him in a small dark room without food whenever he talked back.

"And what will she do to him?" Alex interjected, looking up at Grace with eyes filled with cold anger.

Grace, finally noticing Alex's presence, became nervous. She was a server at this restaurant and knew she had to be polite to customers. Initially, she had approached to refill their water, but seeing Mark had made her forget Alex was even there.

Oh my, this man is incredibly handsome!

Grace stared at Alex, covering her mouth in surprise. She quickly assessed him, noting his expensive suit—clearly a wealthy man. Grace had always dreamed of marrying rich and living a life of luxury, so she immediately tried to act coquettishly. She nudged Mark with her elbow, signaling him to introduce her to Alex.

Mark found this amusing. Grace changed her attitude as soon as she saw a wealthy man. When Mark ignored her, she glared at him, gripping the water jug tightly.

Fine, if you won't introduce me, I'll do it myself.

Grace shot Mark a vicious look before turning to Alex with a sweet smile. "I'm Grace, Mark's cousin. We're very close."

She played the family card, hoping to leave a good impression on Alex.

"Very close, indeed. So close that you treat him like this?" Alex sneered.

Grace, embarrassed, quickly made an excuse, "Mark did something wrong, so I had to scold him a bit."

"Just a bit? Didn't you just say your mother would deal with him? Did I hear wrong?" Alex's icy stare intensified, making Grace shiver.

What's going on? Why is this man so protective of Mark? What is their relationship? No, it can't be. How does Mark know such a wealthy man? He must be someone important to have rented out the entire restaurant. Maybe he's the boss?

Grace's heart raced with excitement. This area was full of office buildings, meaning many bosses frequented the restaurants. She had taken this temporary job hoping for just such an encounter.

Deciding to seize the opportunity, Grace began to flirt openly with Alex, even unbuttoning her blouse slightly to show off her assets.

Mark felt nauseated, disgusted by Grace's behavior.

Big boobs and no brains. As if Alex would be that shallow.

But then Mark paused. He didn't really know Alex that well, did he?

He glanced nervously at Alex, only to see Alex staring intently at Grace. Anger flared up inside him.

That bastard! He's cheating on me right in front of me! Shameless!

"Don't look," Mark demanded, forcefully covering Alex's eyes and turning his head towards himself. Damn bastard, always so eager to tease me, and now he's staring at another woman, Grace of all people. This is infuriating.

Mark felt like he was going insane, glaring fiercely at Grace. Grace was taken aback but soon furrowed her brows. What's with this kid? Why such a big reaction, as if he's this man's wife or something. And Grace's instinct was spot on.

Alex was momentarily stunned when Mark covered his eyes, but he quickly broke into a smile. Is the little guy jealous? He must be, otherwise, he wouldn't say not to look.

The icy demeanor Alex had a moment ago melted away, replaced with good humor. Actually, it was all a matter of perspective. While Mark thought Alex was mesmerized by Grace, Alex had been frowning in disapproval when she unbuttoned her blouse. But sitting next to Alex, Mark missed this and misunderstood the situation. To Alex, it was a delightful misunderstanding—Mark was showing possessiveness, and no matter the reason, Alex was pleased.

"You think he won't look just because you tell him not to? Who are you to him? So childish," Grace sneered at Mark, standing tall and looking down on him with contempt.

"I... I... I'm his..." Mark stammered, wanting to say he was Alex's wife but feeling too embarrassed to say it out loud. Damn it, Mark, why can't you just say, 'I'm his wife'? He berated himself but then froze. Wait, why am I reacting so strongly? If he looks at Grace, what's it got to do with me?

Mark was stunned, blinking in confusion. Feeling mortified, he covered his face, wanting to disappear. What if Alex misunderstood and thought I was jealous? Am I losing my mind?

Mark felt so embarrassed he couldn't bear to look at Alex. Alex, freed from Mark's grip, leaned slightly on the table, resting his chin on his hand as he leaned towards Mark, smiling directly at him.

"Why are you staring at me? Stop looking," Mark said, pushing Alex's head away, his face flushed red.

"Why can't I look?" Alex asked, still smiling as he lifted Mark's chin to make him look at him.

"Just... just don't look. No reason," Mark stammered, his voice lacking its usual confidence.

Grace, feeling ignored, was furious. What is this man's problem? Ignoring a beautiful woman like me and focusing on that brat, Mark?

Feeling humiliated, Grace clenched her fists and demanded, "What exactly is your relationship?"

"Do we need to tell you?" Mark retorted, pushing away Alex, who was leaning in to kiss him. Damn it, how can this guy be so clingy? No matter how much strength Mark used, Alex kept pressing him against the window until there was nowhere left to go.

"Bastard Alex, get away from me!" Mark yelled, his hand on Alex's chin trying to push him back, his face flushed with anger.

Alex, still smiling, remained silent, his large hand gripping Mark's waist and moving restlessly. Damn it, does he think this is his house, getting all handsy like this?