Chapter 47

After the two police officers left, Elizabeth received a visit from Mark. A smile spread across her face upon seeing him, and she was overjoyed that he was safe. They embraced affectionately, and then Mark took a seat in the same place where Officer Mustafa had been sitting before.

"I'm glad you're okay. I was really worried about all of you when we got separated," he said, pulling the chair closer to the edge of the bed and taking her hands in his, in an almost paternal gesture.

Elizabeth looked at their joined hands with suspicion. Despite the affection she felt for Mark and all the support he had given her, his display of affection made her very uncomfortable, although she couldn't quite put her finger on why. She mentally scolded herself for this reaction; Mark had never shown any other intentions towards her. He was a good man who loved her mother and took her under his care out of that love. She gave him a smile and patted the back of his hand.

"Thank you so