Chapter 1: Introduction
Lily couldn't help but notice the way Mark looked around the small neighborhood bar - his keen gaze taking in every detail from the faded painting above the fireplace to the shelves lined with dusty bottles. His presence seemed to fill the space more than anything else could, commanding respect even among those who didn't know him well. In that moment, it occurred to her just how powerful an effect Mark still held over others – both physically and intellectually. Yet there was something different about him now compared to when they last saw each other five years ago.