The silence inside the council chamber became painfully heavy.
Linda's tears rolled quietly down her face while Mark still stood protectively beside her like he was preparing to fight the entire world for her.
Vivian watched both of them carefully.
Not with judgment. But concern.
Because the deeper she looked into Mark's eyes— The more she saw desperation instead of love.
Chairman Elias finally leaned forward slightly.
"Young man," he said calmly, "do you understand the seriousness of threatening death inside this council?"
Mark did not even flinch.
"I'm not threatening anybody."
His voice sounded rough now. Emotionally exhausted.
"I'm simply saying we cannot live without each other."
Mrs. Cecilia Williams suddenly stood from her seat crying openly now.
"Mark please stop this."
She turned toward the council emotionally.
"My son was not like this before."
Mr. Williams lowered his head heavily.
"This relationship changed everything in this house."
