Absolute King Chapter 29.

Chapter 29: Two hearts One Ride.

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Mark stood before the mirror, his reflection staring back at him uncertain, nervous, and yet... oddly proud. He adjusted the lapels of his sleek tuxedo, tugging at the cuffs before spinning slightly to inspect the fit. The fabric hugged his shoulders perfectly, the smooth black surface glinting faintly under the warm ceiling light.

He tried a few poses ,some serious, others playful just to see how he looked. Each movement made him feel both ridiculous and accomplished. “Not bad,” he murmured, forcing a smile, though deep down his stomach churned with nerves.

It had been years maybe even lifetimes since he’d dressed up for anything like this. In his past life, parties weren’t his thing. He was never the social type, never the one people wanted around. A loner, a bystander… a guy who never got the girl. He sighed softly. “Guess dying a virgin wasn’t the highlight of my past life,” he muttered with a self deprecating grin.

Taking one last look at himself, Mark stepped out of his room. The faint creak of the floorboards under his polished shoes caught his mother’s attention. She turned from the kitchen, her eyes widening in pleasant surprise.

“Well, look who finally decided to come out of hibernation,” she said with a teasing tone, a smile tugging at her lips. “Where’s my handsome fellow going tonight, dressed to kill?”

Mark paused, meeting her gaze. On the surface, her smile was warm and bright but he could see the cracks beneath it. The sadness that never really left since his father’s death. She was trying, desperately, to keep it together… for him.

Before he could reply, she stepped closer and caught his tie between her fingers, straightening it with a mother’s gentle precision. Then she stepped back, hands resting lightly on her hips, inspecting him from head to toe.

“You look great, son,” she said with a proud gleam in her eyes.

“Thanks, Mom,” he replied, his voice soft the kind of tone that came out when words felt too small to carry what he really felt.

They stood there for a moment, silence filling the space where grief and love mingled together. Then, as if words weren’t enough, his mother pulled him into a hug.

Mark froze for half a heartbeat before his arms wrapped around her in return. The faint scent of her perfum floral with a hint of spice filled his senses, and his throat tightened.

“I missed this,” she whispered against his shoulder. “To hold you. To smell you. To know you’re still here.”

Mark felt the sting of tears prickling his eyes. He’d promised himself not to cry not in front of her. But the warmth in her voice, the quiet tremor of longing… it was too much. He blinked hard, pulling back slightly, only for her to gently wipe the moisture from his eyes.

“You’ll be fine, son,” she said softly.

He nodded, forcing a shaky smile.

And then, just when the moment was about to turn too heavy, she smirked. “Oh, and remember don’t make someone else’s daughter pregnant.”

“Mom!” Mark groaned, his face flushing as he let out a surprised laugh.

“What? I’m just saying,” she teased, waving her hand dismissively.

Mark chuckled, the heaviness in his chest lightening a little. “Relax, I wouldn’t dare not unless I want to face your wrath.”

“Good answer,” she said with a playful nod.

The doorbell rang then, slicing through their laughter. Both turned toward the sound, and since Mark was closer, he went to open it.

As the door swung open, he froze.

Standing before him was a vision — Kara, in a soft pink dress that shimmered faintly under the porch light. Her blonde hair framed her face perfectly, her features highlighted by the most delicate touch of makeup. She was elegance and warmth blended together, her shy smile tugging at something inside him.

“H-hi,” she greeted, her voice slightly hesitant, her hands nervously clasped in front of her.

Mark’s throat went dry. “H...hi,” he stammered, mentally kicking himself for it.

“You ready to go?” she asked, glancing up at him with those clear, blue eyes that could melt any resolve he had.

“Yeah, uh, let’s,” he said quickly, turning to look back at his mom.

His mom’s eyes brightened when she saw Kara. “Well, look at you two! Have fun, and Kara dear, make sure he doesn’t drink too much tonight.”

Kara giggled. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Flinch. I’ll make sure he only touches energy drinks.”

Mark’s face turned crimson. “Mom!”

They both waved goodbye as Mark and Kara stepped out. The night air was cool and crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming jasmine. A sleek black limo was waiting by the driveway.

The driver an older man in a polished suit with a perfectly styled mustache stepped forward and gave a polite bow. “Good evening, Master Flinch. Miss Kara. If I may I would love to be your driver tonight.”

“Alfred?” Mark blinked, recognizing the voice instantly.

“Yes, sir,” Alfred said with a small, knowing smile. “Master Wayne extends his regards and looks forward to your arrival.”

Kara hesitated. “Um, I can actually-”

“It would be our honor, Alfred,” Mark interrupted quickly, grabbing Kara’s hand before she could protest.

“Very good, sir,” Alfred said, opening the door for them.

As they settled into the plush leather seats, Mark released her hand, suddenly aware of how warm and soft it had been. Kara’s cheeks were faintly pink, her freckles barely visible beneath the dim interior lights.

Mark found himself staring again before quickly glancing away. “So, uh… I noticed you didn’t seem thrilled about riding in the car.”

Kara chuckled softly. “Yeah, it’s just… I’m not really used to it. Cars make me feel kinda trapped.”

“I get that,” he said with a nod.

“Still, I’m glad you decided to ride with me. I mean, it’d be rude to turn down a kind old butler like that.”

Kara smiled shyly. “Honestly? I don’t mind riding with you. It feels… comfortable.”

Mark felt his chest warm at her words. “That’s good to hear.”

The car rolled smoothly through the city, the lights of Gotham glimmering past the tinted windows. Mark looked around, his eyes wide with admiration. “You know, this is only the second time I’ve been in a limo. But this one… feels different. Warmer somehow.”

Kara laughed. “You mean compared to Luthor's?”

“Exactly!” Mark said, feigning irritation. “ I can't believe that angry bird, Robin gets this treatment all the time. And with Alfred as his butler? Lucky brat.”

“Hmm,” Kara teased, “is that a hint of jealousy I hear?”

Mark turned his head sharply to the window, hiding his reddening face. “No comment.”

Kara’s laughter filled the space between them, soft and melodic.

Mark, wanting to shift the focus, raised an eyebrow. “By the way, that dress,where’d you get it?”

Kara blinked, glancing down at her pink gown. “Oh, this? I bought it in a fancy boutique near the Daily Planet. Lois helped me pick it out. Why? Does it look weird?”

Mark noticed her sudden drop in tone, the way her eyes lowered. He smiled softly. “No. Actually, it looks amazing. It really suits you- brings out your features.”

Kara’s breath caught. Her face turned bright red as she looked up at him in disbelief. “You… you really think so?”

Mark nodded. “Yeah. You look beautiful.”

The words hung between them - warm, unguarded, real.

Kara’s heartbeat quickened. She turned slightly toward him, and he toward her. Their gazes locked, eyes drawn to lips, breaths slowing.

The moment felt fragile,electric as if the whole world had quieted just for them.

And then-

“We’ve arrived,” Alfred’s calm voice came from the front.

Both of them jumped slightly, pulling apart, their faces flushed as the limo came to a gentle stop in front of the Wayne Manor gates.

Kara exhaled softly, hiding a smile. Mark rubbed the back of his neck, grinning awkwardly.

It was going to be a long night.