Helen smiled.

“Of course.” She took a seat across from him, and Mark quickly set up the board. His hands moved with the skill of someone who knew the game well, placing each piece precisely, his eyes never leaving the board.

Helen followed his lead, moving a piece of her own.

“Hmm, okay, let’s try this,” she murmured thoughtfully, hoping to add a little challenge to the game. Mark, however, moved swiftly, countering her moves as if he had anticipated every one of them.

“Checkmate, I won,” he said, his voice as flat and calm as ever, but with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

Helen laughed softly, shaking her head. “Yes, you did. You really have a talent for this.”

Mark shrugged. “It’s nothing special; you always play the same way, so it’s easy to win.”

“Mark,” Helen said, her tone warm but firm, “we’ve talked about this—it’s not polite to say that.”

“But it’s true,” he replied, his expression unchanging.

“Yes, but sometimes it’s better to choose softer words,” she explained gently.

“Why?” he asked, his eyes finally meeting hers, curiosity sparking for a moment.

Helen chuckled. “Alright, let’s forget it.”

There was a brief pause, and then Mark leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper.

“Helen, can I ask you a favor?”

Helen raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“Yes, of course. What’s on your mind, Mark?”