Juliette and Korbyn, accustomed to their affection, barely blinked at the display downstairs.

Yet, another figure was present.

It was Mark.

Snow dusted the man as he entered, his gaze capturing the charged scene. His scoff dripped with sarcasm as he said, “Ah, Waylen, age hasn’t diminished your romance.”

Unbeknownst to all, Waylen’s memories had fully returned.

Seating Rena gently, Waylen said with a smile, “Mark, I’m only 35.”

Mark’s unease was palpable.

Waylen’s gaze shifted to Edwin, perched at the table. Edwin’s timidity had thus far hindered him from addressing Mark as Dad.

With a gentle stroke of Edwin’s head, Waylen inquired.

“Your great uncle is here. Why not greet him?”

Edwin, his voice a soft murmur, addressed Mark as great uncle.

Mark’s hand ruffled Edwin’s hair as he chuckled.

A searching Look passed between Mark and Waylen. Concealment might work with others, but not with Mark. Did Waylen have something on his mind?

Mark didn’t make it clear when Waylen wanted to spice things up.

He skillfully steered the conversation while seated beside Cecilia. His voice hushed, he explained, “I’ve been swamped Lately. I only have a short break, so I came to see you. I’ve got a flight to catch later.”

Should he miss the plane, a long car ride would await.

Cecilia, her response unvoiced, remained silent.

Months prior, Mark had prepared a house for them. At the time, Cecilia had been ready to accept his proposal, the pain of the past seemingly abated. Yet, constant work had forestalled their happiness.

Endless waiting had gradually eroded her faith.

Mark understood, yet the present setting allowed no room for such discussions.

As the family savored dinner and conversation flowed, Waylen’s attentiveness to Rena struck Mark’s heart with a pang of envy of having a complete family. Despite their trials, they remained united.

Mark longed for the same with Cecilia.

A hint of solitude crept over him.

Edwin fetched a morsel of food for Mark, urging, “Dad, let’s eat.”

Mark’s heart softened. A tender touch graced his son’s shoulder, before his gaze sought Cecilia’s.

Cecilia feigned ignorance.

As dinner concluded, Cecilia readied herself for a commercial shoot, her assistant waiting in the car.

Mark, positioned within the bathroom, obstructed her path.

He Looked at her stunning face, and his voice emerged hoarse, a plea tinged with urgency.

“Can’t you adjust your schedule? We have such a rare opportunity to meet.”

Cecilia, tending to her Lipstick, turned and Lightly pushed him. “I’LL be late.”

Mark persisted.

He enclosed her within his arm, Locking the bathroom door behind them.

Cecilia’s efforts to resist were futile.

She leaned against the wall, her gaze distant.

Soft-spoken words drifted from her lips, laden with an undertone of resignation. “Mark, you’re always consumed by obligations. You probably can’t even recall our son’s birthday. I know in your eyes, my work is unimportant, so I should cooperate with you unconditionally. If I have to put off my work once you come, do you know how many favors I will owe others? Mark, you won’t think about it at all. You don’t care about my feelings at all.”

Emotions perhaps unrevealed, Cecilia voiced her thoughts, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Enriching herself seemed wiser than waiting for Mark.

Edwin needed her guidance too.

Mark’s gaze was profound.

He stood defenseless, recognizing that the young girl who once clung to him had matured significantly.

But he longed for the simplicity she had exuded.

Cecilia’s melancholy registered. She was loath to quarrel with him.

Her head bowed, a whisper broke from her lips. “I’m leaving. When will you leave?” She shifted her focus to Edwin, her voice softening. “If you have time, accompany Edwin to play. At his age, he should be in kindergarten. You can’t imagine how much he envies Alexis and Leonel.”

Mark’s heart twinged.

Cecilia’s departure was forestalled by Mark’s grasp, his hand producing a cigarette.

Only half of it was smoked before it was snuffed out.

His Lips descended upon hers in a deep, intense kiss, laden with a yearning that lingered in the air.

Initially resistant, Cecilia’s resistance gradually softened.

But her eyes glistened with tears.

Mark desisted, his forehead meeting hers, his touch tender as he smoothed her dress.

He had failed her, burdening her with enough pain.

The year’s end loomed with a looming project deadline, yet Mark shied away from making promises he feared he couldn’t keep.

After a lengthy silence, he murmured, “Don’t let Edwin see this. He might think I’m picking on you.”

Cecilia’s frustration materialized in a playful punch to his shoulder.

Pushing the door ajar, she departed.

car. Her assistant occupied the front, a young boy likely

remained locked

car vanished

hall, Mark found Waylen perched on

a low

nothing from Mark. A

fleeting moment, felt a hint of envy. He took a sip

remarking with nonchalance, “Mark, if you’re considering relinquishing everything for Cecilia, the project

underlying message in Waylen’s

stairs, a playful demeanor about him. His cheeks held a rosy hue as he approached Mark’s side, softly summoning his

graced

gaze brimming with anticipation, queried, “When the snow gets heavier, can you build a snowman with

response remained unspoken, shrouded

a candy from his pocket, and

his mouth but continued to gaze at Mark

too yearned for staying, to bask in the joy of making his son happy. But he needed to depart,

did not

out, taking Edwin in

Leonel. I need to

features. Nevertheless,

years old, Edwin already yearned for his father’s companionship. Yet, as his father, Mark had failed to spend more than a few days with him. He couldn’t even promise him a snowball fight.

intervening in the intricacies between Mark and Cecilia. Their

heart, Waylen personally poured a cup of

gazed pensively at

Waylen’s

reply, hushed

has

manage them effectively. I’m considering revitalizing these ventures, giving

Mark’s departure was scheduled for

set out earlier, around two. Waylen understood

into the waiting car, Peter couldn’t resist asking, “It’s not yet time. Why the early

slipping off his leather gloves, fixed his gaze

pit stop halfway. I want to buy cups

away with

to visit Cecilia. Lightly teasing, he added, “She’ll surely be

a weight. A pause ensued before he softly murmured, “I

end, he simply sighed softly, realizing the depth

was adorned with a blanket of snow. Chilling gusts swept

thin summer dress. The moment one

remained resolutely

the doorway, Mark

might appear insignificant, it was essential for her livelihood. Mark chose not to disturb her although he felt sad to see

caught sight of

too, turned their attention

hushed tones,

looked at Mark

tea, addressing the assembly with a warm smile and explained, “Mr. Evans has come to check on Miss Fowler. Given the cold weather, please

was handed to Cecilia. Clasping the warm cup, Cecilia approached

eyes, an

as he secured it in place. Gently, he chided,

his words carried a hint of reproach, his tone remained soothing. Cecilia stood momentarily

here just for

I am here to

into

its warmth, its comfort diffusing through

not upset when I speak to you

a prolonged moment before a

much younger than I am. What’s there

last, he reached out and tenderly ruffled her hair. The gesture bore

touch so tender, Cecilia harbored no desire to disrupt the serene ambiance

Edwin is eagerly awaiting a snowman-building session. Ensure you take care of and him. He’s prone to fever. As for you, remember to have ginger tea. Zoey has been insistent about taking you to Czanch

advice. Just then, the cameras were poised to resume shooting. Pearl retrieved the coat and extended it toward Mark. Yet,

breaks. As the new year approaches, let’s go to Czanch, you, Edwin, and I. What

Cecilia also wanted to

could place all her hopes on Mark, she also

promise once again? Mark was cognizant of Cecilia’s

her hair and murmured, “We can discuss this later. For now,

have departed. Yet, he lingered a bit

the studio, a

poised to remove his coat and offer it to Mark, had his offer

not in

a grin, “At your age, it’s

Recognizing his gaffe, Peter opened the car

had settled on his sweater, chiding himself, “True, I may be getting old,

sighed, his emotions deep. At the same

exerted herself to make the best of the situation, eventually completing the commercial

for dinner, her assistant, ever adept with

Cecilia yearned for Edwin.

her apartment. However, upon reaching the villa where Waylen resided, the hour had grown late and snow

the couch, Waylen was engrossed in his

Edwin’s been eagerly anticipating playing in the snow

turned her gaze to her

hand, and in a subdued tone, he pleaded, “I want to play with Alexis and Leonel

Edwin, Cecilia

his hair

go ahead. Put

their snowball fight. Laughter and merriment wafted in through the open door. Tears welled in

Waylen

how much Cecilia had changed over the years, all

for her to retain her innocence, shielded from sorrow’s touch… His gaze then fell

milk tea

took on an air

milk tea? You seem quite attached

choosing silence. She feared her

quite stubborn this afternoon? Now you’re moved just

“Waylen.”

you’re patient, just wait for him

to be with Rena. Cecilia

milk tea, she approached the French window. Outside, the snowfall had

Mark’s flight taken off? Was he

Cecilia regretted their conflict earlier in the day. Mark had taken the time to visit her and Edwin when he was free. If she hadn’t lost her temper with him, she would have spent more time

much contemplation, she dialed a

The call connected…

sniffed back

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