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.

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

gaze remained

the car vanished

the villa’s grand hall, Mark found Waylen

across from him, Mark inquired in a low voice. “Have

withheld nothing from Mark. A faint smile

a hint of envy. He took a sip of tea to mask his

with nonchalance, “Mark, if you’re considering relinquishing everything for Cecilia, the project is nearly done, and there shouldn’t be any

the underlying message

about him. His cheeks held a

touch tenderly graced his son’s

“When the snow

remained unspoken,

Edwin on his lap, retrieved a candy from his pocket, and presented

his mouth but continued to gaze at

his son happy. But he needed to depart,

did not evade Waylen’s

Edwin in his arms, and

Leonel. I need to talk to your

graced Edwin’s tender features. Nevertheless,

already yearned for his father’s companionship. Yet, as his father, Mark had failed to spend more than a few days with him. He

between Mark and

heart, Waylen personally poured a cup of tea for Mark, After a contemplative pause, he asked, “What are

teacup, Mark gazed pensively

comprehended Waylen’s unspoken

hushed and thoughtful,

family has

younger generation is struggling to manage them effectively. I’m considering revitalizing these

not to push Mark further. Mark’s departure was scheduled for

around two. Waylen understood

heavy snow. As he stepped into the

off his leather gloves, fixed his gaze forward

stop halfway. I want to buy cups of milk

pulled away with

was well aware that Mr. Evans intended to visit Cecilia. Lightly

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

the end, he simply sighed softly, realizing the depth

winter landscape was adorned with a blanket of snow. Chilling gusts swept through, the frigid

absent. Cecilia, engaged in shooting a shampoo advertisement, stood in a thin summer dress. The moment one segment of the advertisement

remained resolutely focused

doorway, Mark stood, his

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

caught

their attention to this gentleman

speaking in hushed tones, queried Cecilia, “Is he here for

at

addressing the assembly with a warm smile and explained, “Mr. Evans has come

handed to

his eyes, an affectionate

coat and draped it over her shoulders, his touch tender as he secured it in place. Gently, he

hint of reproach, his tone remained soothing. Cecilia stood

here just for

you think I am here

into a

milk tea, she savored its warmth, its comfort diffusing through her

not upset when I speak to you

a prolonged moment before a

younger than I am. What’s

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

desire

eagerly awaiting a snowman-building session. Ensure you take care of and him. He’s

were poised to resume shooting. Pearl retrieved the coat and extended it toward Mark. Yet, Mark declined the

for your breaks. As the new year approaches,

was enticing. Cecilia also wanted

persisted. While she could place all her hopes on Mark,

Mark broke his promise once again? Mark was

hair and murmured, “We can discuss this later. For now, focus on wrapping up

have departed. Yet, he lingered a bit longer. Opportunities to see her were so rare. Eventually,

Mark exited the studio, a snowstorm had

coat and offer it

need. I’m not in

a grin, “At your age, it’s best

left speechless. Recognizing his gaffe, Peter opened the car door

on his sweater, chiding himself, “True, I

At the same time, Cecilia’s mood

to make the best of the situation, eventually

assistant, ever adept with

Cecilia yearned for Edwin.

to take Edwin back to her apartment. However, upon reaching the villa where Waylen resided, the hour had grown late

the couch, Waylen was engrossed in his laptop, managing official

he said, “Stay here tonight. Edwin’s been eagerly anticipating playing in the snow

her gaze

pleaded, “I want to play with Alexis

Cecilia couldn’t bring

ruffled his hair and

ahead. Put on your down

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

some point, Waylen had ceased

Cecilia had changed over the years, all for

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

tea cup

took on an air of

you the milk tea? You seem quite attached

lips, choosing silence. She

remarked, “Weren’t you quite stubborn this afternoon? Now you’re moved just because

“Waylen.”

her. With gentleness, he advised, “If you’re patient, just wait for him

the stairs to be with Rena. Cecilia was left

the French

flight taken off?

Mark had taken the time to visit her and Edwin when he was

contemplation, she

The call connected…

sniffed back

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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