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.

trailed after her, observing her entrance to the car. Her assistant occupied the front, a young

gaze remained

car vanished from

hall, Mark found Waylen perched

him, Mark inquired in a low voice. “Have you

nothing from Mark. A

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

casually perused a magazine, remarking with nonchalance, “Mark, if you’re considering relinquishing everything for Cecilia,

underlying message in Waylen’s

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

graced his son’s

with anticipation, queried, “When the snow gets heavier, can you build

unspoken, shrouded in

his lap, retrieved a candy from his pocket, and presented it

candy in his mouth but continued to gaze

making his son happy. But he needed to depart, a multitude of matters requiring his attention at

struggle did

taking Edwin in his

play with Leonel. I need to talk to

of disappointment graced Edwin’s tender features. Nevertheless, he obediently ascended

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

between Mark and Cecilia. Their

Mark still lingering in his heart, Waylen personally poured a cup of tea for Mark, After a contemplative pause, he asked, “What are your plans after

pensively at the drifting snowflakes

comprehended Waylen’s unspoken

reply, hushed and

has

is struggling to manage them effectively. I’m considering revitalizing these ventures, giving them a fresh lease

Mark’s departure was scheduled for four

set out earlier, around two.

Mark departed into the heavy snow. As he stepped into the waiting car, Peter couldn’t resist asking, “It’s not yet time. Why

gloves, fixed his gaze forward with

pit stop halfway.

pulled away with an understanding

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

before he softly murmured, “I owe

end, he simply sighed softly, realizing the depth of

blanket of snow. Chilling gusts swept through, the

thin

biting cold, she remained resolutely focused

Mark stood, his

asserted that even though her work might appear insignificant, it was essential for her livelihood. Mark chose not to disturb her

her eyes caught

onlookers, too, turned their attention to this gentleman of dignified

hushed tones, queried Cecilia, “Is he here for

at Mark

Evans has come to check on Miss Fowler. Given the cold weather, please enjoy some

milk tea was handed to Cecilia. Clasping the warm cup, Cecilia

an

he secured it in place. Gently, he chided, “Sometimes I wonder how old you are. Can’t you add

hint of reproach, his tone remained soothing. Cecilia stood momentarily stupefied, her voice

come here

think I am here to deliver milk tea

into a contemplative

its warmth, its

I speak to

a prolonged moment

much younger than I am.

out and tenderly ruffled her hair. The

touch so tender, Cecilia harbored no desire

the shooting soon. 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

to resume shooting. Pearl retrieved the coat and extended

murmur, he relayed, “Keep it for your breaks. As the new year approaches, let’s go to Czanch,

enticing. Cecilia also wanted to

While she could place all her hopes on Mark, she also had her child

Mark broke his promise once again? Mark was cognizant of Cecilia’s internal

discuss this

lingered a bit longer. Opportunities

the studio, a

offer it to Mark, had his

I’m not in

your age, it’s best

gaffe, Peter opened the car door

brushed away the snowflakes that had settled on his sweater, chiding himself, “True, I may be

deep. At the same time, Cecilia’s mood had worsened

exerted herself to make the best of

ever adept with people, personally

Cecilia yearned for Edwin.

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

was engrossed in his

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

her gaze to

pleaded, “I want to play with Alexis

debt to Edwin, Cecilia couldn’t bring

ruffled his hair and

go ahead. Put

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

point, Waylen

had changed over the years,

and become astute, yet Waylen longed for her to retain her innocence,

tea cup sat

on an air

buy you the milk tea? You seem quite attached to

silence. She

you quite stubborn this afternoon? Now you’re moved just because he bought

“Waylen.”

advised, “If you’re patient, just wait

to be with Rena. Cecilia

approached the French window.

Mark’s flight taken off? Was

Mark had taken the time to visit her and Edwin when he was free. If she hadn’t lost her temper with him, she

much contemplation, she dialed a

The call connected…

sniffed back her

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