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.

her entrance to the car. Her assistant occupied the front,

remained

the car vanished from

hall, Mark

Mark inquired in a low voice. “Have you regained your

nothing from Mark. A faint smile graced

of envy. He took a sip of tea

considering relinquishing everything for Cecilia, the project is

the underlying message in Waylen’s

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

touch tenderly graced

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

response remained unspoken, shrouded in

candy from

in his mouth but continued to

son happy. But he needed to depart, a multitude of

internal struggle did not evade

in his

and play with Leonel. I need to talk

Edwin’s tender features. Nevertheless, he obediently ascended the stairs.

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. Waylen, attuned to Mark’s mood, could sense the turmoil within

from intervening in the intricacies between Mark and Cecilia. Their attachment was complex,

might reconcile with 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 wrapping up

the teacup, Mark gazed pensively at the drifting snowflakes

Waylen’s

reply, hushed

has some

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

to push Mark further. Mark’s departure was

around two. Waylen

the heavy snow. As he stepped into the waiting car, Peter couldn’t

slipping off his leather gloves, fixed his gaze forward with his mesmerizing,

the studio. And make a pit stop halfway. I want to buy cups of milk

away with

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

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

end, he simply sighed softly, realizing

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

stood in a thin summer dress. The moment one segment of the advertisement concluded, her assistant

the biting cold, she remained resolutely focused

doorway, Mark stood, his

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

her eyes caught

turned their attention to this gentleman of

Mark and, speaking in hushed

at

Peter distributed cups of milk 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

an affectionate Light

draped it over her shoulders, his touch tender as he secured it in place. Gently, he chided, “Sometimes I wonder how old you are. Can’t

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

you come here

think I am here

fell into a

tea, she savored its warmth, its comfort

I

a prolonged moment before a smile

I am.

tenderly ruffled her hair. The gesture bore a gentleness akin to that of a

harbored no desire to disrupt the serene ambiance that

Edwin is eagerly awaiting a snowman-building session. Ensure you take care of and him. He’s prone to fever.

by his heartfelt advice. Just then, the cameras were poised to resume shooting. Pearl retrieved the coat and extended it toward

he relayed, “Keep it for your breaks. As the new year approaches,

was enticing. Cecilia also wanted to

her hesitations persisted. While she could place all her hopes on

his promise once again?

discuss this

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

studio, a

remove his coat and offer it to Mark,

need. I’m not in

with a grin, “At your age, it’s best

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

himself, “True, I may be

the same time, Cecilia’s

best of

assistant, ever adept with people, personally paid for the

Cecilia yearned for Edwin.

take Edwin back to her apartment. However, upon reaching

was engrossed in his

he said, “Stay here tonight. Edwin’s

gaze to

and in a subdued tone, he pleaded, “I

to Edwin, Cecilia couldn’t bring

his

ahead. Put on your

fight. Laughter and merriment

Waylen had ceased his

much Cecilia had changed over the years, all

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

milk tea cup

tone took on an air

the milk tea? You

lips, choosing silence. She feared her brother’s

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

“Waylen.”

preferring not to scold her. With gentleness, he advised, “If you’re patient, just wait for him to

stairs to be with Rena. Cecilia was left

the

taken off? Was he safe

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

contemplation, she

The call connected…

sniffed back

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