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.

assistant occupied the front, a young boy likely from the

gaze remained

car vanished

the villa’s grand hall, Mark

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

nothing from Mark. A faint smile graced

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

a magazine, remarking with nonchalance, “Mark, if you’re considering relinquishing everything for Cecilia, the project is nearly done, and

underlying message

His cheeks

graced

brimming with anticipation, queried, “When the snow gets heavier, can

remained unspoken,

placed Edwin on his lap, retrieved a candy from his pocket,

candy in his mouth

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

struggle did not evade

reached out, taking Edwin in his arms, and patted him

Leonel. I need to talk to

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

a few days with

between

Mark still lingering in his heart, Waylen personally poured a cup of tea for Mark, After a contemplative pause, he

pensively at the drifting snowflakes

comprehended Waylen’s unspoken

hushed

has

to manage them effectively. I’m considering revitalizing

to push Mark further. Mark’s departure was scheduled for

around two. Waylen understood

he stepped into the waiting car,

leather gloves, fixed his gaze forward

a pit stop halfway.

away with an

well aware that Mr. Evans intended to visit Cecilia.

heart carried a weight. A pause ensued before he softly murmured,

contemplated offering comfort, but in the end, he simply sighed softly,

a blanket of snow. Chilling gusts

a shampoo advertisement, stood in a thin summer

the biting cold, she remained resolutely focused on checking

the doorway, Mark stood, his

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

eyes caught sight of

turned their attention to this

recognized Mark and, speaking in hushed tones,

at Mark

smile and explained, “Mr. Evans

of steaming milk tea was handed to Cecilia. Clasping

his eyes, an affectionate Light

his touch tender as he secured it in place. Gently, he chided, “Sometimes I wonder

of reproach, his tone

you come here just

surroundings, then quipped, “Do you think I am here to deliver milk tea to these

fell into

milk tea, she savored its warmth, its

upset when I speak to you

on her for a prolonged

am. What’s there to be upset

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

tender, Cecilia harbored no desire to

take care of and him. He’s prone to fever. As for you, remember to have ginger

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

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

was enticing. Cecilia also wanted

place all her hopes on Mark, she also had her

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

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

departed. Yet, he lingered a bit longer. Opportunities to see her were

the studio,

his coat and offer it to Mark, had his

I’m not in

with a grin, “At your age, it’s

Recognizing his gaffe, Peter opened the car

himself, “True, I may be getting old, but I can’t provide my wife and child with a

sighed, his emotions deep. At the same time, Cecilia’s mood had worsened after

make the best of the situation, eventually completing the commercial

invitation for dinner, her assistant, ever adept with people, personally paid for the staff

Cecilia yearned for Edwin.

upon reaching the villa where Waylen resided, the hour had grown late and

engrossed in

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

gaze to

her hand, and in a subdued tone, he pleaded, “I want to

to Edwin, Cecilia couldn’t bring herself to

his

ahead. Put on your

out to join Alexis and Leonel in their snowball fight. Laughter and

Waylen had

his sister in silence, he recognized how much Cecilia had changed over the years, all for the sake

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

milk tea cup

tone took on an air of

the milk tea? You seem

pursed her lips, choosing silence. She feared her brother’s possible

afternoon? Now you’re moved

“Waylen.”

“If you’re patient, just wait for him to give you a complete family. I

ascended the stairs to be with Rena. Cecilia was

the French

flight taken off? Was he safe

Edwin when he was free. If she hadn’t lost her temper with him, she would have spent more time with

she dialed a

The call connected…

back her

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

Comments ()

0/255