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.

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

gaze remained locked on

car vanished from

Mark found Waylen perched

Mark inquired in a low voice. “Have

withheld nothing from Mark. A faint smile

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

everything for Cecilia, the project is nearly

discerned the underlying message in

him. His cheeks held a rosy hue as he approached Mark’s side, softly summoning

graced his

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

remained unspoken,

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

his mouth but

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

internal struggle did not evade Waylen’s

taking Edwin in his arms, and

Leonel. I

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

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

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

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

gazed pensively at the drifting snowflakes

Waylen’s

hushed and thoughtful,

family has some

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

Mark’s departure was scheduled for four in the

two. Waylen

snow. As he stepped into the waiting car,

leather gloves, fixed his gaze forward with his

studio. And make a pit stop halfway. I want

with an understanding

intended to visit Cecilia. Lightly

ensued before he softly murmured, “I owe

he simply sighed softly, realizing the depth

adorned with a blanket of snow. Chilling

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

biting cold, she remained resolutely

Mark

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

her eyes caught sight of

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

Mark and, speaking in hushed tones, queried Cecilia, “Is he

at Mark

Peter distributed cups of milk tea, addressing the assembly with a warm smile and explained, “Mr. Evans has come to check on Miss

milk tea was handed to Cecilia. Clasping the warm

eyes, an

touch tender as he secured it in place. Gently,

tone remained soothing. Cecilia stood momentarily

come here

I am here to deliver milk tea to

fell into a contemplative

milk tea, she savored its warmth, its comfort

when I speak to you that

gaze lingered on her for a prolonged moment before a smile

I am.

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

tender, Cecilia harbored no desire to disrupt the serene ambiance that enveloped

take care of and him. He’s prone to fever. As

then, the cameras were poised to resume shooting. Pearl retrieved the

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

was enticing. Cecilia also wanted to

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

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

“We can discuss this later. For now, focus on wrapping up your

he lingered a bit longer. Opportunities to see her were

Mark exited the studio, a snowstorm had

remove his coat and offer it to Mark, had his

I’m not

quipped with a grin, “At your age, it’s best to

Peter opened the

snowflakes that had settled on his sweater, chiding himself, “True, I may be getting old, but I can’t provide my wife and child with

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

best of the situation,

her assistant, ever adept with people, personally paid for

Cecilia yearned for Edwin.

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

was engrossed in his

said, “Stay here tonight. Edwin’s been

gaze to her

in a subdued tone, he pleaded, “I

to Edwin, Cecilia

ruffled his hair

ahead. Put on

and Leonel in their snowball fight. Laughter and merriment

point, Waylen

much Cecilia had changed over the years, all for the

matured and become astute, yet Waylen longed for her to retain her innocence, shielded from sorrow’s touch…

milk tea cup sat

tone took on an air of

buy you the milk tea? You

her lips, choosing silence. She feared

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

“Waylen.”

he advised, “If you’re patient, just wait

that, Waylen ascended the stairs to be with

she approached the French window. Outside, the

flight taken off?

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

contemplation, she dialed

The call connected…

sniffed back her

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