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 locked on

car vanished from

hall, Mark found

from him, Mark inquired in a low

Mark. A faint smile graced his

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

considering relinquishing everything for Cecilia, the project is nearly done, and there

the underlying message

a playful demeanor about him. His cheeks

graced his son’s

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

remained unspoken, shrouded

a candy

in his mouth but continued to gaze

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

did

Edwin in his arms, and patted

play with Leonel. I need to talk to

disappointment graced Edwin’s tender features. Nevertheless,

a few days with him. He couldn’t

between Mark and Cecilia. Their attachment was complex, after

Waylen personally poured a cup of tea for Mark, After a contemplative pause, he asked, “What are your plans after wrapping up this

teacup, Mark gazed pensively at

Waylen’s unspoken

reply, hushed and thoughtful,

has

them effectively. I’m considering revitalizing these ventures, giving

further. Mark’s departure

out earlier, around two. Waylen understood his reasons

into the

his leather gloves, fixed his gaze forward

the studio. And make a pit stop halfway.

pulled away with an understanding

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

before he

offering comfort, but in the end, he simply

snow. Chilling gusts swept through, the frigid air piercing

thin

the biting cold, she remained resolutely focused on checking on the

doorway, Mark stood, his

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

caught sight

their attention to

speaking in hushed

at Mark

warm smile and explained, “Mr. Evans has come

cup of steaming milk tea was handed to Cecilia. Clasping the

an

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

of reproach, his tone remained soothing. Cecilia stood momentarily

here just

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

fell into a

tea, she savored its warmth, its comfort diffusing through

not upset when I speak

gaze lingered on her for a prolonged moment

much younger than I am. What’s

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

touch so tender, Cecilia harbored no desire to disrupt the serene ambiance

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

Just then, the cameras were poised to resume

a soft murmur, he relayed, “Keep it for your breaks. As the new

was enticing. Cecilia also wanted

she could place all her hopes on Mark, she also

once again? Mark was cognizant of

and murmured, “We can discuss this

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

the studio,

to remove his coat and offer it to Mark, had

need. I’m not

with a grin, “At your age, it’s best to take good care of your

speechless. Recognizing his gaffe, Peter opened

sweater, chiding himself, “True, I

emotions deep. At the same time,

herself to make the best of the situation, eventually

declined the crew’s invitation for dinner, her assistant, ever adept with people, personally paid for the

Cecilia yearned for Edwin.

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

Waylen was engrossed in his

here tonight. Edwin’s been eagerly

gaze to her

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

debt to Edwin, Cecilia couldn’t bring herself to

ruffled his hair

Put on your

complied, heading out to join Alexis and Leonel in their snowball fight. Laughter and merriment wafted in

some point, Waylen had ceased

how much Cecilia had changed over the years, all for the sake of her relationship

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

milk tea cup sat

took on an air of

tea? You seem quite attached

her lips, choosing silence. She feared her

and remarked, “Weren’t you quite stubborn this afternoon? Now you’re moved just because he bought you a cup of milk

“Waylen.”

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

the stairs to be with Rena. Cecilia was left alone in the living

milk tea, she approached the French window. Outside, the snowfall had

flight taken off? Was he

and Edwin when he was free. If

much contemplation, she dialed a

The call connected…

back

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