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.

after her, observing her entrance to the car. Her assistant occupied the front, a young boy likely from the studio accompanying

gaze remained locked

the car vanished

Mark found Waylen perched on

across from him, Mark inquired in a low voice.

nothing from Mark. A

fleeting moment, felt a hint of envy.

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

discerned the underlying message in

His cheeks held a rosy hue as he approached Mark’s side,

tenderly graced his

the snow gets heavier, can

unspoken, shrouded

candy from his

the candy in his mouth but continued to gaze at Mark

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

did not

out, taking Edwin in

and play with Leonel. I need to talk to your

momentary pout of disappointment graced 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

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

reconcile with Mark still lingering in his heart, Waylen personally poured a cup of tea for

Mark gazed pensively at the

Waylen’s

reply, hushed and

has some

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

push Mark further. Mark’s departure was scheduled for

earlier, around two. Waylen understood

stepped into the waiting car, Peter couldn’t resist asking,

off his leather gloves, fixed his

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

with an understanding

intended to visit Cecilia. Lightly teasing, he added,

a weight. A pause ensued before he softly

comfort, but in the end, he simply sighed softly, realizing the depth of

blanket of snow. Chilling gusts swept through, the

heating was absent. Cecilia, engaged in shooting a shampoo advertisement, stood in a thin summer dress. The moment one segment of the advertisement concluded, her assistant promptly enveloped her

she remained resolutely focused on checking

doorway, Mark stood, his gaze

essential for her livelihood. Mark

caught sight

attention

in hushed tones, queried Cecilia, “Is he here

at Mark

and explained, “Mr. Evans has come

to

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

come here just

surveyed his surroundings, then quipped, “Do you think I am here

fell into

milk tea, she savored its warmth, its comfort

not upset when I

lingered on her for a prolonged moment before a smile

younger than I am. What’s there to be

The gesture bore a gentleness akin to

so tender, Cecilia harbored no desire

you take care of and him. He’s prone to

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

new year approaches, let’s go to Czanch, you, Edwin, and I.

Cecilia also wanted to

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

once again? Mark was

discuss this later. For now, focus on

that, Mark should have departed. Yet, he lingered a bit longer. Opportunities to

exited the studio, a snowstorm

and offer it to

need. I’m not in

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

speechless. Recognizing his gaffe, Peter opened the car door

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

the same

the best of

dinner, her assistant, ever adept with

Cecilia yearned for Edwin.

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

Waylen was engrossed in his

tonight. Edwin’s been

her gaze to

hand, and in a subdued tone, he pleaded, “I want to play with Alexis and Leonel in the

Cecilia couldn’t

ruffled his hair and

ahead. Put on

heading out to join Alexis and Leonel in their snowball fight. Laughter and merriment wafted in through the open door. Tears welled in Cecilia’s

Waylen had ceased

sister in silence, he recognized how much Cecilia had changed over the years, all for the sake of her relationship with

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

tea cup

tone took on an air

the milk tea? You seem

pursed her lips, choosing silence. She feared

sidelong glance and remarked, “Weren’t you quite stubborn this afternoon?

“Waylen.”

to scold her. With gentleness, he advised, “If you’re patient,

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

approached the French window. Outside,

taken off? Was

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

contemplation, she dialed a

The call connected…

sniffed back

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

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