When they arrived at the apartment, it was already ten o'clock.

Mark was on his best behavior.

He asked her to sit on the sofa while he cut some fruits for her.

Then, he handed her a tablet PC so that she could watch a drama series or whatever she liked while he was in the kitchen.

Cecilia didn’t know whether she had made the right decision or not.

But now that she was here, there was no use thinking it over anymore.

She made herself comfortable in the sofa as she watched the TV show on the tablet. From time to time, her eyes would wander and catch a glimpse of Mark.

Angela's Library From the corner of her eyes, she noticed how well-maintained Mark's physique was.

Although he was in his 40s, the shape of his body was just as good when she first met him.

Before she knew it, Cecilia found herself staring at him as though she was in a trance.

Mark took out a glass of milk. When he saw her in a daze, he gently pinched her cheek and told her, “Have a glass of milk first.

Cecilia shook her head.

“I've already had a candy. I'll definitely get fatter if I have milk now as well as midnight snacks later.” She anticipated Mark to say that she wasn't fat.

Instead, he looked at her and smiled. His eyes looked deep, as if staring at them would cause her to drown.

“I think you're worried that you might not look as good on camera. If that's what you're worried about, then from now on, I'll cook you nutritious food low on calories.” Hearing this, Cecilia pursed her lips before they slowly curved into a smile.

Mark lowered his head and kissed her again.

“I want to do you so badly,” he whispered in her ear.

“But not today.” What? As Cecilia watched him walk back to the kitchen, memories of the past flashed in her mind. For a second, she thought she had been transported Koos Mark was wearing a white shirt and iron gray suit pants.

The hem of his shirt was neatly tucked in, accentuating his strong waist. Cecilia thought that her arms fitted perfectly around his waist.

Cecilia was not a naive girl anymore.

She thought she being here was already dropping hints to Mark.

But now, she wanted to make it even clearer.

Without making a noise, she walked over and hugged him from behind.

As soon as he felt her arms wrapped around him, Mark’s body stiffened. After a while, a gentle smile broke on his face.

“This will still take some time. Are you hungry already?” She buried her face in Mark's back.

“Mark,” she murmured.

“Do you want to clarify our relationship this time?” Mark gulped as he nodded.

“How about you be my girlfriend? That way, I'll be under your scrutiny. If you are not satisfied with me, then you can dump me any time you want.” As Cecilia heard these words, she almost burst into tears.

She pressed her face harder against his back and muttered, “During this period, I won't be going on any blind date, while you are not allowed to be close to any married woman. Got it?” Mark smiled.

“Got it. I have a girlfriend and I'm not available anymore.” For a while, Cecilia remained silent.

At this moment, Mark was starting to feel his back moisten. He turned around and held her hand.

“Shh... Don't cry, Cecilia,” he comforted her in a hoarse, soothing tone.

“Don’t cry.” Mark felt an urge to turn around.

But Cecilia's grip tightened, her embrace so intense that her nails dug into his skin.

Her body quivered uncontrollably.

In that instant, Mark's resolve wavered, and tears threatened to fall.

Life had thrown myriad challenges his way, teaching him to maintain a facade of tranquility. However, the heartfelt sobbing of the woman he cherished shook his composure.

“Cecilia,” he uttered, his voice laced with emotion.

She offered no response, her face pressed against his back. He was leaner now, but his frame was actually more robust than during his illness.

After what felt like an eternity, her voice, barely above a whisper, broke the silence.

“Does it still hurt?” “The pains gone.” Finally, Mark rotated, his eyes meeting Cecilia's tear-streaked face.

For the first time, he realized reconciliation wouldn't bring sheer joy.

Instead, a profound sorrow engulfed him.

switched off the gas stove, his gaze deep and

ages since he'd allowed himself

and inviting under his touch, felt

quivering, called

capturing her

staggered, finding support

Library Their kisses were

Cecilia rested her head on his shoulder, her tears a

through her

softly proposed, “You

she

her shoulder, Mark suggested, “Freshen up in the bathroom. We'll

faucet, letting

mirror reflected

Her eyes were tinged with

Cecilia caught her breath.

reaction only Mark could elicit. Despite the ordeals they'd weathered over the years, he

move on, to explore relationships with

craved a fresh

out the undeniable truth-she hadn't moved past Mark because

seemed

eat,” Mark invited, his

with a simple

bedroom doorway. She averted her gaze, intending

door, he lowered his voice a husky

flushed complexion... it's enchanting.”

offered a gentle shove, chiding, “Flattery isn't your best tactic.” Her eyes, still tinged with red, betrayed her emotions as she added, “I don’t want to rush things between us." Their maturity precluded the need for explicit statements. He understood her hesitation to physically rekindle their relationship prematurely. Respecting her boundaries, he caressed her

preparing a meal that included

Cecilia indulged heartily.

on camera.” In response, Mark brewed a cup of fruit tea, offering it with a reassurance, “This is a one-time indulgence. I'll prepare a salad

complementing the cool, air-conditioned interior of

consequence, and Cecilia was

distance between

of silence, coupled with significant age

to be their discussions

brief exchange, Cecilia's smile

she requested, “When you see Miss Holt next, could you apologize on my behalf? I

apologies.” An ensuing silence enveloped Mark and Cecilia, their

a fervent urgency underpinning their interactions, leaving little room for verbal communication. Now, a palpable estrangement

Mark proposed, “Stay here. I have

marked by intimacy and a shared life; pretense was unnecessary when he suggested they converse

dishes, Cecilia opted for

the window, initiating a call home, received by

was faint, a stark contrast to the impulsive boldness

she ended the

unease overtook

man for the first time, nervously adjusting her crimson

Look stunning,” Mark complimented

blush crept across Cecilia's

bathroom. Soon, the sound of running

but eventually decided the bed was more appropriate. Frustrated with her own timidity, she reasoned th i i She chastised herself before climbing into bed. Now Clutching a pillow, she pressed her face against it,

bathroom, Mark's slightly chilled body

Cecilia shiver; she instinctively curled into his embrace, looking up to inquire, “Did you have a cold shower?” Mark's casual affirmation concerned her, sparking worry for

alright. As long as I'm cautious with my diet, there's nothing to worry about.”

Cecilia fell silent.

presumed she had withdrawn into sleep.

she reached out, extinguishing

into the

I wouldn't have rejected you. You didn’t need to take that cold shower.” Mark remained

spread

betraying their desires. Yet, such things defy restraint, and soon their breaths quickened in

Library Unable to resist the mounting tension, Mark cradled

her, his free hand began to

Her voice, vulnerable and tender, beckoned

He answered without words.

small box, setting it aside before his lips eagerly found hers

moonlight bathed

danced

night air was punctuated by their

the night's

the time their passion subsided, the clock struck 3:00

his shoulder, her

intimate reconnection promised to accelerate the thaw in

warm skin, her

“Every single day. I longed for you, for Edwin, for the unborn child

you? Did thoughts of me ever cross your mind?” he inquired, lowering his gaze to meet

both fond and painful, but you were always there, in my thoughts.” ANGELA'sLIBRARY Mark pressed a kiss to

you have work tomorrow? Join me in visiting my mom

I'l accompany you to

Cecilia's smile was faint.

the courage to go see

the darkness, Mark's voice carried a hint

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

Comments ()

0/255