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.

gaze deep

been ages since he'd allowed himself to

and inviting under his touch, felt like his

quivering, called out

her lips in a

support against the kitchen

Library Their kisses were

embrace. Cecilia rested her head

through her long

prolonged silence, he softly proposed,

“Okay,” she replied, her eyes reddened from crying.

in the bathroom. We'll eat once you're done.”

bathroom, she turned the faucet, letting cool water cascade over her

mirror reflected her

Her eyes were tinged with red,

Cecilia caught her breath.

elicit. Despite the ordeals they'd weathered over the years, he

attempted to move on, to explore relationships

a

had pointed out the undeniable truth-she

heart seemed to

Come, let's eat,” Mark

with

at the bedroom doorway. She averted her gaze, intending to sidestep him, but he halted

her against the door, he lowered his voice

complexion... it's enchanting.”

her emotions as she added, “I don’t want to rush things between us." Their maturity precluded the

proficient cook, preparing a meal that included

Cecilia indulged heartily.

regret surfaced. She patted her slightly protruding belly, lamenting, “Extra pounds don't translate well 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 for you tomorrow.”

comforting, the warm yellow lighting complementing the cool, air-conditioned interior of the tastefully adorned

consequence, and Cecilia was not

to bridge the distance between

years of silence, coupled with significant age disparities and differing social

sole mutual interest appeared to be their

exchange, Cecilia's

apologize on my behalf?

extend your apologies.” An ensuing silence enveloped Mark

underpinning their interactions, leaving little room for verbal communication. Now, a

deepened, Mark proposed, “Stay here. I

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

to the dishes,

the window,

contrast to the impulsive

the call, her gaze falling

sudden unease overtook

was with a man for the first time, nervously adjusting her crimson silk

stunning,”

crept across

smiled, retreating to the bathroom. Soon, the

decided the bed was more appropriate. Frustrated with her own timidity, she reasoned th i i She chastised herself

from a steam-filled bathroom, Mark's slightly

inquire, “Did you have a cold

her in a whisper, “It’s alright. As long as I'm cautious with my diet, there's nothing to worry about.” He wouldn't have returned if he wasn't

Cecilia fell silent.

stretched on until he presumed she had withdrawn

out, extinguishing the

into the

rejected you. You didn’t need to

warmth spread from his

both inhaled softly, each wary of betraying their desires. Yet, such things defy

Unable to resist the mounting tension,

kissed her, his free hand began to ease her bathrobe

Her voice, vulnerable and tender,

He answered without words.

setting it aside before his

bathed

danced

their bodies merged, the night air was

the night's

time their passion subsided, the clock

rested on his shoulder, her raven tresses cascading over

to accelerate the thaw in their

caressed his warm skin, her voice

single day. I longed for you, for Edwin, for the unborn child within you,” Mark

thoughts of me ever cross your mind?” he

painful, but you were always there, in my

you have work tomorrow? Join me in

to see your parents,”

Cecilia's smile was faint.

have the courage to

Mark's voice carried a hint of playful

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

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