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.

deep and

ages since he'd allowed himself to

inviting under his touch, felt

called

forward, capturing her

finding support against the kitchen

kisses were

they went no further than that embrace. Cecilia rested

brushed through her long hair, comforting

softly

“Okay,” she replied, her eyes reddened

suggested, “Freshen up in the bathroom.

faucet, letting cool water cascade

reflected her

Her eyes were tinged with

Cecilia caught her breath.

Mark could elicit. Despite the ordeals they'd weathered over the years, he alone had the power to stir such

on, to explore

a

had pointed out the undeniable truth-she hadn't moved

with Mark, her heart seemed to reawaken,

Come, let's eat,” Mark invited, his tone

with a

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

against the door, he lowered his voice a

complexion... it's

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.

was a proficient cook, preparing a

Cecilia indulged heartily.

“Extra pounds don't translate well on camera.” In response, Mark brewed a cup of fruit

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

natural consequence, and Cecilia

harbored desires to bridge the distance

three years of silence, coupled with significant age disparities and

to

brief exchange, Cecilia's smile

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

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

their connection was primarily physical, a fervent urgency underpinning their interactions, leaving little room for verbal communication.

Mark proposed, “Stay here. I have more to share.” Cecilia harbored no

a shared life; pretense was unnecessary when he

Mark attended to the dishes, Cecilia opted for a

found solace by the window, initiating a call home,

faint, a stark contrast to the impulsive

the call, her gaze falling

sudden unease overtook

as though she was with a man for the first time, nervously adjusting

Look stunning,” Mark

crept

retreating to the bathroom. Soon, the sound of running water

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

embrace, looking up to inquire, “Did you have a cold shower?” Mark's casual

hand, drawing her close, and reassured 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

Cecilia fell silent.

stretched on until he presumed she had withdrawn into

she reached out,

face into the crook

“Actually, if you wanted to, I wouldn't have rejected you. You didn’t need to take

warmth spread from

softly, each wary of betraying their desires. Yet, such things defy restraint, and soon their breaths

Library Unable to resist the mounting tension,

kissed her, his free hand began to ease her

tender, beckoned him

He answered without words.

to the bedside table, he retrieved a small box, setting it aside before

moonlight bathed

danced upon

merged, the night air was

deepened the night's

passion subsided,

rested on his shoulder, her raven tresses cascading

accelerate the thaw

warm skin,

those two years, did you ever think of me?” “Every single day. I longed for you, for Edwin, for the unborn child within

of me ever cross your mind?” he inquired, lowering his gaze

painful, but you were always

work tomorrow? Join me in visiting

accompany you to see

Cecilia's smile was faint.

to

Mark's voice carried a hint of

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

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