Juliette elbowed her husband gently.

Yet, Mark remained unflustered. Presenting gifts to Juliette and Korbyn, he said graciously, “There are many things I haven't handled well. I plan to make amends, step by step, in the future. I anticipate guidance from you both.” Korbyn, astute as he was, recognized the need only to apply subtle pressure on Mark.

He knew pushing too hard might upset Mark, potentially distressing Cecilia once more.

Instead, Korbyn invited Mark to take a seat, and then instructed a servant, “Please inform Waylen and the others it's time to come downstairs for dinner. They shouldn't isolate themselves every time they congregate.” “Rena and Cecilia went shopping, coming home with an array of clothing and jewelry,” Juliette shared.

“They're seeking Waylen's opinion. They get along so well. That pleases you, doesn't it?” A twinge of disappointment struck Mark.

Cecilia had claimed her schedule was too packed for meet-ups.

A hint of jealousy emerged in Mark, though he kept it to himself.

As he pondered, footsteps signaled their descent.

Waylen led the way, with Rena and Cecilia following, side by side.

Cecilia, leaning on Rena, had her arm linked through Rena's...

Korbyn'’s voice, cool, interjected, “Your uncle has arrived.” Korbyn looked at his children.

The ambiance held a delicate subtlety.

Waylen glanced over at Cecilia and noticed a slight blush gracing her face. Clearly, she couldn't withstand such teasing.

Mark was much more thick-skinned.

At his age, he found himself once more in Cecilia's company, and he paid little heed to anything else.

His affectionate gaze upon Cecilia was even more unreserved than before.

Waylen let out a chuckle.

In agreement with his father, he added, “Dad, if you keep on going like that, Mark might never show his face here again.” Korbyn shot Waylen a grave look before inquiring, “Is he that really shy, Waylen?” Both Korbyn and Waylen possessed sharp tongues.

Mark had no option but to take it.

As Cecilia drew near, Mark strolled alongside her and tenderly asked, “Why didn't you invite me to join you for shopping?” Cecilia cast a brief glance at Mark's way.

“Even my brother didn't go” After a brief pause, she added, “You were planning to go to the office, weren't you? Besides, I prefer shopping with Rena.” Beneath the table, Mark discreetly clasped Cecilia's hand.

“You're absolutely right. Women understand each other best.” Angela's Library With that, Mark offered a gentle smile and whispered, “I'l go get Olivia.” Typically, Olivia didn’t dine at the table. She was still quite young, and her meals were either prepared separately, or she would just have her milk.

Cecilia wanted to say something, but Mark had already ascended the stairs.

Observing his daughter's expression, Korbyn curled his lip.

“Feeling sorry for him? Well, don’t thwart a man’s desire to prove himself.

You shouldn't concern yourself too much. Simply follow your sister-in-law’s lead and give him a hard time.” Rena served a portion of food to Korbyn.

In a hushed tone, she said, “Dad, if I've ever wronged Waylen in any way, please forgive me.” Korbyn quickly reassured her, “No. No, you've been really good to Waylen.” Witnessing that, Cecilia couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.

Rena not only had a grip on Waylen, but she also managed to please Korbyn.

As Cecilia pondered, Mark descended the stairs, holding Olivia in his embrace.

Just in time for summer, Olivia wore a white dress adorned with red flowers. She appeared plump and utterly adorable.

Olivia wrapped her tiny arms around her father’s neck, her curious eyes fixed on the dishes set on the table.

Most of it was devoid of salt or other seasonings. Olivia found them quite plain and refused to eat.

Yet Mark patiently cajoled her.

3 Olivia radiated pure delight. She let out joyful giggles and devoured all the food her father fed her.

Korbyn chortled.

“I am truly impressed. Mark, you could run a nursery school. You have a real knack for handling kids.” Mark responded promptly, “Olivia is quite a good girl.” Olivia held a deep fondness for Mark. She nestled against his chest.

Mark couldn't resist rubbing her plump little belly.

During the meal, he refrained from eating much as he mostly focused on his daughter.

Cecilia harbored concerns about Mark, yet her entire family had gathered, and her shyness held her back.

She stole a quick glance at Rena.

Rena grasped Cecilia's unspoken message and addressed Mark, “Uncle Mark, why don't you grab a bite?” Mark appeared momentarily taken aback.

Then, he offered a gentle smile and replied, “'m not much of an eater.” Rena let the matter rest and turned her gaze back to Cecilia, noticing the hint of wetness in her eyes.

In private, Rena inquired, “Are you worried about him?” Cecilia felt a touch awkwardness.

THe Rena refrained from further questioning.

Following the meal, Rena and Cecilia attended to the children’s belongings, while Mark was summoned to Korbyn's study.

closed behind

Korbyn's jesting ceased.

Mark to

cherished his daughter deeply, valuing her even more than his

but I won't actively support it either. Whether you two make it in the long run depends on you. Mark, I'm being honest with

can't chase after you as she did seven years

a pang

waved his

a tinge of sorrow in his expression, but he had

doted on since childhood. All her hardships trace back to you. As a father, I can't say much because she cares for you

her. Mark, 'm not asking for anything else at this moment. I just wish you could be there for her a while

glistened with

daughter was barely in

frail health, weighed heavily on

silence for an extended period, grappling with the very concerns that had been

Mark uttered in a raspy voice, “Please, don't worry.” Korbyn wiped away his

two just live a fulfilling life and raise the two children. I believe Edwin holds tremendous promise. He inherits his personality from

them engaged in a brief discussion regarding

Edwin's hand,

Mark, she stretched out

up his daughter, a suitcase in

at Cecilia and uttered, “You

Rena stood

longing for a considerable while, and it

around her shoulder,

isn't as delicate as that.” Rena shot

of his feigned mental issues and hadn't talked to him

thought, could be quite insufferable

tampered with her phone. Once she discovered his actions, he claimed to be mentally unwell and even proposed therapy

cast a sidelong glance at him, remarking, “I haven't forgiven

against her waist as he intentionally allured her with his mesmerizing

What if you also tampered with my

earth would want to tamper with your phone? You think

slender shoulder, a mischievous

him away. There was an undeniable helplessness in dealing with him, and it seemed his antics

villa half an hour

considerable size, and the car didn’t come to

anticipating Cecilia's visit

Cecilia and her children over the past few years, there was a distinct significance to the family of four arriving together in such an orderly fashion. Moreover, Olivia, being

taking

playfully

ended up revealing half of her little bottom, making

urge to playfully

for Olivia knew no

her arms, showering her

any jealousy. He

turn a cold shoulder to

toward Cecilia

Zoey's nose twitched.

Cecilia's hand, her voice

It's truly wonderful” What Zoey uttered held

wasn't only to her

Zoey not be plagued by fear and sorrow? It wasn't due to Zoey’s fear of growing old and vulnerable, but rather her apprehension of not finding

Zoey

to the side and

held a

said, “I'm famished. Do you happen to have any home-made wontons? I want chopped coriander in it.”

like, but be careful not to get scalded again, or someone will worry over you.” Cecilia offered a shy

alleviate Cecilia's melancholy, evoking

and challenging moments triggered a mix of

couldn't help having a myriad of thoughts race through her

took charge of the

small bathtub and a tiny bath towel in the

completely bare, her face brimming with

adorable little girl

skillfully poured water into

to savor her wontons. Midway through

much now, you'll feel overstuffed.” Then Mark settled down and

a

“I'm simply concerned that Zoey might be upset.” Mark

on some weight, you might regret it later” His words were tender, making it challenging

Mark with an affectionate

sense you've been avoiding me lately?” “I haven't” She softly replied, “I've just been extremely busy.” Mark affectionately ruffled her hair and remarked, “Well then, keep yourself occupied. But when you're free, be sure to spend some time with me.” Cecilia tightened her lips, opting to remain

in

hesitated, feeling

children together, she considered herself a guest in his home at that time and didn’t deem it appropriate to share his

held

mean we'll Edwin and Olivia with us. What's on

haven't been thinking about

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