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.

motioned for Mark

more than his own reputation. Korbyn let out a soft

it in the long

chase after you as

felt a pang

Korbyn waved his

was a tinge of sorrow in his

doted on since childhood. All her hardships trace back to you. As a father, I

I just wish you could be there for her a

eyes glistened with

beloved daughter was barely

and plagued by frail health, weighed heavily on

an extended period, grappling with the very concerns that had

self-centered, how could he muster the courage? After a prolonged pause, Mark uttered in a raspy voice, “Please, don't worry.” Korbyn

should I? You two just live a fulfilling life and raise the two children. I believe Edwin holds tremendous promise. He inherits

engaged in a brief discussion regarding

Edwin's hand,

Olivia spotted Mark, she

scooped up his

uttered, “You take the wheel.” Cecilia nodded in

stood

been Rena's unspoken longing for a considerable while,

shoulder, both of them observing their receding

isn't as delicate as that.”

mental

thought, could be

she discovered his actions, he claimed to be mentally unwell and even proposed therapy

inside the therapy’s office, since there was really nothing wrong with him! Rena cast a sidelong glance at him, remarking, “I haven't forgiven you, you

against the wall, his fingers delicately brushing against her waist as he intentionally allured her with his

may I soothe your anger? What if you also tampered with my

would want to tamper with your phone? You think everyone's as perverted as you?” Waylen

nuzzled his face against her slender shoulder, a mischievous

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

arrived at Mark's villa half an hour

car didn’t come to a halt until it

been eagerly anticipating Cecilia's visit for

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

was taking unsteady

breeze playfully lifted

ended up revealing half of her little bottom, making her appear incredibly

the urge to playfully

affection for Olivia knew

cradled Olivia in her arms, showering

nearby, didn’t harbor any jealousy. He patiently waited

turn a cold

the affectionate embrace with her grandson, Zoey’s gaze drifted toward Cecilia in the night breeze. Cecilia

Zoey's nose twitched.

clutched Cecilia's hand, her voice choked with

back. It's truly wonderful” What Zoey uttered held significance

only to her

life had been shrouded in uncertainty following that. How could Zoey not be plagued by fear and sorrow? It

maintain composure, Zoey struggled

step to the

a profound and mournful

playfully said, “I'm famished. Do you happen to have any

like, but be careful not

conversation served to alleviate Cecilia's melancholy, evoking

pleasant and challenging moments triggered a mix of emotions

night of a remarkable reunion. Cecilia couldn't help having a myriad of thoughts

took charge

bathtub and a tiny bath towel in the

completely bare, her face brimming

little girl in her

skillfully poured water

savor her wontons. Midway through the meal, Mark

quite the dinner. If you eat so much now, you'll feel overstuffed.” Then Mark settled down and dug into the

a

that Zoey

some weight, you might regret it later” His words were tender, making it challenging for her to

at Mark with an affectionate foolishness.

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

you like to sleep in

feeling a

and the fact that they had two children together, she considered herself a

gaze held

with us. What's on your mind?”

about

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