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.

door closed behind

Korbyn's jesting ceased.

for Mark to take a

more than his own reputation.

you two make it in the long run depends on you.

you as she did seven years

felt a pang

waved his

was a tinge of sorrow in his expression, but he had something important

you. As a father, I can't

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

eyes glistened with

barely in her early

frail

have? Mark sat in contemplative silence for an

uttered in a

just live a fulfilling life and raise the two children. I believe Edwin holds tremendous promise.

engaged in a brief discussion regarding

descent, Rena grasped Edwin's hand,

spotted Mark, she

and scooped up his daughter, a

cast a gentle gaze at Cecilia and uttered,

family of four departed, Rena stood on

longing for

wrapped an arm around her shoulder, both of them observing their receding

Mrs. Fowler isn't as delicate as that.” Rena shot

of his feigned mental issues and hadn't talked to

she thought, could be quite

she discovered his actions, he claimed to be

cast a sidelong glance at

brushing against her waist as he intentionally allured

anger? What if you also tampered with my phone?”

with your phone? You think everyone's as perverted as

nuzzled his face against her slender shoulder, a mischievous

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

villa half an hour

car didn’t come to a halt until

Cecilia's visit for

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 so young, hadn't been

taking unsteady

playfully

of her little bottom,

resist the urge to

Olivia knew no

Olivia in her arms, showering

nearby, didn’t harbor any jealousy. He patiently

wouldn't turn a cold

her grandson, Zoey’s gaze drifted toward Cecilia in

Zoey's nose twitched.

her voice choked with

truly wonderful” What Zoey uttered held significance to

her but also to

could Zoey not be plagued by fear and sorrow? It wasn't due to Zoey’s fear of growing old and

her attempts to maintain composure, Zoey struggled to

a step to the side and discreetly

held a profound and mournful

her own mother and playfully said, “I'm famished. Do you happen to have any home-made wontons? I want chopped coriander

I've also fried some mini meatballs you like, but be careful not to get scalded again, or someone will

Cecilia's melancholy, evoking memories

challenging moments triggered a mix

night of a remarkable reunion. Cecilia couldn't help

charge of the

small bathtub and a tiny bath

completely bare, her face brimming with pure

assisted the adorable little

skillfully poured water into the

bent her head to savor her wontons. Midway through

eat so much now, you'll feel overstuffed.”

a flush

that Zoey

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

with an affectionate

Mark affectionately ruffled her hair and remarked, “Well then,

to sleep in my room tonight?” Mark

feeling

two children together, she considered herself a

gaze held

Olivia with us. What's on your mind?” Cecilia

mean? I haven't been thinking about anything.” Mark devoured the rest of the

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