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.

Mark to take a

truth, Korbyn cherished his daughter deeply, valuing her even more than

either. Whether you two make it in the long run depends

can't chase after you as she did

a pang

waved his hand.

was a tinge of sorrow in his expression,

her hardships trace back to you. As a father, I

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

eyes glistened with

was barely in

frail health, weighed heavily

in contemplative silence for an extended period,

courage? After a prolonged pause, Mark uttered in a raspy voice, “Please, don't worry.” Korbyn wiped away his tears

two children. I believe Edwin holds tremendous promise. He inherits his personality from the Evans family." Mark

engaged in a brief discussion regarding some business

Mark's descent, Rena grasped Edwin's hand, while Cecilia

Olivia spotted Mark, she stretched

up his daughter, a suitcase

Cecilia and uttered,

family of four departed, Rena stood

scene had been Rena's unspoken longing for

wrapped an arm around her shoulder, both of

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

mental issues and hadn't talked to him

she thought, could be quite insufferable

her phone. Once she discovered his actions, he

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

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

your anger? What if you also tampered with my

your phone? You

his face against her slender shoulder, a mischievous

was an undeniable helplessness in dealing with him,

arrived at Mark's villa half

size, and the car didn’t come to a halt until it had

anticipating Cecilia's visit for quite

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 so young, hadn't been seen by

was taking unsteady

playfully

revealing half of her little bottom, making

urge to

affection for Olivia knew no

arms, showering

harbor any

turn a cold shoulder to

drifted toward Cecilia in the night breeze.

Zoey's nose twitched.

Cecilia's hand, her

truly

only to her

life had been shrouded in uncertainty following that. How could Zoey not be plagued by fear and sorrow? It wasn't due to Zoey’s fear of growing old

maintain composure, Zoey struggled

a step to the side and discreetly wiped

eyes held a profound and

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

I'm aware of your fondness for it. I've also fried some mini meatballs you like, but be careful not

conversation served to alleviate Cecilia's melancholy, evoking memories of the

triggered a mix of

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

took charge of the

a tiny

the bathtub, completely bare, her face

assisted the adorable little girl

skillfully poured water into

to savor her wontons. Midway through the meal, Mark whisked her bowl

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

a

“I'm simply concerned that Zoey might be

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

at Mark with

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

like to sleep in my room tonight?” Mark

feeling

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

held

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

haven't been thinking about anything.” Mark devoured the

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