Chapter 1951 Settling into his chair, the doctor mulled over his words before speaking with a reassuring smile.

“Her physical injury is manageable.

However, mending her psychological scars is a tougher mountain to climb. I've been told her silence stems from emotional trauma. What delayed her treatment?” Mark's face was a canvas of stoicism.

His thoughts drifted to darker days. Days colored by Paul's demise, Cathy's unyielding nature, and Cecilia's suffering.

In a hushed tone, Mark confessed, “Life hasn't been kind to this little one. She's weathered many storms. I blame myself for not living up to my duties.” Well-versed in Mark's dynamics with the Fowler family, the doctor understood the depth of his involvement. He was privy to the tale of Mark forsaking his own wedding for the sake of this child.

The doctor scribbled down a treatment pathway, but then paused, pondering before softly adding, “Now's the prime time for her therapy.

Delay it, and relearning speech later will be her Sisyphean task, long and fraught with struggle.” “I'll discuss it with her,” Mark agreed, determination in his voice.

ANGELA'sLIBRARY Handing over a business card, the doctor offered a lifeline.

“Here's the contact of my mentor’s close colleague. He's a big shot in this field, often overseas. Should you seek guidance, ring him up and mention my referral.” Mark accepted the card, expressing his gratitude before exiting the doctor’s office.

He didn’t head straight back to the ward.

The corridor was a silent companion.

Drawn to a window at the corridors end, Mark embraced the gusts of summer heat that swept in. The warmth unsettled him, yet he needed this moment of discomfort to clear his head.

Later in the day, Laura was scheduled for minor surgery.

He phoned Cecilia, advising her not to hold dinner.

His voice softened with regret.

“We had plans for the weekend. I am so sorry.” Cecilia, now more at ease than before, was in the midst of meal prep with Zoey while keeping an eye on Olivia.

“I'll keep the kids and Zoey company. Don't worry about coming home,” she reassured him gently.

A smile touched Mark's Lips before concern crept in.

“How's Edwin? He seemed upset when I left. Keep an eye on him, Cecilia. I'll also have a chat with him later.”

Chapter 1952 She agreed with a nod, her gaze finding Edwin engrossed in a book under a tree's comforting shadow.

Their conversation wrapped up, and she ended the call.

Concerned about Cecilia's spirits, Zoey decided to lead both Cecilia and Olivia to check out her vault, a world of shimmering treasures.

Jewels adorned with pearls and emeralds made a grand appearance.

Each piece seemed to outshine the one before.

Cecilia had her fair share of beautiful things, but what woman could ever say no to more? Olivia, not really seeing the charm, draped herself in a lengthy string of green beads.

Rubies and sapphires were her choice next.

Their hues were vivid, almost painting a rainbow.

Adorning herself in these sparkling jewels, she smiled goofily.

Zoey, with a playful reprimand, asked, “Why the sudden shift to a pint-sized outlaw?” Understanding Zoey’s kindness, Cecilia responded, “Please, keep them.

They carry too hefty a price tag.” But Zoey didn't stash them away.

Rather, she presented even more treasures, leaving Cecilia torn between tears and laughter.

ANGELA'SLIBRARY However, Cecilia's amusement soon faded.

Fifteen minutes later, they went back to the yard, only to discover Edwin was nowhere to be found.

Edwin had been lost in a book there moments ago.

Anxiety also gripped Cecilia.

The two women, assisted by their servants, scoured the villas every nook and cranny for Edwin but to no avail. Finally, Zoey declared, “We need to ring Mark immediately. Nothing is more crucial than finding his boy. He needs to join the search.” Ht rr Ts rE rT Ss Koos Her voice betrayed her fear.

“Mark, we can’t find Edwin." In the hospital, an icy jolt shot through Mark's heart.]

Chapter 1953 His son was missing? Phone in hand, Mark exited the ward. Despite the chaos brewing inside, he took on the role of the rock for Cecilia.

“Stay calm. Have you looked through the villa’s security footage?” Through her tears, Cecilia replied, “I'm on it. He dashed out on his own.” The screen showed Edwin, stepping through the black, intricately carved door.

He rounded a corner and then, just like that, vanished.

A heavy dread settled in Mark's chest.

Battling his inner turmoil, he instructed, “Get my mother to watch over Olivia. I'm heading to the police station. If you can get there before me, please do. We need to review the nearby surveillance.” In this moment, Mark stood as the pillar of strength.

And Cecilia, she would heed his guidance.

So, both of them set off in the direction of the police station, making a call to Waylen en route to pull every string they could.

Upon his departure, Mark ran into Peter.

Learning of Edwin's disappearance, Peter didn't hesitate to tag along.

Angela's Library Once in the car, Mark phoned Cecilia.

“Remember the last time Edwin bolted? He headed to that apartment. Check there first. We'll touch base soon.” Cecilia agreed, her voice steady yet fraught with concern.

pulled away from the hospital at a cautious pace, the

a taxi halted at the hospital

his shoulders, he scampered

intently,

ward, he found who

was a sight

features, her skin rivaling Olivia's porcelain

plaster, leaned against

sketchbook

epitome of elegance, took

hand, guided by a heart full of

Cathy since Cathy loomed large in Laura's memories.

understood Mark's marriage never happened

got to wear her wedding

stunning wedding dresses in her sketches, Laura dreamed of becoming a designer. She harbored the

she thought, Cecilia wouldn't

Laura from the doorway, his gaze also fell upon the wedding sketches. A fierce anger ignited in his

the woman for Cathy

never done before-he lost his temper

sketchbook was a collection of Laura's artistic endeavors, spanning

was nothing but

the pristine bed, amidst Laura's

at the little boy

His skin was perfect.

a rich

features? Echoes

instantly, Laura pieced together who he was. With a complexion as white as a sheet, she bent down, trying

of guilt and resentment in his tone, demanded, “Why are you always around?” Laura's face

two children and looked about, bewildered... Where had Mark and Peter gone? Lina, doing her best

querying, “Why’s Edwin here? The kids

1955 This revelation was a weight off Peter's

call, Peter turned to Mark,

wind up there?” Mark figured Edwin must

a flurry, he looped back, ringing Cecilia to relay

Relief washed over Mark.

he made a

Lina busied herself tidying the floor, while Laura sat on

was a mix of remorse

measured steps,

gaze to meet

Mark asked, “Why'd you lash out like

expect me to say sorry to her?” Mark

twisted... Sure, Edwin was in the wrong, but wasn't

Edwin right, but guilt

and murmured, “Sort it out at home. Take Edwin back first. He probably hasn't eaten.

chose to

clammed up, sitting there, a portrait of indignation, even

over

tones, he offered, “I'll get you a new one,

Laura stayed

balled up, concealing a scrap of paper

a sketch of a red wedding

red on what should have been she and Mark's wedding

thrown a

Edwin headed

was silent, Edwin brooding in the back

Mark manned the wheel.

then, he was itching for a

light flipped to red, he stopped the car and tried to bridge

“You can't treat girls that way. Think about her situation.

raise you to act like

Edwin,

villa and halted did Edwin murmur, “You never raised me or taught me anything.” With those words, he

the gaping door,

car door slamming behind

the

upright on the stairs, his small frame

to play with

over there.” Mark's laughter was tinged

Ah!

Edwin was both headstrong and

Mark could get a word out, Edwin

“I messed up.

my lumps. But I'm not sorry.” Rage quivered in Mark's

Damn.

ago, Mark, unbridled, would've spanked Edwin

But confidence eluded

grandson on his knees, her worry surged, and she tried to

hazy memory

brimming with tears

seemed on the

crying. So him kneeling seemed

on Mark,

you to treat him this harshly? By your logic, Cathy should've faced worse, many times over, right? Cecilia and the kids have weathered so much due to your past escapades. You fret over someone else's child; what about your own? Or are Edwin and Olivia not worthy of being your kids? Fine, I'll take them away now. We'll steer clear of you. But let's get one

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