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.

car pulled away from the hospital at a cautious pace, the urgency palpable yet

taxi halted at the hospital entrance,

slung over his shoulders, he scampered toward the in-patient department.

searched intently, floor after

VIP ward, he

was a sight

best of Cathy's features, her skin rivaling Olivia's porcelain

leaned against the bed’s headboard, lost in her

Her sketchbook was

the epitome of elegance, took shape under her crayon, modeled by

hand, guided by a heart full of

was Cathy since Cathy loomed large in Laura's memories. But Laura never told anyone it was Cecilia she was

marriage

got to

in her sketches, Laura dreamed of becoming a designer. She harbored

way, she thought, Cecilia wouldn't hold a grudge against

gaze also fell

the woman for Cathy as

never done before-he lost his temper and ripped her

was a collection of Laura's artistic

it was nothing but

the pristine bed, amidst Laura's

stared, bewildered, at the little boy

His skin was perfect.

hair, a

features? Echoes of

was. With a complexion as white as a sheet, she bent

a mix of guilt and resentment in his tone, demanded, “Why are you

laden with fruit, walked in. She took in the scene with the two children and looked about, bewildered... Where had Mark and Peter gone? Lina, doing her best to soothe Edwin,

“Why’s Edwin here? The kids seem to be

revelation was a weight off

the call, Peter turned to Mark,

there?” Mark figured

looped back, ringing

Relief washed over Mark.

he made a beeline for the

tidying the floor, while Laura sat on

mix of

approached Edwin with measured steps, and planted himself before the

gaze to

emotion, Mark asked, “Why'd

to say sorry

Edwin was in the wrong, but wasn't Mark the real cause? For a beat, Mark was

yearned to guide Edwin right, but

Take Edwin back first. He probably hasn't eaten. He's just a kid... Go easy on him." Frustration simmering,

chose to stay

a portrait of indignation, even after the rough

fretted over her

offered, “I'll get you a new one, even prettier

Laura

fists balled up, concealing a

was a sketch of a red wedding

red on what should

had unwittingly thrown a wrench in

Edwin headed

ride was silent, Edwin

Mark manned the wheel.

was itching for

to red, he stopped the car and tried to bridge the gap

about her situation. She got shoved down the stairs and broke

you to act like this?" Edwin

Edwin,

“You never raised me or taught me anything.” With those words, he unlatched

the gaping

car door slamming behind him,

entering the hall, Mark

Edwin, kneeling upright on the stairs, his small

pestering to

merely patted her, muttering, “Go over there.”

Ah!

both headstrong and mindful

word out,

“I messed up.

But I'm not sorry.” Rage quivered

Damn.

would've spanked Edwin

confidence

her worry surged, and

memory

with tears as

seemed on the verge of

So him

on Mark, her words

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 thing straight, Mark. You're no big shot now. Clinging to past glories, expecting

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