Chapter 2051 ALL she wanted was a better life and happiness. Was this humiliation her price? Leaving the hospital, Elaine hesitated, her lips pressed tightly together.

Considering a visit to Rena, she wondered if maybe Rena might show some mercy; however, there would surely be strings attached.

Deciding against it, Elaine kept a low profile.

Within a week, her physical scars began to fade, and so did the rumors.

Yet, she was aware that she had become the butt of jokes among her peers.

She pinned all blame on Cecilia and didn’t let go of her infatuation for Mark. As she arrived at Mark's office once again, the receptionist gave her a pitied look. Without even checking with Mark, she said, “Mr. Evans will not be seeing you.” Elaine tried to protest, but was cut off, “Miss Shaw, remember, Mr. Evans has a family to think about.” Just as Elaine was about to voice her anger, a familiar face emerged from the elevator: Peter, one of Mark's associates.

Elaine approached Peter, expressing her desire to meet Mark, believing there had been some misunderstanding about past events.

Peter, who was generally kind to most, held a bad impression about Elaine.

Observing the determined lady before him, he remarked, “Miss Shaw, pressing Mr. Evans incessantly may overwhelm him. While many are unaware of his temperament, I'm all too familiar. His fury can be daunting.” With a touch of regret, Elaine responded, “That wasn't my intention.” Peter thought that Elaine was in over her head.

Suddenly, a vehicle halted nearby, and a woman, appearing to be a housemaid, approached.

Handing over a wooden lunchbox to Peter, she swiftly moved on.

Peter, acknowledging the delivery, ascended the stairs.

Having witnessed this, Elaine surmised that the meal was intended for Mark, prompting her to dash outside.

She momentarily stopped the housemaid, who brought the meals.

Due to Mark's fragile health, he was particular about his diet, avoiding processed foods. Zoey, concerned for his well-being, prepared fresh meals for him daily, entrusting the housemaid with their delivery.

Seeing an opportunity, Elaine discreetly offered the housemaid a hefty sum from her purse, amounting to approximately five thousand dollars.

She proposed a monthly stipend of the same amount to the housemaid, eliciting palpable excitement from her.

The housemaid thought that merely bringing food to Mark in exchange for the money was a reasonable deal, confident in her discretion.

Meanwhile, Peter entered a room upstairs, where Mark was engrossed in paperwork.

Chapter 2052 The gentle sunlight filtering through the blinds illuminated his serene demeanor.

Setting the lunchbox on a tea table, Peter unveiled the meal, commenting with a warm smile, “Your mother painstakingly prepared these four dishes and a soup since dawn. Her love for you is evident.” Mark, without lifting his gaze from the documents, replied, “It would be best if the servant handled the cooking. She doesn't have to do this herself." A smile graced Peter's face once more.

Subsequently, Mark inquired about the status of the branch company in Czanch and a project there that was facing some challenges.

Peter quickly updated, “The person overseeing locally has proven quite challenging. Nevertheless, I've managed to facilitate some solutions.” Mark nodded in approval, concluding his reading by signing the document.

He joined for lunch, savoring each dish Zoey prepared.

Every dish was light, catering to his dietary needs, yet delicious in every bite.

As Mark indulged in the food, a wave of nostalgia and softness enveloped him.

He contemplated moving back to Czanch once the Duefron company was stable, envisioning reuniting with Cecilia and their children.

Angela's Library Meanwhile, Peter consumed his meal, thoughts drifting towards the visitor earlier.

He remarked, “Miss Shaw was here. It seemed she wanted to apologize to you, but I turned her away.” Mark almost forgot about her.

The mere mention of Elaine momentarily clouded Mark's demeanor. Mark confessed, “I prefer Elaine stays away. Cecilia believes there are numerous women Like Elaine and argues it's futile to address each one.” Peter quipped with a grin, “Cecilia seems quite gracious nowadays.

Mark shot a pointed look at Peter, commenting, “Gracious? It’s evident my allure isn't what it once was. In the past, her jealousy would flare at the slightest provocation. Now, she even interacts with Elaine in the same film set.” Amused Peter added, “And don’t forget, Cecilia and Flora remain close.” Mark's expression turned sour.

Placing his spoon down firmly, he uttered, “Peter, that's a topic I'd rather not discuss.” Mark whispered more to himself than anyone, “I haven't interacted with Flora in ages.” Seeing Mark's evident discomfort, Peter tried to Lighten the mood by serving Mark more food, jesting, “I'm aware of that. You've become quite reserved lately.” Mark begrudgingly accepted Peter's offering...

The subsequent day, as lunchtime approached, Mark and Peter sat together.

Chapter 2053 Peter unveiled the lunchbox, beaming, “Seems Mrs. Evans has prepared something else today.” Mark surveyed the dishes and noted some distinct variations.

The presence of lean meat dishes was conspicuous.

Taking a bite, he frowned, remarking, “This wasn't prepared by my mother today. Perhaps she took a day off and let the servant handle it. The meat is overly chewy and undercooked.” Ever the flatterer, Peter grinned, replying, “Your palate is truly impeccable. I doubt even the renowned food critics on air could rival you." The duo conversed with ease.

Mark, being both talented and a charmer, quipped, “My taste buds discern more than just food. They've also won over many women, including difficult ones like Cecilia.” Engrossed in their banter, neither noticed the figures by the door.

ANGELA'sLIBRARY Cecilia, along with Mark's female secretary, had overheard.

The blood drained from Cecilia's face, a mixture of embarrassment and irritation evident.

The secretary, equally flustered by the situation, swiftly made her exit.

Cecilia, though intending to leave unnoticed, caught the eyes of the two men.

Peter, realizing the gravity of the situation, attempted to defuse it, saying, “Mr. Evans is just naturally charming, always full of sweet nothings. .

In her younger days, Cecilia would warmly address Mark as ‘Uncle Mark* and do wild things with him.

But hearing Mark discuss intimate matters so nonchalantly, a wave of discomfort and indignation washed over her.

Without a word, she turned and departed.

shifted from composed to

he

sight for the onlooking secretaries as he frantically pressed the elevator

the elevator, Cecilia tried

still flushed, she replayed Mark's words, feeling a mix of anger

a fresh tear, blurring

her car, Cecilia wasted no

facing Mark

2054 Eventually, she drove to the seldom-used

herself in bed,

from another city, she had intended to pick up Edwin alongside Mark.

driver to fetch Edwin and soon

having attempted to follow her,

and even landlines

help, he searched for

empty-handed, a moment of introspection in his car led

the quiet ambiance of the house

bag lay on the sofa,

his coat and went

he found Cecilia, still in her day

by the

her, Mark took a moment to

hadn't seen each other

be close, he settled beside her, drawing her into

settled when Mark

unusual warmth emanating from Cecilia, he

his dismay,

her state to the day's

fever at 38°C, he

“She seems fatigued. Best let her rest.” As Mark escorted the doctor out, the latter cast an

curtly signaled for the doctor's

the doctor jovially remarked on the ambiance, hinting at Mark's

stance

room, Mark seated himself at the bed's edge, attentively

productive, prompting him to prepare a meal in the kitchen. He

by Cecilia's side, patiently

the time Cecilia's eyes fluttered open, the clock indicated it

a cold perspiration drenching her

gently inquired, “How are you feeling?”

the room.

on Mark's earlier

finally voiced

wary of her fever, suggested a more cautious

help you freshen up with a damp

door as she showered, the ambient sounds from

the end of her shower, Mark entered. He approached just

the towel from her grasp, tending

but reached out for a second towel, a

enveloped her with a dry towel, cradling

ear, hoping to bridge

to face him, avoiding the sensitive topic, she remarked, “I'm

for a temporary truce, Mark let her dress before

was thick with unsaid words until Cecilia, gathering her courage,

began, “your words earlier hurt. While Peter may be a confidant, our personal life is not a topic for casual banter.” Her voice conveyed the depth of her embarrassment, now knowing how to face Peter

face, searching for any hint of

that?” he mumbled,

Cecilia could sense his genuine remorse. Why hold

and

focused on her meal instead.

few moments of silence, Mark hesitated, and then whispered, “I already called back home. You should stay over tonight.” Cecilia looked up sharply, determination in

a hand over her forehead, concern evident in

night, okay?” She huffed, annoyance flashing

pieced together the puzzle of

he had overshared with Peter about

fresh start, it was probably

She might feel violated.

in Mark's gaze

said, “I'll watch some TV. You can clean up and then take me home.” Nodding,

2057 Cecilia sank into the sofa, selecting a romantic movie to distract

break the moment's fragile

he decided

the cupboards and found a bag of flour. He'd recently experimented with various

by hand, crafting small animal shapes, mainly

bear-shaped chocolate cookies that Edwin was fond

tantalizing aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air. Mark placed a batch on a plate and stored

room, he noticed

onto the couch next to her, offering the plate. She was immediately tempted

Where'd you get them?” Mark, drawing her closer, whispered, “Fresh out of the oven,

her shower, Cecilia's long raven hair was slightly damp. Mark, always attentive, fetched a towel and began to pat

settled into a

down, their lips meeting in a gentle kiss that tasted

Cecilia focused back on

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255