Mark's tongue grazed his lip, a hint of pain surfacing.

Her strength had surprised him.

His eyes reflected depth as he murmured, "I apologize. | lost control for a moment."

It had been a while since he had been with her, and he was no saint. He knew his body craved her presence; the passionate encounters of the past years remained vivid in his memory.

Not a single moment had he forgotten.

Nonetheless, Mark was aware of what he should do. He acknowledged that the recent kiss had crossed boundaries.

Extending an olive branch, he asked her, "Go upstairs. There are some documents that require your signature.”

After contemplating for a moment, Cecilia reluctantly agreed. After all, they shared a child, and she feared his influence might grant him custody.

In due time, they entered the apartment.

Everything appeared unchanged, the opulent furnishings well-maintained, as though time had scarcely touched the luxurious abode.

Adorning the table even a platter of fruits, all of which happened to be her favorites.

The succulence of the fruit flesh was undeniable.

As Mark shut the door, he followed her gaze and gently said, "This is what | asked Peter to prepare. Even after all these years, he still remembers your culinary preferences."

Cecilia's throat tightened, a hint of sweetness lingering.

She tightly pinched her hand, reminding herself not to be swayed by his gentle demeanor any longer.

Mark had a gift for captivating hearts effortlessly.

His words held the power to ensnare even the most guarded souls with a mere few utterances.

Had she not been hurt so deeply, she pondered whether she might have fallen under his spell again, or perhaps indulged in a passionate encounter with him in this opulent apartment tonight...

However, naivety no longer resided within her.

In a composed manner, she stated, "| believe you want to talk about Edwin. Say what you need to, and then you can drop me home. | am different from you, Mr. Evans. lam currently involved with someone else, and it would be disrespectful to him if | continued any entanglement with you."

Mark smirked with irritation.

"Do you care for him so much? Are you determined to marry no ‘one but him?"