Cecilia had been doing well recently. Her parents had been helping her take care of Edwin, and she didn't have to work so hard for a living anymore. As a result, she was able to restore her former beauty but with a little more matured and feminine charm this time.

Mark did miss Cecilia, but at this time, he couldn't be with her.

He bent down and said to Alexis and Edwin, "Come, kids. I've brought gifts for you."

Alexis rushed over first.

Mark gave her a doll.

Edwin was a little hesitant. He had always found Mark to be an intimidating man. Cecilia patted Edwin on the shoulder and said, "Go ahead, dear.”

Edwin summoned up all his courage and walked up to Mark.

"Great-uncle.”

With that, awkwardness descended upon the living room.

Mark wasn't expecting the little boy to address him that way. He gently stroked Edwin's head, gave him a remote-controlled toy car, and told him in a tender voice, "You should call me Dad."

Edwin didn't fully understand what Mark meant. Still, he nodded and replied, "Okay, Dad."

Alexis came over and said to Edwin, "My great-uncle is my mother's uncle, so | call him Great-uncle. Great-uncle Mark and Aunt Cecilia are a couple. They are your parents, so you should call him Dad."

Mark patted Alexis’ head and smiled.

She was so smart. Just like her father.

Then, Alexis took Edwin's hand and towed him away to play.

Cecilia stared fondly at the children as they dashed away.

Mark took out a box from his pocket and handed it to Cecilia.

"Here's my present for you."

Cecilia refused to take his gift.

Mark looked deeply into her eyes and said, “If it makes you feel better, just pretend it's a casual Christmas gift from your friend. Please take it. | rarely visit here, and | already have to leave tomorrow morning. | don't know when I'll be back."

Cecilia sullenly took the box and opened it.

Inside was a jade necklace.