Mark couldn't fully immerse himself in her tenderness, knowing he had work to attend to, yet he couldn't bear to leave her. In a whisper, he spoke lascivious words in her ear.

"I felt good last night.”

Pushing him away, Cecilia hurriedly left.

Mark's eyes darkened.

His jealousy was flaring up as he knew she frequently went on blind dates.

He was powerless to stop her, uncertain if she might fall in love with someone else one day.

After all, in his mind, she remained somewhat childish.

He had taken a considerable risk in setting her free. If she did end up falling for someone else and being with them, Mark knew he would never find peace within himself again.

He couldn't blame her. The hatred would be directed solely at himself.

But she hadn't.

Mark believed every word she said.

Lighting another cigarette, he took a deep drag, feeling an indescribable sense of psychological satisfaction—more thrilling than the physical pleasure of the previous night.

They had been intimate, and it was inevitable that their relationship would change in some way when they met again.

The members of the Fowler family noticed the shift, but they remained silent, understanding that some things were better left unspoken.

Later in the afternoon, Waylen and Mark concluded their discussion.

On the second floor, Waylen found Rena. Although she moved all her things away, the basic furniture remained.

Rena lay asleep on the sofa, tear stains evident on her face.

Adiary slipped from her grasp.

Waylen picked it up and gently covered her with a blanket.

He tenderly wiped away the cold tears from her cheeks with his slender fingers. Whispers escaped him, "I'm right here. Why do you miss a man from the past?”

It had been a while since he held her close, and he missed the warmth of her body.

He couldn't resist laying down beside her, gently cradling her in his arms.