Mark felt a twinge of disappointment. Amidst the lively atmosphere, he sat alone and smoked half a pack of cigarettes.

At Rena's wedding, Mark's eyes finally fell upon Cecilia, adorned in a resplendent blue gown that he believed to be the purest hue he had ever beheld. She was accompanied by a group of girls, maintaining an air of indifference towards him, forcing him to admire her from afar Perhaps it was for the best.

Even if they were to meet, he could utter nothing to her.

He had nothing to offer her.

Their differing positions and ages imposed insurmountable barriers.

He dared not ponder whether a young girl, who harbored affection for him, could withstand such trials.

The love deeply rooted in his heart had to be abandoned before it could ever be confessed.

Nonetheless, he continued to long for her.

He refrained from contacting his female companions for an extended period...

To Charlie and others, his actions remained enigmatic. They believed he was cultivating his character. Only Mark himself knew that, unintentionally, he had fallen in love with a young girl.

During one of Mark's business trips to Heron, he took the time to personally stand in line and procure two rabbit dolls.

The name was StellaLou.

He heard that young girls these days adored it.

Upon returning to his office with the dolls, Peter couldn't help but chuckle.

"How adorable they are! You're heading to Duefron for a business trip next week. If you gift these to Cecilia, she'll surely adore them."

Mark lit a cigarette and glanced at Peter.

"Who said | was going to give them to her? | bought this for Rena, and | don't want her to be disappointed when Rena has a gift and she doesn't... | didn't purchase them solely for Cecili

Peter hastened to agree.

"Of course, of course. You mostly intend to present it to Miss Evans."

Mark finally eased up on Peter...

When he was alone, he couldn't help but ponder how elated Cecilia would be upon receiving the gift.

A young girl should be filled with joy... ©