Although he knew deep down that a future with Cecilia was unlikely, he was still naive enough to remain faithful to her in his heart.

He couldn't bear the thought of being with another woman, fearing Cecilia's disapproval. He dreaded the sight of her frowning or becoming angry with him.

Mark smiled helplessly at his own inner turmoil.

*

Mark and Cecilia then deliberately avoided contact with each other, even during his business trip to Duefron.

If they chanced upon each other, they only exchanged fleeting glances from a distance.

The turning point occurred when the house Rena resided in suddenly exploded...

On that fateful morning, Mark was engrossed in a meeting when Rena's desperate call pierced through, "Uncle Mark, help me!"

Mark rushed to Duefron immediately.

In the hospital, Rena was struggling to give birth to her baby.

Standing outside the delivery room, Mark felt his heart nearly stop beating.

He had already lost his sister and he couldn't bear to lose Rena too.

With teary eyes, Mark asked, "Where's Waylen?"

The Fowler family was present.

Juliette wept in sorrow, and Korbyn shook his head helplessly. Finally, Cecilia spoke up softly.

"He went to Braseovell to handle Elvira's case.”

Upon hearing this, Mark erupted in frustration, shouting, "What a fucking idiot!"

In a trembling voice, Cecilia called out to him. The harsh words he had intended to utter got stuck in his throat, leaving him speechless.

Mark entered the delivery room to see Rena. About ten minutes later, he emerged.

The baby's condition was precarious. In truth, Rena could have given up but she persisted, determined to bring the child into the world.

Her ribs bore the pain of two fractures, and she didn't even care.

Outside the delivery room, the atmosphere in the aisle remained hushed. Mark leaned against the wall, tilting his head slightly, his eyes brimming with unshed tears...