Mark's gentle touch traced her thin waist.

In a passionate exchange of kisses and affectionate caresses that seemed to linger for an eternity, he lifted her tenderly and gently placed her on the grand bed.

Despite the intimate moment, a sense of trepidation settled over Cecilia. After all, this was the Evans residence.

Could they possibly engage in such an intimate act here?

She felt a flutter of anxiety, especially considering that their relationship had only just blossomed. Pondering the implications, they had engaged in passionate acts without fully exploring other aspects of their connection. Moreover, she couldn't help but worry about the lack of protection.

Was he wearing a condom? What if an unintended pregnancy were to occur?

With one hand supporting himself, Mark deftly unbuttoned her attire with the other.

Their mutual attraction had sparked easily, and despite their affection for each other, except for that very night, they had refrained from indulging in such intimacy for over six months.

In this moment, a trace of impatience seemed to sweep over him...

As the sun dipped below the horizon, a warm, autumnal glow was cast through the French window, bathing the couple locked in an embrace in the golden light.

Mark, rising early, leaned over to bestow a tender kiss upon Cecilia, reassuringly murmuring, “You can rest a while longer. I'll wake you at dinner time."

While dressing, he engaged in conversation with Cecilia, reluctant to leave her side despite the pressing matters and Peter's waiting presence in the study. His concern stemmed from the fear that she might feel adrift upon awakening alone.

His affection for her knew no bounds. Even when separated, he vowed to do all within his Power to care for her.

Cecilia blushed, pulling the quilt up to nestle against her pillow, gazing affectionately at him.

Once he was dressed, Mark bent down to kiss her once more, his smile radiating warmth.

After he departed, sleep eluded her.

Instead, she sought out Rena and engaged in a pleasant chat with Zoey, an understanding elder who cherished Cecilia deeply due to the scarcity of girls in the younger generation of the Evans family.

When night fell and Mark returned from work, he found Cecilia with his mother, tending to the beans.

Zoey playfully claimed, "These are my own pesticide-free plants."

Mark playfully teased back, "My mother takes great pride in her organic green food. It's a rare treat for others to partake."

Zoey snorted.

She said to Cecilia, "Don't listen to his nonsense! As long as he is being a good son and brings that girl home, | will dig out all the vegetables in this garden to treat her.”