His slender fingers gently traced the contours of her skin beneath the quilt, igniting an immediate surge of desire.

Perhaps unintentionally, he was a bit more intense tonight.

Afterward, she rested softly against him.

Their bodies basked in the lingering warmth of their lovemaking...

Mark gently patted her, as tenderly as if handling a baby.

Neither of them wanted to sleep.

She caressed his face and asked in a hushed tone, "Uncle Mark, why haven't you gotten married yet?"

Mark smiled and said, "What do you think?"

Then, he pulled her closer into his embrace.

Nestling against his heart, her pulse quickened. Without reservation, she confessed, "I believe you're waiting for me to grow up. When I'm all grown, you'll marry me."

It seemed she truly longed for marriage.

In an instant, Mark's spirits soared. He slipped his hand under the quilt and said in a husky voice, "Let me see if you've grown up. Don't deceive me.”

When in a jovial mood, he could be quite the playful scoundrel.

Cecilia was held tightly by him, and they indulged in each other for a long time. Though she pouted and protested, he teased and delighted her in every way possible.

Little Alexis’ fate remained uncertain, and their relationship still had to remain discreet.

After the weekend, Cecilia would have to leave.

The night before her departure, tears streamed down her face.

Mark tenderly stroked her head and reassured her, "Take it easy."

However, he couldn't escape a tinge of sadness either. Deep within, he longed for her presence beside him at all times.

Her mere presence filled the house with vibrant life.

In the past, Zoey had always grumbled. Yet now, she joyfully accompanied the servants to the market daily, carefully selecting the food that Cecilia favored. Mark couldn't help but realize that his mother had discerned their relationship, yet she chose to keep it concealed.

That night, he sat in the study, mulling over their future for hours on end.