‘As he was pondering his next move, his phone rang.

It was Cecilia calling. After a moment of hesitation, Mark answered and said softly, "Cecilia, there's an emergency in Czanch. | have to go back."

Cecilia felt disappointed, and Mark sensed it.

But he couldn't risk returning to their apartment.

Too many people were watching him, and he had to ensure her safety.

He gently coaxed her, but it couldn't ease her disappointment.

After hanging up, he ordered Peter, "Keep an eye on her until she's back home, safe and sound."

Peter nodded.

Later, Mark was admitted to a private hospital in Czanch. His injuries included a broken rib and a concussion. Despite the doctor's orders to rest, Mark found sleep elusive. He stood by the window, smoking and lost in thought.

At four o'clock in the morning, Peter returned after finishing his work.

When Peter saw Mark smoking, he scolded, "You're severely injured! Why are you smoking?

Lie down and rest. The doctor said you need at least a week of bed rest!"

Peter helped Mark lie down, but Mark dismissed the concern, murmuring, "How can | really rest?"

Only then did Peter notice the delicate diamond ring on the palm of Mark's hand. He sensibly shut his mouth and fell silent.

Mark leaned against the bed's headrest and smiled bitterly.

"Peter, I'm getting old, yet I'm still dating a little girl. How embarrassing! Four years. Just imagine what I'll be in four more years. Although | always say Cecilia is young, she's 28 now. In four years, she'll be in her early thirties. How can she waste her time with me?"

Mark sighed in frustration. He couldn't dare to imagine a future with Cecilia, given how much danger he was in. If those people found out about Cecilia...

He just couldn't take the risk.

Peter didn't dare to say anything. He knew that Mark was caught between a rock and a hard place.

Three days later, Mark discharged himself from the hospital.

Cecilia tried calling him on that day, but he just silently looked at his ringing phone for a long time. In the end, he hung up on her.

His heart ached as he tapped the "end call" button.