Mark stood up, walked to the window, and smoked silently.

He muttered something about compensating her for her companionship over the past six months.

Cecilia didn't respond, but the tears rolling down her cheeks spoke volumes. Still, she sat there stubbornly, hoping that Mark would suddenly turn around, hug her, and tell her that he was just joking...

That everything was just one big joke...

She waited for what felt like an eternity, but he didn't hug her. He didn't even look back at her.

The atmosphere in the room was freezing cold...

Finally, her lips parted and she said softly, "Don't worry, Mr. Evans. | won't badger you.”

Mark slowly turned his head.

Under the dim light, their eyes met, and there was no trace of sweetness in their gazes.

Not long ago, he used to hold her in his arms while she bit him playfully. She used to call him "Uncle Mark" in a sweet voice. He pulled her hair, trying to stop her from biting him...

Cecilia weakly stood up from the sofa and left.

She burst into sobs as soon as she closed the door behind her. She was a very simple girl and didn't feel the need to hide her sadness.

In the end, she didn't get to ask for an explanation. It seemed that she had simply accepted the reality that Mark abandoned her...

The door was slammed shut.

As soon as Mark turned around, it could be seen that there were tears in his eyes. His fingers trembled, but he bravely finished off the last of his cigarette.

Later, he sat slumped at the table.

There was a bowl of noodles on it. It didn’t look appetizing. Cecilia must've cooked it.

He picked up the fork and spoon and slurped up the noodles. Soon, the bowl was empty.

Then...

He didn't know what to do.

Because there was no Cecilia in this apartment. He even regretted ever coming here... ©

After Cecilia's departure, Mark lingered in the apartment for a night, resting on the bed amidst her possessions, which he had mostly acquired for her.